25 Celebs Who Rebel Against Gender Norms In Style

Since the dawn of modernity, Western society has been defined by a very specific set of gender norms. However, we are in a time where these norms are no longer viewed as sacred. Social media has given a platform to those who choose to defy societal expectations.
In fact, unisex or “genderless” fashion is a style that suits both men and women and has been slowly rising in popularity over the past few years.
Most of us have probably heard of celebrities who ignore gender norms in their fashion choices at one point or another. We see them break out of traditional ideas of what women and men “should” wear, and instead do what they want…
... and look fabulous doing so. This can be a great way to start a conversation about how the labels we put on clothing are arbitrary, and that anyone can wear whatever they want.
Here are 25 inspiring examples of celebrities who defy gender norms in style. 

#1 Actor Billy Porter at the Critics' Choice Awards:

Source: David Crotty / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Green is definitely his color! Billy's fashion game is usually on point, and I adored this charming, romantic look on him.

#2 Prince celebrating his birthday and Purple Rain's release:

Source: Paul Natkin / WireImage / Getty Images

Since when does Prince care about gender-norm? His style has always been free and genderless since day one.

#3 Actor Kristen Stewart at a San Sebastian Film Festival red carpet:

Source: Manuel Romano / NurPhoto via Getty Images

This suit is fantastic, but the eyeliner makes everything so much more intense and amazing.

#4 Singer Camila Cabello during the 2018 Taylor Swift Reputation tour:

Source: John Shearer / TAS18 / Getty Images for TAS

Camila is still gorge in this Austin Powers chic style. It “suits” her well, ain’t it?

#5 Rapper Bad Bunny in his "Yo Perreo Sola" music video:

Source: 2020 Rimas Entertainment / Via youtube.com

Without the small sunglasses he can do without, but the rest of this style is latex perfection.

#6 Nonbinary actor Amandla Stenberg at the 2018 American Music Awards:

Source: David Crotty / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

This coat is expertly fitted. And look at that bow tie!! Should not have worked with a pair of jeans but it did!

#7 Singer and actor Zendaya at the 2019 Harper's Bazaar Icons party:

Source: Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

Zendaya has the body to pull off anything, including a mansuit. Michael B. Jordan wore the identical suit months previously at an Oscars party.

#8 Actor Katharine Hepburn in general:

Source: Alfred Eisenstaedt / The Life Picture Collection via Getty Images

Katharine Hepburn is a fashion icon, whose style still inspires women to this day. Lt it be known that she wore suits first!

#9 Jennifer Lopez at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards:

Source: Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic

J.Lo looks hot in anything, but this white suit is incredible. Even when not in a Sunday church meeting.

#10 Singer Annie Lennox performing:

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

As opposed to popular belief, orange is not the new black. Yet Annie makes it werk!

#11 Singer Grace Jones performing in Amsterdam:

Source: Rob Verhorst / Redferns / Getty Images

Grace is killing it in a fitted suit as Grace Jones. Especially when forgoing the undershirt.

#12 Madonna at London's Heathrow Airport:

Source: Tim Ockenden — PA Images / PA Images via Getty Images

Showing up in an airport in a suit is definitely Madonna style.

#13 Nonbinary singer Sam Smith with their Attitude Person of the Year Award:

Source: Dave J. Hogan / Getty Images

This green outfit is giving awesome Wicked Witch vibes. Wickedly good that is.

#14 Actor Michael Urie at the 2019 Met Gala:

Source: Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images

It might look half-and-half, but it’s a whole level of beauty. The tulle! The outfit with the sparkle!! The shoes!

#15 Nonbinary fashion icon Jonathan Van Ness at a 2020 Oscars viewing party:

Source: Michael Tran / AFP via Getty Images

This backless dress has us completely smitten with his beautiful, broad back.

#16 Nonbinary singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe at the 2018 Grammy Awards:

Source: Lester Cohen / Getty Images for NARAS

The colorful flowers stand out like beacons in the night sea. And Janelle isn’t overkilling it with colors.

#17 Singer Lil Nas X at the 2020 Grammys:

Source: Steve Granitz / WireImage / Getty Images

You don’t get any more gender fluid than Lil Nas X in a pink latex cowboy getup. Legendary!

#18 David Bowie at a London concert in 1973:

Source: Michael Putland / Getty Images

It’s a crime bringing up unisex style without the Starman. We still paint colorful lightning bolt on our face, aren’t we?

#19 Actor Blake Lively at the UK A Simple Favor premiere:

Source: Jeff Spicer / Getty Images

Blake Lively has always looked like a 10 in any event, but Blake!!! How do you keep looking this good?

#20 Elton John performing onstage:

Source: McCarthy/Express Newspapers / Getty Images

Sings like a king and dresses like a queen. Only Elton John, y’all!

#21 Rapper Young Thug on his No, My Name IS Jeffery mixtape cover:

Source: 300 Entertainment / Atlantic Records

But that dress!!! Feels like a modern Cinderella. Can you imagine the sparkling transformation when he puts this layered dress on?

#22 Musician Kurt Cobain on the cover of the Face magazine:

Source: The Face Magazine / Via theface.com

Only Kurt Cobain could make something this tacky work!

#23 Musician Harry Styles at the 2019 Met Gala:

Source: Sean Zanni / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Really cannot talk about gender-defying fashion without mentioning Harry Style.

#24 Basketball's Dennis Rodman at a Maxim event:

Source: Jean-Paul Aussenard / WireImage / Getty Images

Even basketball players can make a bralette/crop top work. Maybe it's the height?

#25 Actor Ruby Rose at the 2019 Australians in Film Awards:

Source: Phillip Faraone / WireImage / Getty Images

Ruby Rose is famous for her masculine style, but the glitters add a feminine touch to her, don't you think?