One of my favorite places to go shopping when I’m on a budget is in my boyfriend’s closet – I love menswear looks on women. I think masculine pieces on the feminine form are so sexy and show that you have the confidence to compete with the guys. In fact, I think I’ll do a mini-series of menswear looks to inspire you!
WHAT I WORE:
- Men’s White Button-Down Oxford with French Cuffs: (Banana Republic)
- Mauve Leather Vest: (For Love and Lemons, purchased at Wasteland, Los Angeles)
- Black Wool Suiting Blazer: (Banana Republic)
- Boot-Cut Denim: (Paper Denim and Cloth)
- Black Pumps: (Guess, purchased at DSW)
- Black Patent Leather Bag: (vintage, purchased at A Touch of Vintage – Logan Square, Chicago)
- Mauve Druzy Cufflinks: (vintage, my own)
WHY I WORE IT:
I wore this look to work on a Friday when we can wear jeans but should still keep it professional.
- The whole look was inspired by the cuff links. I inherited these from my aunt many, many moons ago. I am obsessed with the color and the sparkle, but it’s rare that I get to wear them since I don’t have any shirts with the appropriate cuffs. Fortunately, my man does!
- The shirt is quite big and bulky, so a vest and a fitted blazer are the two items that made this into a more feminine silhouette and really sealed the deal on the menswear theme.
- I left it untucked to be playful and to cover the widest part of my body. Plus, I like the way it looks when pieces of the shirt are peeking out from under the jacket at the sleeves and from the back view.
- I found this vest in Los Angeles on a recent trip for just under $60 dollars at an amazing resale shop I’ve mentioned before – Wasteland. While I didn’t buy it to speicifically match these cuff links, the colors are close enough in hue that it really works. It’s leather, so it also provides a layer of warmth – bonus!
- The long, slim jeans and pointed-toe pumps also added length, which I needed to further eliminate bulk from the shirt. Plus, the color of the pumps provided the bookend on the bottom half of my body to match the blazer on the top half. I try to do this with most of my outfits to complete and round off the look.
- I kept the hair feminine, loose and wavy to balance the masculine look, and I chose a lipstick that matched the vest and cufflinks – an orangey-pinkish-mauve.
- In addition to matching the shoes and blazer, the handbag is the most structured one I have, and I thought it mimicked a man’s briefcase a bit!
HOW TO WEAR IT YOURSELF:
Stay tuned for a couple more menswear-inspired looks in the coming days – I’m on a roll!
XOXO,
Belle
