How to Incorporate Menswear into Women's Fashion

The women's fashion trend of wearing menswear has maintained its popularity for several years. Menswear is flattering on women and can be mixed with feminine pieces for a balanced look. Women interested in incorporating menswear into their style should try out several types of menswear options to see which piece is right for them. Incorporate one piece of menswear at a time to avoid a cluttered outfit. When worn correctly, menswear on women is at once both structured and glamorous.

Instructions

1. 

   Wear a traditional white button-down. This classic shirt is a must-have for women looking to incorporate menswear into their personal style. Easy to outfit, the button-down offers a crisp, tailored look with just a touch of masculine energy. Pair a button-down with jeans and ballerina flats for a comfortable, collected look.

2. 

   Layer with a vest. Styles range from tuxedo to suspenders, and vests can be easily worn over casual T's or button-down blouses for a neat, pulled-together look. Recently runway collections (such as that of Paul Smith) have featured tailored, feminine looks with vests that channel a preppy, schoolgirl energy. Many female celebrities have embraced the menswear vest, including Ashley Olsen and Victoria Beckham.

3. 

   Dress in tailored blazers. A la Marc Jacobs and Karl Lagerfeld, fitted blazers and jackets can be layered over billowy blouses or snug dresses. Ashley Tisdale, Lindsay Lohan, Ashley Olsen and Vanessa Hudgens have all been spotted recently in fitted, menswear-inspired jackets. Feminize a collegiate, menswear blazer with a bold blouse underneath, a natural hairstyle, soft makeup or pearl earrings.

4. 

   Accessorize with menswear-inspired pieces. Neckties have been worn by Britney Spears, Diane Keaton and Gwen Stefani. Paul Smith and D & G have both featured bow-ties on the runway. Throw a necktie over a simple collared T-shirt or underneath a sweater vest. Other great menswear accessories? A fedora completes an outfit with a punch of structure.

5. 

   Wear trousers. Menswear pants have a flowing, slouchy look. Outfit with a ruffled, feminine blouse and a thin belt. Other good options are a fitted, pastel-colored top with traditional heavier patterns (such as hounds-tooth) on pants for a balanced outfit.

6. 

   Step out in menswear-inspired footwear. Loafers, oxfords, shoe-boots and patent pumps are refined options and provide a range of outfitting ensembles.

7. 

   Dress in traditional menswear fabrics and designs. Pinstripe pants, plaid skirts and tweed jackets incorporate a touch of menswear and add sophistication to any outfit.

Resources

• Vogue Magazine
• Lucky Magazine
• New York Magazine's Guide to Runway Shows