Menswear inspired clothes have always inspired women. Think Marlene Dietrich in her tuxedo in the 30s. Babyboomer may recall how we fought to wear jeans and/or pants at school. Remember the power suits with camisoles underneath in Europe in the 1980s. Read how to get ageless style in menswear without looking like trying too hard or not trying at all.
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Menswear Is Related to Power
Ever since people developed clothes, those who had less power or wealth admired and desired the clothes of the upper class. This means the clothes of those in power. When the commoner started to wear similar garments those in power created sumptuary laws to prohibit wearing luxe.
Given that in former times, women did not have their own money, what women wore depended on what their husbands’/father’s approval and/or what these men bought for them. Once women got into the workforce, they started wearing men’s clothes for practical reasons, but also to show their new gained independence/power.
Menswear was born.
Is Menswear a Risky Trend to Style Effortlessly Chic?
Menswear can become costume fast when styling it like Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City. The same applies for the corset under a menswear suit. After a certain age, this Angelina Jolie inspired evening outfit looks like trying to hard and/or plain ridiculous. Well do I have to mention the men’s suit with the jacket worn backwards?
Wearing a non-tailored men’s suits with flat oxfords and a tie looks like not trying at all.
Instead go for one piece at a time, and not head to toe. It’s an everyday outfit not shopping your closet for a Halloween look..
Tip: Wear menswear with a feminine touch.
Stylist’s Secrets to Ageless Style in Menswear
To look ageless in menswear at any age stick to the following:
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- Never wear menswear all over.
- Female ascents are a Must.
- Go for pants suits with classic lines with jackets that are nipped in at the waist. Better even, unmatch the suit.
- When wearing full-leg pants, treat them like a long skirt and showcase your waist.
- When you wear boyfriend jeans go for a straight, not too tight leg and a relaxed style. Tuck in you top and/or wear it with a blazer for a chic polished look.
- Look for cargo pants that are cut slim enough that you still can showcase your waist.
- Shirts with French cuffs are a no failure menswear item that looks great with a skirt or jeans.
- Oxfords with heels or brogues in silver, gold or gem colors are chic menswear items for women of all age.
- Tuxedo-inspired jackets are great with jeans.
- A tuxedo suit is great for a black tie event when worn with a camisole, pearls and patent leather pumps. Marlene Dietrich is the big style icon for the look.
- Leather Bermuda shorts look stylish with sheer black panty hose or black tights in winter. More on styling leather shorts.
Menswear Pieces to Try
Here is a list of menswear pieces you may want to try. Links go to guides on how to style the respective items. Which ever pieces you pick, pair them with feminine pieces for a nice tension.
- Bomber jacket
- Motorcycle jacket
- American West men’s suede blazer
- Boyfriend blazer
- Boyfriend jeans
- Tie
- Trench coat, parka, duffel coat, Austrian or Bavarian style janker or original British style pea-coat
- Tuxedo pants or jacket
- Fedora, baseball cap, driver’s cap, fisherman hat
- Slim cargo pants
- Utility jacket
- Seersucker blazer or pants
- Irish or plaid blazer
- Baseball jacket
- Oxfords, lace-up shoes, boat shoes, loafers
- Buffalo plaid shirt or jacket
- Desert or combat boots
- Engineer or riding boots
- Aviator sunglasses
- Men’s white top tank or T-shirt as a layering piece
Great Menswear Outfit Ideas for Women of All Ages
Here are further inspirations how to style the menswear look.
Stylist tip: Never wear menswear from head-to-toe.
Try a Tie as Twist on the Menswear Trend
A little bit classic with a polka dot black and white button down shirt, which is two classics in one: Polka dots, and the eternal black and white trend, which is also a perennial trend. Polka dots are very feminine and posh when they are small – read not larger than the nail of your pinkie in size.
The colors of the tie are gender neutral. The skirt, red color, and bangles add to the feminine touch. The leather skirt, motorcycle booties, and studded belt give the outfit an edge. I love the Windsor knot because it is so big.
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