Boys Will Be Boys.... And So Will The Girls.

A bowtie I created for my store, The Purple Zebra.

It’s probably the number one reasoning tactic for a stylish lady.  Find the perfect guy, and worry about the perfect wardrobe later.  After all, you can totally talk the perfect guy into letting you help him with the perfect wardrobe, right?  Umm, maybe?  I’ve yet to fully attempt this age old practice, so I’ll have to report back with the lab results if and when I ever decide to transform the unsuspecting fella.  After all, no one likes a pushy female, so we are probably better holding off, right?  I believe there is typically a not-so-friendly, five-letter-word associated with those pushy types of women.  Certainly I would never be associated with such things. 

Instead, I’ll take my love of menswear and wear it myself, just a little prettier version of it.  Menswear inspired looks are so huge right now, from bold collars and bowties, to tuxedo shirts and loafers.  I can’t get enough of this empowering style, but it can be a little daunting for the faint-of-heart or fashion newbies. 

First and foremost, let’s reap the benefits.  There are countless reasons for playing up the masculine trend.  Not only can this trend be incredibly cheap (i.e. raid the hubby’s closet.  Or your Dad’s), it can also be incredibly fun, sporty, and even sexy!  Yes, sexy!  As I may have stated once or twice, I’m a fairly big advocate of dressing classy (not trashy) and firmly believe that less clothing does not equal more appeal.  In fact, you’re perfect guy may even think it’s cute that you actually dig his wardrobe so much for once and embrace you with open arms for wanting to “borrow” some of his shirts.  Do not, under any circumstance, feign a washing machine malfunction in attempt to assist your man in purchasing a new wardrobe.  There goes your cuteness factor and in comes the not-so-nice, five-letter-word factor. 

Whatever your motive, if you intend to do the menswear trend throughout the remainder of winter, or opt to wait for spring when gorgeous floral print fabrics will allow some girly options for your menswear, there are a few simple rules I’ve devised to help you keep the menswear look believable, cute, quirky, and sexy, all in one.

1.        Proportion Control.  Oversized is in.  It looks timeless and effortless, but gorgeous at the same time.  You don’t, however, want to wear a head to toe oversized ensemble.  To keep things tailored and neat, pair an oversized blazer over skinny jeans or a cute dress.  To lengthen your look, wear the oversized blazer over a tailored maxi dress or black skinny jeans with black booties.  To have a bit more fun with the look, try a printed or bold color skinny jean (like tangerine!)  If a plaid men’s shirt is more your speed, try pairing it with a fitted pair of ankle jeans in a vintage wash and tie it together with some tall wedges and  bold jewelry.  This look is casual and cool, perfect for just about any occasion, even a baseball game.

2.       Color Story.  Since the menswear fad is all about men’s styles and proportions, adding a feminine touch of color will keep you from, well, looking manly.  Attempting the oversized suit jacket?  Try it in a bold red (and smear some red lipstick on to match).  To make a plaid shirt daintier, tuck it into a flouncy skirt, possibly with even a contrasting pattern in the same color family as the plaid shirt (think tiny polka dots or a micro floral print).  Experimenting with color and pattern will allow you to figure out what works and what doesn’t, and it can often be quite surprising to see what works may be what you least expected!  Also, experimenting with complimentary colors (opposite on the color wheel), monochromatic (any shade, tint, or tone of one color), or analogous (next to each other on the color wheel) can make for amazingly stylish fashion!

3.       Accessorize and Prettify.  Probably my favorite menswear trend this year is in the details.  The accessories that complete a look can be so fun, especially when they’re a little out of the “norm”.  Bowties are huge right now, and allow a fun and flirty addition to an otherwise boring look.  Instead of actually stealing your dude’s bowtie collection, try one with a fun print and details, or long tails that make it a bit more girly.  Women’s cuff links, collars and cuffs, handbags, ties and shoes are only a few of the vast world of accessories that have been inspired by men this year.  A good tip to keep in mind if giving a bowtie a try is to leave the necklace at home.  The tie makes enough of a statement itself, and anything else framing the face will be a distraction.  Simple earrings are also a staple with this look.

Have fun with your menswear inspired looks and remember to keep things light and feminine.  When trying any new trend, it’s important to not take yourself too seriously!  Spend some time playing with some items and seeing what works for you.  

For more fashion wholesomeness, check out my store, The Purple Zebra at www.purplezebrashop.com and follow me on twitter @goodnpretty.  For column topic suggestions and comments, email me at goodnpretty@gmail.com.