Trying the menswear-inspired trend: 6 Style Panel tips for updating classic tomboy style

Date October 8, 2013

Get used to it, boys. We’re taking a deeper plunge into your closet and coming out with more than just your comfy sweaters and jeans. Blame the fall runways for giving us a fresh twist to menswear’s tweeds, plaids and everything in between.

This season, the classic pinstripe suit got a chic makeover with Stella McCartney’s big-shouldered double-breasted coats, boxy jackets and sweaters. Oversized coats were given angular shoulders and waist-cinching belts at Prabal Gurung while traditional oxfords were elevated with a clunky heel at Bottega Venetta.

This week, our Style Panel demonstrates its ability to blend in with the guys. Self-proclaimed girly girl Anum Khan of Summer X Skin is far from her feminine go-to pieces in a structured tweed-like blazer, a burgundy tie and enviable oxfords. New to the Panel, Nichole Alabi adds flair to a shirt that’s part of her menswear-inspired arsenal. Falling in Style’s Iva Grbesic details how to find the perfect men’s blazer and it’s all about the right cut ladies!

As if they’re plucked right out of his closet, these looks will make you want to dig in for just a few more pieces, but before you do, get some inspiration from the girls.

Question 72: The borrowed from the boys look is always popular but not always flattering. What are you favourite ways to wear the menswear-inspired look? Read the answers now! »

Nichole Alabi, 27
Toronto | NicholeAlabi.com

My favourite way to execute a menswear inspired look is to actually borrow from the boys. You can’t get any more menswear inspired than actual menswear. I found this shirt in one of my thrifting excursions and it has been a staple part of my wardrobe ever since. I try to keep an arsenal of men’s shirts in my wardrobe because they can be worn so many ways. Try wearing one as a sexy layering piece.

Iva Grbesic, 37
Toronto | Falling In Style

I have to say I am jumping on the menswear-inspired looks this fall. For me the quintessential menswear look that I am obsessed with has to be a blazer/sweater/button down combination. That being said if I’m not wearing the right clothing/cut for this trend them I am going to look like a brick. I am a curvy woman that’s had children, when I wear layers and a blazer there are two rules I need to follow:

1. Blazer has to be fitted and come in at the waste. If the blazer is straight that will add bulk around my chest and mid section thus hiding my natural waist and curves giving me the shape of a brick or lollipop. Neither one is good. The blazer I am wearing here is cut perfectly, coming in and showing off my natural waist with no added bulk in the fabric.

2. The sweater I choose has to be a thin knit. Again if I add a bulky sweater there is no shape making me look wide. Thin knits for my frame are the only way, plus putting a bulky sweater under a fitted blazer would look horrible, think over stuffed turkey or linebacker in football.

I love this borrowed from the boys look.

Iva’s wearing: Blazer, Burberry. Sweater, Banana Republic. Button Down, Gap. Jeans, Old Navy. Shoes, Kate Spade. Necklace, Ann Taylor. Watch, Michael Kors. Earrings, Cocoa Jewelry.

Anum Khan, 23
Toronto | SummerxSkin

I’ve always admired men’s fashion from the outside; in fact, I love to tag along with my fiancé or guy-friends whenever they need to shop for a new suit or wardrobe for the office. However, incorporating it into my every-day style is a bit of a challenge since I’m very feminine and girly. Nonetheless I took inspiration from the runway and styled this structured blazer with cropped jeans and the most gorgeous oxford shoes.

Of course I can’t sacrifice my bright pink lips for a boys look. ;)

Anum’s wearing: Blazer, Mango. Jeans, Forever 21. Oxford shoes, Massimo Dutti. Shirt, tie and belt, Borrowed.

Cara McLeay, 28
Vancouver | A Fashion Love Affair

I love menswear. As a woman, it is really fun to play with pieces that have a different fit and shape. I haven’t gone all the way with a suit and tie, but I do like wearing an oversized tee and relaxed boyfriend jeans paired with heels for a fun, mixed look!

Cara’s wearing: Tee, Sincerely Jules. Jeans, Anine Bing. Heels, Valentino. Bag, Céline. Necklace, Lauren Elan.

Stephanie Koch, 27
Kelowna via Calgary | Inherited Jeans

Menswear inspired looks and pieces are a large part of my personal style; I find androgynous pieces to be simple and clean, creating more opportunities for mixing and matching. If you are new to this continuing trend, make sure you balance proportions to avoid drowning in what tend to be oversized pieces. Pick one over sized piece like this tuxedo jacket, and scale the other pieces’ cuts around it. That way you can hunt at menswear without losing your femininity!

Stephanie’s wearing: Hat, blushshop.ca. Jacket, 3.1 Philip Lim x Target. Blouse, Smart Set. Pants, Joe Fresh. Boots, H&M. Watch, Coach.

Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino

To change up your style every once in a while, the borrow from the boys look is a great way to create interest. This look can take shape with our wardrobe in a variety of ways, and the one thing to remember when taking on this trend is to think, “tailored”. In order to keep our shape, tailored pieces are a must!

Add a tailored boyfriend jacket to your button collar top with a pairing of tailored pants creates the perfect outfit for mastering this look. Shake things up by buttoning your collar top all the way and voilà, you have the borrowed from the boys look!

Becky’s wearing: Pants, The Limited. Button Collar Top, Forever 21. Boyfriend Blazer, Calvin Klein. Oxford Shoes, Old Navy. Sunnies, Unknown.