Us gals have been borrowing from the boys for decades. Katherine Hepburn rocked the cashmere oversized turtleneck sweater for years, and Coco Chanel revolved her brand around her male friends’ closets, centering her signature styles on tweed jackets and oversized cardigans. Even today, fashion icons such as Kate Moss and Emma Watson are taking their own flare on the menswear trend as well. I must say I’m guilty of stealing my brothers’ big cashmere sweaters and button downs for an everyday look, but what’s great about the menswear style for women is that it provides comfort for those days when it’s just too difficult to even roll out of bed, yet it’s a classic trend that mixes statement pieces that anyone can pull off. Read ahead to learn more about the key pieces and trends that we’ve been stealing from the boys’ closets.
Blazers
While the boys might wear their blazers or sport coats with a pair of khakis or as a suit, a blazer on a woman is a sophisticated touch that one can add to a dress or paired with a cute top and skirt to add that feminine touch to this menswear trend. Blazers for women can come in all different colors and sizes, whether you wear in navy, white or black, or if its short or long, it can dress up an evening outfit or create a casual look with jeans and a top. Rather then pairing it with dressy pants to create the suit look, pairing it with cute and flirty pieces gives it that perfect feminine touch.
Boyfriend Jeans
What’s great about the menswear trend is not only can you manage to look cute, but also comfort is an added bonus! The denim style of slouchy rolled up jeans with the occasional rip or two are the perfect outfit choice on days when you’re not looking to suffocate in your usual pair of too tight jeans, but you’re still staying within the fashion realm at the same time. Boyfriend jeans became popular in 2008, and are still a trend that hasn’t worn out. Pairing them with a cute belt keeps the roominess and fullness of the jeans under control, and although they are extremely casual, one can pair them with heels to dress them up a bit to go with a cute top. So go ahead, eat those cupcakes because you won’t need someone zippering you up when you choose boyfriend jeans!
Loafers
For the more preppy and sophisticated ladies out there, loafers are the perfect substitute for your boring everyday flats. Whether you’re wearing them patterned, solid color or even with spikes, loafers are comfortable and cute at the same time. From jeans to skirts to dresses, these can add that masculine touch to any outfit, without going completely overboard. Although you may think that the loafers are a little extreme and you may think of your dad going to work in them, they’re a simple and small touch to add classiness and sophistication to any outfit.
Flannels and Button Downs
Although you may feel like a lumberjack sometimes, a flannel is the perfect top to wear starting in the fall and going into the winter. With the different color combinations and tailored fit, flannels and button downs are flattering on everyone and are great to throw on for an everyday outfit, with a skirt or just with jeans. Pair a flannel or button down with a vest, or even throw on a big, comfy sweater over it on those cold fall and winter days. A silk button down is the perfect addition to any outfit, bringing in that classic style that is so simple, yet is extremely trendy. J.Crew has a great collection of both flannels and silk button downs, coming in several colors and patterns. If you’re feeling extra menswear-esque, the men’s section at J.Crew has even more choices and patterns for flannels and button downs, at a cheaper price.
The menswear trend allows girls to add a masculine touch to their style without completely losing their sense of femininity within their clothes. Just because you’re borrowing from the boys does not mean you have to completely sacrifice your girliness. Instead, you’re gaining a cool and classic look that includes comfort at the same time! If you follow these trends, you can rock a sophisticated look, while still looking like a lady.