Not Just ‘Borrowing from the Boys’
For decades, a woman wearing a suit was a political statement, a nod to power dressing encapsulated by Yves Saint Laurent’s ‘Le Smoking’ tuxedo. It was about adopting a traditionally masculine silhouette to command respect in a man’s world. But the trend taking over the AMAs red carpet is something else entirely. This isn’t about borrowing; it’s about reinventing. Today’s gender-fluid tailoring isn’t about one gender dressing like another. Instead, it’s a deliberate deconstruction of the blazer itself. Designers and stylists are playing with proportion, fabric, and context to create garments that exist outside a strict binary. We’re seeing dramatically oversized shoulders on one artist, a sharply cinched waist on another, and blazers cut to flow
like a dress. It’s less about who the garment was originally ‘for’ and more about what it can become.
Defining the 'Luxe' in Fluidity
What elevates this trend from a simple style choice to a high-fashion statement is the emphasis on luxury. These aren’t off-the-rack office blazers. The AMAs red carpet showcases tailoring crafted from materials that scream opulence and intention. Think deep velvets that absorb light, shimmering brocades woven with metallic thread, and silks that drape with liquid grace. Embellishments are key, with artists like Machine Gun Kelly previously sporting suits covered in spikes or intricate embroidery. The luxury is also in the styling. A blazer worn with nothing underneath creates a daring, sensual line. Pairing a structured jacket with a flowing skirt or sheer trousers subverts expectations. Even the absence of a traditional shirt or tie is a choice that feels modern and confident. This focus on premium materials and thoughtful, unconventional styling is what makes the trend feel so decadent and aspirational.
Red Carpet Case Studies
The AMAs have become a prime showcase for this aesthetic. Look at Dove Cameron, who has embraced sharp, architectural silhouettes that blend traditionally masculine and feminine codes. Her looks often feature powerful shoulders and structured corsetry, blurring the lines in a way that feels both strong and elegant. Or consider the countless artists who have opted for a full monochromatic suit in an unexpected color like pastel pink or electric blue, proving that powerful tailoring doesn't have to rely on a somber palette. These moments aren't isolated. They are part of a larger conversation happening across pop culture, where stars use their fashion choices to express a more nuanced understanding of identity. The blazer, once a symbol of conformity, has become a canvas for individuality. It’s a garment that can be molded to fit any persona, from rock-and-roll rebel to avant-garde artist.
A Reflection of a Broader Shift
This trend didn't appear in a vacuum. It’s the mainstream culmination of years of boundary-pushing by style icons and forward-thinking designers. Figures like Harry Styles, Billy Porter, and Lil Nas X have consistently challenged red carpet norms, proving that style has no gender. They laid the groundwork for a more expressive and inclusive approach to formalwear. Luxury fashion houses from Gucci to Fendi have embraced fluid silhouettes in their collections, signaling a top-down validation of the movement. The blazer trend at the AMAs is simply a reflection of this wider cultural shift. Music has always been a space for self-expression and rebellion, so it’s fitting that its stars are the ones popularizing a look that is inherently about breaking rules and celebrating personal identity in a visible, stylish, and unapologetic way.
