No boyfriend? No problem. While I appreciate my boyfriend’s sense of style, I’ve been known to meander the men’s section of stores like H&M and J.Crew in search of the perfect oversized sweater.
Read on for 7 ways to wear your boyfriend’s clothes.
Utilize the oversized
Take your boyfriend’s henley or loose knit sweater and pair it with leggings or a pair of skinny jeans. I don’t know about anyone else, but I have a really hard time finding an appropriately loose woman’s sweater that would perfect the “jeans/leggings/jeggings and a pullover combo” we all love so much. The baggy look of your (their) top will offset any pair of form-fitting jeans or leggings.
Layer, layer, layer!
That white, grey, or black basic tee your boy wears almost every day is what’s been missing in your closet your entire life. What is it about slightly oversized clothes that just look so chic? Tuck his tee into a pair of jeans and throw on a button down sweater of your own. Wear it un-tucked over leggings and pair it with a longer cardigan. A piece of statement jewelry will make a basic jeans and t-shirt combo seem more stylish; so don’t be afraid to pile on the accessories if you’re wearing a really understated outfit.
Button up!
Wearing a guy’s button down shirt can be sexy (and I think most guys would agree, though I’m not sure the shirt and boyshort combo they’re picturing would be appropriate to wear out in public.) Instead, roll up the sleeves and cinch it at your waist with a thick belt. For the opposite effect, wear a cute tunic or tank underneath, leave his shirt unbuttoned and pair it with bangles. Remember, your boyfriend is being nice enough to let you borrow his clothes-keep that boyshort/button down combo in mind for your next night in! ;-)
Tie it up
Is your boyfriend interviewing for co-op? Perfect! Ties are becoming an increasingly popular accessory for women. Snag one of his skinny ties and wear it with a tailored collar shirt and sweater vest. If that’s not your style, use it to spice up a casual outfit by using their tie as a belt or a headband.
Fit into his jeans
Ok. Realistically, most of us won’t comfortably fit into our boyfriend’s jeans. Enter, the boyfriend fit. This slouchy and relaxed style works best when paired with something ultra feminine, like a lace or floral top. There are plenty of stores that offer budget-friendly bottoms, so go take a look!
Cardi-can
Find the longest cardigan your boyfriend owns and turn it into a sweater dress. Pair that with a pair of fun tights and heels. Wear one of your own fitted shirts underneath an open cardigan (I love men’s cardigans with elbow patches!) To glam up a guy’s top, wear a sequined skirt with a wool sweater. Combining the two textures will make you stand out in any crowd (especially if you’re going to Conor’s.)
Accessorize
Luckily, you don’t need to hijack your boyfriend’s entire wardrobe to get the look you want. Simply work in an oversized watch into the mix and voila! You’ve added a whole new touch to your style. Men’s scarves, socks, and even bags work well with just about any outfit we feel like putting together.
There you have it, collegiettes™. Seven ways to put all of your boyfriend’s forgotten pieces to good (and fashionable!) use. If he doesn’t have exactly what you’re looking for, dump him. Just kidding. But seriously, check out the men’s section the next time you’re shopping in the Pru or on Newbury. More often than not, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.