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trendlets
October 26, 2012

25 Dandy Ways to Wear Menswear-Inspired Fashion

By rebecca ramsey

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Women of gender-bending inclination have plenty of role models. Diane Keaton in Annie Hall. Bianca Jagger’s sharp white suits, or Tilda Swinton’s androgynous good looks. Even as Jenna Lyons designs for women, she shops from the men’s side of J.Crew. These ladies look cool, effortless, yet put-together, especially when they wear clothes by Paul Smith — the Sir of menswear-for-women — or Stella McCartney, who earned her tailoring stripes at the old boys clubs of Savile Row.

Now, as men have gotten more into style, it’s easier than ever to borrow from the boys. The key to pulling the look off is often pure tailoring and proportion, paired with the great accessories women already love. Mango’s sharp-shouldered overcoat can top any outfit with a classic effect, while a jewel-toned suit from Elizabeth and James has a Miu Miu vibe and a cropped pant that works for day. Meanwhile, a checked bomber jacket is a modern replacement for the stalwart shrunken blazer, and looks smart with a cropped plaid pant from See by Chloe and Alexander Wang’s monk strap brogues in a pop color. For the seventies swagger of David Bowie or Mick Jagger, turn to Miu Miu’s clashing striped collar and Valentino’s shiny slip-ons.  But should one miss the sweeter life, simply try Dries Van Noten’s heeled loafers — after all, every good tomboy has a feminine side. For the full range, click ahead to see 25 ways to get this look.

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1 / 25 Photos
Elizabeth and James Sienna blazer, $415; Elizabeth and James Winston pant, $285
Equipment paisley silk shirt, $248
Miu Miu striped silk collar, $290
Dries Van Noten leather loafter pumps, $775
Brooks Brothers crocodile embossed belt, $68
River Island two tone hard tote, $70.36
Mango masculine-cut coat, $129.99
J. Crew tuxedo foulard capri, $350
Nine West flat, $54.99
Uniqlo cotton turtleneck, $9.90
Mango cable knit cardigan, $54.99
Guess gold watch, $135
Zara structured leather bowling bag, $79.90
Theysken's Theory tux jacket, $595
Kenzo wide-leg trouser, $444.57
 Valentino metal heel loafer, $795
Forever 21 houndstooth socks, $1.80
YSL leather driving glove, $420
Paul & Joe houndstooth bomber jacket, $535
See by Chloe cropped pant, $325
Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses, $145
Alexander Wang monk strap brogues, $425
Paul Smith contrast placket shirt, $235
Acne card holder, $85
Burberry Prorsum polka dot scarf, $450
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Tags:

  • goods
  • slideshow
  • menswear
  • tomboy
  • tailoring
  • trendlets
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