BORROWING FROM THE BOYS
At last. Menswear has returned. The long-legged sexy tomboy is back. Inspired not only by a man’s closet, but also by the earlier women who wore it. Sultry sirens like Marlene Dietrich, Jean Harlow, Lauren Bacall, and Katherine Hepburn showed us just how sexy a trouser could be.
This year we are so happy to see modern interpretations of menswear sprouting up on every runway. Looks from Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Chloe and Tommy Hilfiger all featured sexy adaptations of pieces inspired by basic staples in a man’s closet. Using luxurious fabrics and new blends of wools, silks, rayons and even sustainable fabrics like bamboo, designers are creating modern takes on jackets, trousers and elegant collared shirts that make a woman look effortlessly cool.
The new menswear looks come from every era. We are seeing 19 4 0’s trousers paired with silk tanks and heeled oxford shoes. There are 1970’s blazers and flared jeans with platform sandals, and the new French gamine, taken from a French fisherman’s wardrobe of cropped pants, a striped tee and espadrilles. French model/actress Lou Douillon’s sexy tomboy looks are the epitome of today’s menswear chic.
Today’s tomboy is much more glamorous than in the past. She can work a silk blazer, distressed jeans and a rope of pearls, or she can borrow from the 20’s and try her hand with tweed knickers and a heel. There are so many looks from every decade! We saw a beautiful men’s pajama top on the runway, tucked casually into some wide-leg high waisted trousers. Slouchy, but elegant. We are seeing heeled oxfords and saucy fedoras, the latter worn worn over a messy bun, with huge gold earrings. Sexy! Menswear by contrast can set a woman’s most feminine features into high relief.
These looks are so easy to achieve. You don’t have to shop the runway, happily there are so many wonderful separates available that you can work immediately into your wardrobe.
The collared shirt: Today’s collared shirts are often meant to be worn untucked, and so are longer and have beautiful hemlines. Some are rounded or asymmetrical, which are extremely flattering! They also come in many fabrics, cotton or jersey being perfect for day wear, and silks and rayons which is perfect for night. The look is simple and classic, but can be dressed up or down in so many ways! Find one in a rich neutral, pair it with dark denim and low-heels, add layers of sparkling necklaces, or a great bag with good hardware for some subtle glamour. Or, wear it to work over sleek slacks, with a heeled oxford shoe, and tortoise shell reader glasses. Secretary Sassy! Another must-have menswear look is the blazer. Here we have so many fab choices, from prep-school shrunken blazers over striped tees and jeans, to a full silk suit in camel that looked amazing with one gold lariat necklace, to an oversized boxy blazer, with legging jeans and a cool graphic tee shirt.
Borrowed from the boys, layered with feminine touches. A satin tank gleams quietly beneath a light tweed. Classic horn rimmed spectacles give an intellectual edge to a demure silk blouse. A plaid collared shirt is cutely collegiate when buttoned to the very top and tucked into dark jeans. Add a pearl stud at the ear for just the right feminine touch. Combine the classic gravitas of menswear with just a hint of feminine sex-appeal and you are on to the powerful appeal of this timeless look!
