Inspired by Menswear
If you love to be fashionable and comfortable, you might find some inspiration in one of the places you’d least expect: Your guy’s (or guy friend’s) closet. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Tilda Swinton, and the Kardashians rock gentlemen’s garb regularly, proving that women can create enviable looks inspired by their fashionable male counterparts while maintaining a feminine image.
THE POWER SUIT
The classic power suit is a great example of a look that originated as menswear, but has since been adopted by fashionable women. A well-fitted suit can be great for a date night or an evening event. It exudes confidence and class when worn correctly. And one of the best parts about being a woman is that you have so many more options. You don’t have to go out looking for a full-on, matchy-matchy suit jacket and trousers. Separates can create the same sophisticated look and offer more versatility.
Look for a blazer with feminine details and a tailored waistline: fit it is especially important. For spring and cool summer nights, try a cropped straight-leg or riding pant on bottom. Throw on a simple tee, slip on a great pair of heels, pull back your hair, and add your favorite accessory (or two), and you are ready to conquer the world.
SUSPENDERS
While we’re on the subject of menswear, suspenders don’t have to be a ‘don’t’. True, they can be cringe-worthy… and none of us wants to feel like Steve Urkel, however suspenders can be a quirky yet sophisticated and surprising addition to your wardrobe. If you can walk into a party donning suspenders and you are pulling them off (figuratively, of course), everyone will want to be your friend.
Going simple is best when trying to work these into your look. If you decide to try them out, black, red, or neutral will be easiest to work with. Suspenders come in a variety of widths too so if you’re interested but iffy, try a skinny pair; They will look superb with high-waisted black shorts (or trousers), a white tee, and heels. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw on a black fedora to complete the look. Totally “geek chic”.
(NOT) YOUR BOYFRIEND’S JEANS
Boyfriend denim has become somewhat of a mainstay in many women’s closets. The best part of the loose fitting jeans’ popularity is that they are easy to find and they are fabricated to fit the curves of the female body. Slouchy denim is adorable with a cute wedge heel and a loose-fitting tee-shirt, but can be dressed up with a cardigan or blazer and blouse. Make sure the style looks good rolled or cuffed; Showing some ankle and a sliver of leg is necessary to keep the feminine quality and to avoid looking like you bought the wrong size. Steer clear from pairing flats and boyfriend jeans if you are petite as this can shorten your frame even more.
Several other traditionally “masculine” accessories that have leaked into the world of women’s fashion include utility boots, fedoras, flat caps (aka golf caps), large-faced watches, bowties, and neckties. Add a little edge to your wardrobe by adopting one or two of these pieces. There’s your proof that inspiration for your unique look can be found anywhere: even in GQ… or your dad’s closet.
THE POWER SUIT
The classic power suit is a great example of a look that originated as menswear, but has since been adopted by fashionable women. A well-fitted suit can be great for a date night or an evening event. It exudes confidence and class when worn correctly. And one of the best parts about being a woman is that you have so many more options. You don’t have to go out looking for a full-on, matchy-matchy suit jacket and trousers. Separates can create the same sophisticated look and offer more versatility.
Look for a blazer with feminine details and a tailored waistline: fit it is especially important. For spring and cool summer nights, try a cropped straight-leg or riding pant on bottom. Throw on a simple tee, slip on a great pair of heels, pull back your hair, and add your favorite accessory (or two), and you are ready to conquer the world.
SUSPENDERS
While we’re on the subject of menswear, suspenders don’t have to be a ‘don’t’. True, they can be cringe-worthy… and none of us wants to feel like Steve Urkel, however suspenders can be a quirky yet sophisticated and surprising addition to your wardrobe. If you can walk into a party donning suspenders and you are pulling them off (figuratively, of course), everyone will want to be your friend.
Going simple is best when trying to work these into your look. If you decide to try them out, black, red, or neutral will be easiest to work with. Suspenders come in a variety of widths too so if you’re interested but iffy, try a skinny pair; They will look superb with high-waisted black shorts (or trousers), a white tee, and heels. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw on a black fedora to complete the look. Totally “geek chic”.
(NOT) YOUR BOYFRIEND’S JEANS
Boyfriend denim has become somewhat of a mainstay in many women’s closets. The best part of the loose fitting jeans’ popularity is that they are easy to find and they are fabricated to fit the curves of the female body. Slouchy denim is adorable with a cute wedge heel and a loose-fitting tee-shirt, but can be dressed up with a cardigan or blazer and blouse. Make sure the style looks good rolled or cuffed; Showing some ankle and a sliver of leg is necessary to keep the feminine quality and to avoid looking like you bought the wrong size. Steer clear from pairing flats and boyfriend jeans if you are petite as this can shorten your frame even more.
Several other traditionally “masculine” accessories that have leaked into the world of women’s fashion include utility boots, fedoras, flat caps (aka golf caps), large-faced watches, bowties, and neckties. Add a little edge to your wardrobe by adopting one or two of these pieces. There’s your proof that inspiration for your unique look can be found anywhere: even in GQ… or your dad’s closet.