Nov 9, 2009 7:25 pm US/Eastern
Fashion Trend: Menswear Influencing Women's Styles
Masculine Pieces Paired With Softer Items To Create Edgy Look This Fall
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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A blazer with a masculine feel can be used as part of an edgy look: when paired with a dress, it can be the perfect ensemble for a flirty, sexy night out with the girls.
CBS
Gentlemen, you might want to take an inventory of what's in your closet. This season, women are adding a bit of a masculine edge to their look, with pieces that have more traditional menswear styling.
This fall, runway looks were a study in contrasts – floaty gowns with tuxedo jackets, and slim suits with a distinctive menswear edge.
"What we're seeing, and what's really trendy, are menswear-inspired pieces mixed with feminine pieces, and also pieces that are really figure-flattering," Life & Style Weekly's Dawn Yanek says.
Even so-called "boyfriend jeans" can be styled to have a softer look.
"It's a look that looks like it was borrowed from the man in your life," Yanek says. "It has a loose fit, a low rise and cuffed hem, it's great with ballet flats or heels, like these work boots."
You can also pair the jeans with a sequined vest for a softer look overall.
"It might not be new to your wardrobe, but the blazer is a staple that seems to be re-invented every season," Yanek says.
This is the season of the "boyfriend jacket," with linings designed to show off cuffed sleeves.
"What we did to balance the masculine and feminine is pair it with the ruffly T-shirt," Yanek says.
The same blazer can then be used in a completely different look, when paired with a dress.
"This is the perfect look for a flirty, sexy night out – this dress is from Old Navy, and it's just $30," Yanek says.
The trick is to balance bright color with a masculine look, or get a menswear treatment from a herringbone scarf and striking fedora.
"Accessories are the easiest, most affordable way to add the menswear look into your wardrobe," Yanek says.
Look for shoes to add a menswear influence, from a patent leather penny loafer to high-heel tartans.
"Oxford flats and Oxford heels are a staple, and actually you can interchange these with ballet flats," Yanek says.
Try argyle or herringbone tights, or top off an outfit with a chic fedora or cool newsboy cap.
One more styling tip: don't go overboard wearing this trend. One or two key pieces makes a more stylish statement than wearing menswear head-to-toe.
For more information on adding menswear to your wardrobe, or to find some masculine pieces to pair with your softer looks, check out our links here.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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