Sep 02 2008
Borrowed from the boys
If you haven’t noticed already, men’s wear has influenced women’s fashions strongly throughout the past few seasons. High waisted trousers are everywhere only to be outdone by the plethora of plaid fedoras.
To master menswear, begin with your basics: the button-down shirt and the crease-front trouser. These unisex garments, in a trimmer, more feminine physique, easily transfer from his closet to yours. Up top, layering’s the word and knitwear, vests and blazers work their masculine magic. Over a flirtified dress shirt with ruffle-front detailing, slip into a grey cable-knit sweater vest that’s aglow in academia.
Do: –
#1 Pair a cropped vest over a flowy tunic- It’s laidback but very chic.
#2 Pair a longer vest layered over a slouchy belted blouse
#3 Pair your favorite suspenders with a pencil skirt in matching or contrasting color.
#4 Wear a striped tie with a classic oxford button up, and cover it all with an oversized knit vest. Keep it feminine by belting your waist- any ol’ belt will do, but I prefer the classic preppy look of leather.
#5 Try a pair of heeled oxfords with your favorite jeans or a pencil skirt.
#6 Choose a sport coat or blazer that is tailored specifically for women, like this one above. No boys allowed in this jacket: The flattering look is for well-defined waists only.
Don’t:
Start wearing your brothers button-up shirts. I tried it, and it doesn’t work. 
Avoid matchy-matchy head-to-toe fabric frenzies and choose signature pieces that give a masculine flair to your otherwise ultra-fem style.
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Hi Christa
I had a question…when are the new fall clothes going to be available on the website? I love looking at the website, but I’m not seeing anything new yet..please let me know when they’ll be up.
Thanks so much, and keep up the good work!
-Jessica
Christa – Funny, I wouldn’t have thought you, of all people, would be pushing for women to don menswear!
Not that I have a specific problem with it, if one makes sure that one looks appropriately feminine. But that’s practically an oxymoron, isn’t it?
I don’t mean to stir up an argument, I’m just curious – and I’m sure some others are too.
Menswear by definition seems to be for men, doesn’t it?
It can, however, be done in a very feminine flattering manner. I envision Anne of Green gables with her neat herringbone vest and pocket watch, or Lois Lane and her black suspenders and matching black pencil skirt. Adding a few “mannish” elements such as the vest, can just be a fresh breath of air to a more run-of-the-mill office look.
I love the hats, and the fedora in the picture is sooo awesome! I also like the classy-yet-slightly-mannish look you get with a pencil skirt, oxford, and tie.
Suspenders?! Wow…I’ve never seen that one before.
aww I love this! How fun and creative.
Thanks for another great post!
Fedoras make me so happy!