Image via Complex Original
With dress codes becoming more lax around the world, and gender norms going the way of the buffalo (a.k.a. extinct), we’re finally entering an era in which people can wear whatever they like. For those that dress competitively (you?), this means wearing what you’re wearing better than anyone. The suit, the sweatsedo, and the forever-classic T-shirt and jeans combo are staples of what’s typically considered “casual” menswear, but women have proven that they can absolutely rock what the guys rock—a lot of times, even better than their males counterparts. Here is a list of female celebrities who crush the fashion game, no matter what they’ve got on.
Zendaya
The youngest on the list, Zendaya is already big business. Having cut her teeth in the Disney star-making machine, she’s come into her own in the past few years with an incredibly unique and personalized style. She’s even launched a clothing line, many of the fits giving off heavy “menswear” vibes. With her younger target demographic, it’s the kind of thing that makes you wonder if basic workwear will continue to be gendered in the future. But one thing is for certain: There’s a place in that future for Zendaya, who is paving the way in the fashion world.
Rihanna
Not many people can get on Rihanna's level in any way, but certainly nobody wears pined-after basics quite like her. Thirst for a product can turn people off to it (even before it’s released), but once you see Rihanna wearing it, you realize how much you need it. And that goes for pretty much anything she's got on. Riri breathes life and energy into whatever she wears, so when she’s rocking jeans and a T-shirt, it becomes the dopest fit out there. After all, no one is cooler than Rihanna.
Gwen Stefani
Rocking the fairy-godmother-of-the-’90s look that has taken such a firm grip as of late, Gwen Stefani has been a style icon since No Doubt released their breakthrough record Tragic Kingdom over two decades ago. Her patented tank top and plaid bondage pants have become an outfit in their own right. Not to mention, Gwen helped construct the tomboy image, which guys and girls everywhere loved. Her one-of-a-kind style continues to be featured on magazine covers, which is a testament to the enduring influence of her suburban swagger.
Ruby Rose
A relative unknown, the Australian actress burst onto the scene during her recent run on Orange Is the New Black. Off screen, Rose channels the ’50s vibes, with her slicked-back hair that occasionally verges on full-blown emo (echoes of Gwen?). Filmmakers are clearly intrigued by Rose’s look and fashion sense, opting to cast her as badasses in leather jackets and bombers, which is perfect.
Halsey
Although the Jersey-born singer has only been on our radars for a few years—working off the strength of her 2015 debut album Badlands and hits with the ubiquitous Chainsmokers—Halsey’s style is becoming as famed as her sound. Her stripped-down look features (what else?) T-shirts and sneakers, the bedrock of any sensible person. While guys often appear schlubby in the same fits, Halsey epitomizes casual chic.
Kilo Kish
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who dresses better than Kilo Kish. The rapper/songwriter got her start as an art school student living in Brooklyn, but has since taken her talents to Los Angeles where she’s teamed up with other young genius iconoclasts like Vince Staples. Regardless of what coast she’s on, Kilo Kish routinely outdresses the most stylish dudes. Her look is based in pattern and cut, and has a touch more originality and verve than any one manufacturer could provide.
The Kardashians
Everyone is allowed to wear sweatpants (without scrutiny) sometimes. This mentality has metathesized over the past decade or so, whether that takes the form of sloppy pj bottoms in homeroom or designer yoga pants worn by celebrities. If the cozy lifestyle is more religion than school of thought, then the Kardashian-Jenner clan is the high priest, blessing the elastic-waist wearing world from the high altar. And of course, being the fashion icons they are, they outflank any and all men trying to pull off the same look.
Tilda Swinton
Possibly a gift from another planet, the transcendent Tilda Swinton pumps magic into whatever she’s wearing, making her a favorite of many designers. She dons blazers, button-downs, and pretty much anything better than both her male and female counterparts, lending the fits an ethereal sophistication that has turned her into the go-to video celebrity for heightened artists like the late David Bowie. Sure she wears a dress or gown from time to time, but when she wears a suit, she’s the sharpest looking person in the room.
Beyoncé
It has been known for quite some time that Beyoncé is functioning on a higher level than the rest of us. The “7/11” music video exemplifies this notion in regards to menswear. The sweatshirt-heavy video that features Bey and her dancers goofing off in a hotel is not short on gender-neutral looks delivered in ring-spun cotton. Like Rihanna (but perhaps multiplied by 10), Beyoncé has such a remarkable influence on the world that she’s able to elevate products that may not have had much life otherwise. We’re looking at you, “Kale” instead of “Yale” crew-neck sweatshirts.
Erika Linder
Erika Linder has been booking modeling jobs for menswear lines for half a decade now, taking the visions of storied fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and revered designers like Tom Ford, and transforming them into fresher than fresh concepts. The 26-year-old Swede has been quoted saying that she will live in a “T-shirt and jeans forever,” which feels appropriate since she looks flawless in them. Most clothing designers would agree.
