How to style a tuxedo jacket in 3 gender-fluid ways

There are different theories as to how the tuxedo jacket – one of the most lauded garments in the fashion world – originated, but the most common story recalls that the very first tux jacket was designed by Henry Poole & Co for Prince Albert Edward (who later became King Edward VII), as a more casual option to a tailcoat. When American billionaire and guest of the Royal Family, James Brown Potter saw the Prince of Wales in his smart tailless jacket, he visited the prince’s Saville Row tailor and asked for a replica. The new jacket style quickly gained popularity in gentleman’s wardrobes and Brown Potter christened it the tuxedo after Tuxedo Park in New York.

For a long time, the tuxedo jacket and suit were for men to wear exclusively; the women’s fashion revolution and fight for equality changed this, and led to the tuxedo jacket being acceptable for everyone to wear.

Related: How Gen Z fashion has embraced gender fluidity

For me, a tuxedo jacket embodies timeless sophistication which has nothing to do with gender. In fact, a little femme fatale suit is among my favourite looks: think Mugler by Thierry Mugler or Marlene Dietrich.

If I have to choose one, my all-time favorite tuxedo jacket is by the New York-based brand Peter Do from the autumn/winter 2020 collection. The snatched silhouette and sharp shoulders don’t just lift my posture but also alters my whole appearance, confidence, and mood.

Here, I style the tuxedo jacket in three different, gender-fluid ways.

I don’t really believe in under or overdressing. I dress up simply based on my mood at the time and have fun with it. This look is something I would wear to any occasion – grocery shopping, fashion week and everything in-between. I styled the tuxedo jacket with a western-inspired hat, denim, high heel boots, and a sheer top layered with a woollen sweater with attachable gloves.

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I love layers and I love suits – there’s nothing better than both together. I have seen a lot of variations of a suit with a skirt and I’m here for it. I spiced up my suit with a graphic skirt by Dion Lee, giving a classic tailored look a twist and a different silhouette – a perfect New Year's Eve look. My footwear choice is a Mary Jane loafer made of apple leather by inclusive shoe brand JiiJ.

I know it is freezing cold right now, especially in Scandinavia, but you can’t go wrong with a tuxedo and shorts pairing, especially if you add chunky boots. For a little festive touch (and to avoid hypothermia), I added a colorful knitted vest by Maison Margiela and a knitted Paco Rabanne bag which doesn’t necessarily keep me warm but looks cute. I finished the look with the double collared shirt by Valentino to bring some (extra) drama to my family’s Christmas dinner.