I loooooove menswear. I think it started when I was a window dresser for a certain large retailer and we had to think creatively about ties. Menswear may seem boring, but when used in a way that seems out-of-the-box, it packs quite the punch.
(Fantastic Photocollage found on The Other You)
Diane Keaton’s outfit here – fantastic. I’ve seen some Polyvore sets that recreate this look with wonderful feminine detail – right down to the floppy hat.
Menswear is fun, because as a girl, you get to give it a little sex appeal. Sockdreams offers sock garters that will do just the trick:
My general look, lately, has involved long shirt-dresses – like long men’s shirts, but tailored; feminine and masculine layers – like lacy slips under work shirts; blazers with a slim cut; tall, thick socks and sock garters. I love this style, because something about that hem has an allure that says “this should be tucked into some guy’s slacks”. Hello, lover!
The McQueen Knockoff Motobooties were the perfect complement to a recent outfit:
This was my: “We’re going to eat a massive Thanksgiving Feast in like five minutes” outfit.
In the past, I’ve been known to pair skinny ties with off the shoulder tops, rock ties as belts and rock military inspired jackets/bags that offer a feminine edge. My last outfit post offered a skirt, paired with a boys’ suit vest. I definitely love the look of suspenders and tough-looking ladies booties.
With the blazer closed, it does look a little like shirt-cocking, don’tcha think?
Some chickies doubt the look – saying that the clothes are not as feminine as we’d like. I’d agree – blazers and pleated pants for women were the runway look for fall 2009 – but a lot of the styles weren’t tailored for a woman. If they’re too shapeless you might end up lookin’ like a hot mess. Find things with form – darts are your friend. You’re going to look good in things that accentuate who you are in there – if it’s shapeless and sack-like, get thee to a tailor, and have her put a few well placed tucks in it. I ended up doing that very thing with a Boyfriend blazer from Charlotte Russe. The blazer was cut so it’d fit a myriad of ladies, but it was just too shapeless, so I put some darts in the back and took it in a little at the waist. Also remember – accessories are your first go-to and the easiest way to make it work.
Don’t be afraid to play with the boys (or play in … their… closets?? Haha!).
Sex-ay!
I have ALWAYS had a penchant, nay, deep love for dressing in men’s clothing or clothing inspired by men’s fashion. YES. I {heart} the vest!
As a bustier woman though, I’ve struggled with wanting a more feminine take on the masculine looks. (Because men’s clothes simply aren’t designed for boobs.) I love love LOVE the fit of that shirt and I simpy adore those sock garters!
.-= Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..The Hour of Magic =-.
Hayden – Do you sew? You could dart a men’s shirt that fits up top? the shirt is sort of a straight sack sort of thing, but it had a little belt in the same material that let me pull it tight under mah girls.
I also heart the boys’ clothes (particularly the buttonup shirts!) but have a hard time getting things that fit right, same as Hayden. I’ve got a sewing machine, but totally have no idea how to go about tailoring anything to fit myself.
.-= Jaka Merriman´s last blog ..Best of 2009: Trip =-.
I really love the menswear looks you’ve shared the past two days. They’re stylish, foxy, and a playful great twist on the look.
.-= Ashe Mischief´s last blog ..Thanksgiving at the Races! =-.
I wear mens shirts a lot. I like it! x
.-= Katie´s last blog ..A Letter to my Future Self =-.
SO cool.
I adore that little extra touch in your tights (suspenders?)
SO cool.
.-= FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com´s last blog ..THIS, is hilarious. =-.
@FB – they’re sock garters from Sockdreams! They’re supposed to go around your calves, but the socks that I’m wearing (also from Sockdreams) are long and slouchy and I wanted a not slouchy look, so I opted to move them up.
@Katie – sometimes mens shirts are so much more comfortable…
@Ashe – Thanks, doll! I’ve been SUPER into this trend because it’s SO easy to layer guys’ stuff over my stuff.
@Jaka – Maybe I’ll do a pictorial how-to for you on doing darts? They’re pretty easy.
That way you can buy where it fits, and take it in on your machine?
First off, RAWR!!
That is great advice you gave, too. I need a tailor. Badly.
.-= Alicia´s last blog ..…it’s a LONG one… =-.