Menswear is back in a very basic way, and straight from his closet! Katie Holmes has literally been wearing Tom's jeans! While we wouldn't blame you for borrowing a few items from your man, there are also a number of women’s collections inspired by men’s pieces that are worth checking out. T-shirts, button-downs, cardigans, vests, relaxed jeans, ascots, oversized watches, hats and loafers are all simple menswear styles that are very popular right now. These classic pieces are easy, affordable and practical — plus they look great on women of all ages, and can be kept in your closet forever! Bobbie Thomas, TODAY Style editor and author of the Buzz column for In Touch Weekly, shows you how to pull off the look.
Oversized outerwear
You may be too mature to wear his letterman jacket, but a long, oversized sweater can actually be quite chic. The women’s classic cardigan has been gaining inches for the past few seasons, and this fall stores are overflowing with longer styles. From American Eagle’s striped sweaters (ae.com) to celebrity favorite Inhabit’s cashmere cardigans (inhabitny.com) and Dream Society's ultra-long Bella Cardigan (RevolveClothing.com), these grandfather-inspired tops will keep you cozy even if you don't have him to warm you up! But if you're looking to be reminded of your high school heartthrob, VS Pink has a literal take on the letterman’s sweater (vspink.com).
As the weather cools off, you’ll see a number of boxy boyfriend blazers hitting stores. Alexander Wang’s edgy fashions are runway favorites, and his Herringbone Boyfriend Jacket completely captures the look (nordstrom.com). Other options can be found from Gap (gap.com), Topshop (topshop.com) and Forever 21 (forever21.com).
While it may not be oversized (in fact, many women’s versions are shrunk and tailored), the vest is this season’s must-have item. Lily McNeal’s Lia Grandpa Vest (RevolveClothing.com), Old Navy’s Sequin Vest (oldnavy.com) and Silence and Noise’s Canvas Vest (urbanoutfitters.com) are inspired by menswear but retain their feminine details.Shirts to share
From the basic T-shirt to the button-down, women are working these tops into their wardrobe like never before. Most women will agree that there's something sexy and chic about the oversized style of a man’s tee. Savvy designers feel the same way, and now, thankfully, unisex and boyfriend-style shirts are available everywhere. One of the first companies to cash in on this trend, LnA, was actually started by two girls who were tired of stealing their boyfriend’s shirts, but wanted ones of their own that were just as soft and cool (singer22.com).
Although the boyfriend-style T-shirt is gaining popularity, it’s the button-down that’s truly coming into its own this season. No longer just for corporate ladies, this style is being sported by downtown hipsters and streetwear style-setters looking for fashionable daytime clothing. Steven Alan puts a not-so-preppy spin on his plaid button-down shirt (shopbop.com), while Daftbird created an extra-long “button-up” that’s perfect for pairing with leggings (abejasboutique.com). Even the edgy American Apparel has come out with a unisex version of the button-down for fall (americanapparel.net).
Relaxed jeans
Ladies, you can rejoice! After seasons of skinny, high-waisted and fit-and-flair styles, denim is going down a relaxed road! Baggy boyfriend jeans are the hottest thing in Hollywood right now, and this is one trend that every woman will want to capitalize on. Overnight cult denim brand Current/Elliott is helping to hype this trend with its slouchy boyfriend-style jean (eluxury.com). Other brands are keeping up with the movement as well: J. Crew's Distressed Vintage jean (jcrew.com) and Levi’s classic 501s (levis.com) are two straight options that can be tapered at the bottom without being tight on top.
Alpha accessories
Women may have more fun when it comes to handbags, jewelry and stilettos, but men have mastered a handful of their own accessories. Hats, sunglasses, ties, loafers and watches have all been located squarely in your boyfriend's territory, but smart women are stealing their styles (and great pieces) this season. Look for trendsetters to be strutting around town in oversized Swatch watches (swatch.com), fedoras from the likes of Eric Javits (ericjavits.com) and Stetson (stetsonhat.com), driving shoes from indie brand TOMS (tomsshoes.com) and Sama’s unisex sunglasses (which both Brad Pitt and Reese Witherspoon happen to adore; 310-271-1734). Feel free to borrow generously from the boys when it comes to accessories — sometimes all you need is a masculine touch!