Give your masculine side some play by adding a touch of menswear to your wardrobe. From vests and blazers to grandpa cardigans and neckties,In Style magazine gives you the tips and tricks to pulling off this girl meets boy trend.
Vest
A floral dress is super-feminine so adding a menswear-inspired vest gives the outfit an unexpected vibe and defines a slim waist. Add a classic watch and dark tights to make this look work appropriate or trade your heels for flats and wear this to weekend brunch with girlfriends. H&M is a great place to find trendy menswear-inspired pieces for an affordable price (like a vest for $24.95) available in stores now.
Vest: H&M, $24.95; at H&M Stores
Dress: Forever 21, $24.80; at forever21
Watch: Anne Klein, $55; zappos.com
Bag: Koret, $88; at EBags.com
Shoe: Wanted, $59.95; endless.com
Tights: Hue, $12.50; hue.com
Blazer
A fitted blazer gives your look a bit of backbone plus it goes with everything! A blazer (especially in neutral colors like black, navy and grey) is a great investment piece for every season. Cuff the sleeves and pair with tailored shorts to give it a polished look. To give the outfit longevity through the winter months, add tights in a dark hue like grey, navy or wine. Give yourself a hip suit look for work and wear a cross body bag, a cute pair of heels and bangles. Young, fresh, and ultra-trendy, Necessary Objects offers contemporary sportswear like chic tops and accessories to pair with a blazer for $88 at necessaryobjects.com.
Blazer: Necessary Objects by Ady Gluck, $88, necessaryobjects.com
Top: Aryn K., $99; House of Lolo
Shorts: Necessary Objects by Ady Gluck, $68; necessaryobjects.com
Shoe: MRKT., $$69.95; dsw.com
Bag: Melie Bianco, $45; MessesofDresses.com
Bracelets: Fantasy Jewelry Box wrap s, 39.95(each); fantasyjewelrybox.com
Tights: DKNY, $18; freshpair.com
Plaid coat
Investing in a classic coat will give every outfit a sophisticated touch. Keep this menswear look feminine by pairing the coat with a sparkly top or necklace. Swap in a colorful top and clutch to take this look from work to a night out on the town. Don’t be afraid to mix textures either. A plaid coat with tweet pants give the outfit a rich look. XOXO has great options for textured outerwear like a coat for $68 at macys.com.
Coat: XOXO, $68; macys.com
Top: Banana Republic, $89.50; Banana Republic
Pant: Sequin Hearts, $25.50; at Macys
Bag: Relic; $51; relicbrand.com
Pumps: Forever 21, at Forever 21
Earrings: Lia Sophia, $36; liasophia.com
Grandpa cardigan
Pair this cozy sweater with chic accessories like lace-up booties and a metal cuff to make the outfit comfortable yet edgy. The long sweater pairs well with the flow of the tunic dress. You can choose to roll up the sleeves or keep them long. Wrap a scarf around your neck to add another layer of warmth. Forever 21 is home to hundreds of budget-friendly options like this cardigan for $18.50, in stores now. If you really want to play up the homey grandparents feel, look for a long, loose sweater with elbow patches.
Cardigan: Forever 21, $18.50; forever21.com
Tunic: Monrow, $68; revolveclothing.com
Scarf: Kenneth Cole, $98;at kenneth cole
Shoe: Penny Loves Kenny, $86; endless.com
Bag: Amici, $38;amiciaccessoriesnyc.polyvore.com
Cuff: Fantasy Jewery Box, $27.95;fantasyjewelrybox.com
Necktie
For a look that’s preppy but not so traditional, pair the bow tie with a button-down and a pleated skirt. A bright bag adds a playful pop of color. Make it easy on yourself and buy a clip-on bowtie (like this one from American Eagle for $12.50). Pair with a neutral shoe to elongate your legs. Keep accessories minimal since the bowtie makes a strong style statement and wear your hair down to further play up your femininity. Yet the best accessory for this outfit: attitude. After all, you’re stealing this look straight from the boys.
Necktie: American Eagle Tie, $12.50; ae.com
Skirt: Guess by Marciano, $128; at Guess Stores
Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger $98; tommy.com
Bag: Amici; $48; amiciaccessoriesnyc.polyvore.com
Shoe: Forever 21, $24.80; at Forever 21
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