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Steal his style! Menswear is back in a big way

These classic pieces are easy, affordable and practical, plus they can be kept in your closet forever. TODAY style editor Bobbie Thomas shows you how to pull off the look.
/ Source: TODAY contributor

Menswear is back in a very basic way — and straight from his closet! While we wouldn’t blame you for borrowing a few items from your man, there are a number of women’s collections inspired by men’s pieces this season.

T-shirts, button-downs, cardigans, vests, relaxed jeans, ascots, oversize watches, hats and loafers are all staple styles that are very of-the-moment. 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.

Pull on some pantsDate night or dinner with the girls doesn’t have to mean a dress. Sex up a suit with a soft blouse, and add a little sparkle with accessories. A tailored vest will outline a waistline, while the understated ease of slacks exudes a cool confidence. Tailored pieces are timeless — and striking — with the contrast of a strong statement necklace, cocktail ring, bold earrings or even a bare, feminine neckline.

Speaking specifically of pants, if there ever was a time to invest in a pair, it’s now. From harem to high-waisted, flat-front or pleats, tapered or trouser leg, cropped or cuffed, there is a flattering find for every woman.

As seen on TODAY: Editor boucle pant, $88, Express.com; Double-breasted vest in brown tweed, $69.50, Victoriassecret.com; Elie Tahari blouse, $79.99, Tjmaxx.com; Necklaces, $24.50-$39.50, Gap.com; Vaneli shoes, $59.95, Dsw.comAdd alpha accentsMasculine extras can help you reinvent your basic little black dress. Try on a man’s belt, stash a silk square into your pocket or slip into his cozy cardigan. Oversize watches are a

great alternative to a cuff or bangle, and menswear-inspired shoes offer a quirky touch. Spectator pumps, loafers and brogues are big trends in footwear this fall, and are bound to make your feet feel good too. Instead of stashing an umbrella in your bag, consider grabbing one of his hats on a rainy day.

As seen on TODAY: Hat, Dress, $7.95-$34.95, Hm.com; Standard cardigan, $58, Urbanoutfitters.com; Big Ben Watch, $90, Fludwatches.com; Steve Madden Tuxedo Shoe, $79.95, Dsw.comBorrow a blazerIt’s been his secret for years, and I’m excited that we are finally in on it. A sharp jacket instantly adds polish to any look — even jeans and a pull-over hoodie. Clever and unexpected, this sophisticated layer will upgrade any casual ensemble.

A classic navy schoolboy blazer with brass buttons or a warm wool coat with elbow patches

and leather-covered buttons are handsome pieces to have in your closet. A style secret worth considering: You may want to shop the men’s section, juniors department or children’s Web sites like Cookieskids.com or Gapkids.com when searching for the best blazer. Most boy’s collections size up to a 20, which is the equivalent of a women’s 8-10 in tops.

As seen on TODAY: Navy blue blazer, $33, Roseybearboutique.com; Sweater hoodie, Straight Zipper Jeans, $49.50-$69.50, Gap.com; Pin-Dot Pocket Square, $18, Bananarepublic.com; Chuck Taylor All Star Sneakers, $45, Converse.com
Button down his shirtThe classic collared shirt has never been hotter, with some mainstream retailers such as Gap and Banana Republic sometimes focusing entire designer collaborations on just the essential white shirt. You can never have enough versions of this unisex wardrobe staple.

If you roll up your sleeves, bigger can be better. Use an oversize style unbuttoned as a top layer, or wrap and cinch with a belt over leggings or a sleek skirt. If you prefer a fitted style, pull on a V-neck sweater or vest to really capture his look.

As seen on TODAY: She Said shirt, $36, JCPenney.com; V-Neck Pullover, Tweed Skirt, $25.90-$79.90, Zara.com; Calvin Klein Loafer Pumps, $49.99; Tjmaxx.com