Menswear à la Femme

We’re big fans of women’s empowerment, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to steal some things from the guys every now and then. Like their fashion.

Even after seasons of being “in,” menswear for the ladies has remained a steady trend on the Fall 2011 runways. And I personally love the turn menswear has taken. A few seasons ago, it started off in the androgynous realm, but it’s evolved to include subtle feminine touches.

Designers have replaced flat oxfords for sleek stilettos, favored cinched waists over curvelessness, and added statement jewelry (like The Row’s tassel earrings) to their menswear getups—and we like it! Without a dose of femme, menswear dressing just feels a bit too costumey for everyday workwear.

One element of the new menswear that  Meredith and I just love: the emergence of patterns, à la Ferragamo. This slightly feminine touch on an otherwise manly silhouette makes it much more interesting and fun to experiment with.

Dolce and Gabbana

Salvatore Ferragamo

The Row

If you want to try this trend for the workplace, we recommend limiting your patterned additions to one piece. You don’t want your outfit to be too busy or distracting!

My interpretation of this trend keeps it simple: a boxy boyfriend blazer and black wool pants over a silk, slightly sheer white button up blouse. My picks are all menswear classics, but with feminine nuances—the tapered leg, cropped trousers, and heels, of course. Handsomely chic!

There are other ways to incorporate a bit of menswear flair to your work wardrobe without devoting your entire ensemble to it. For example, try wearing flat laced oxfords with a cute dress, or add a bowtie to a collared shirt, much like Meredith did! Another favorite, especially during these chilly end-of-fall months, is adding a grandpa cardigan to your outfit. We find it works with almost everything, even a totally-corporate shift dress!

Tell us, ladies! How do you feel about menswear?

Photos courtesy of Cubicle Chic.

About the Author

Cubicle Chic is a personal style blog, founded by Lindsay Mueller and Meredith Duncan. Cubicle Chic focuses on dressing for the corporate world, with a healthy dose of creativity and flair. These two ladies believe that your 9-5 wardrobe shouldn’t bore you—there’s no need to get lost in a sea of suits! Instead, stand out by expressing yourself and find trends and style signatures that work for you. That’s a sure-fire way to make for a feel-good, look-good situation—and who doesn’t want both?