Not exactly a new idea of course. We ladies have been wearing (the) pants for decades – almost centuries- now. Cath and I have always admired Katharine Hepburn and her ability to look stunning in a boxy mans’ suit. But here is the great divide between Katharine and I: where she is like a tall coat hanger with beautiful cheekbones, I’m like a smaller, slightly padded coat hanger with smaller, less padded cheekbones. I look downright Lilliputian and curvy next to Ms. Hepburn. Because of this, I always veered away from an entire suit that would overwhelm my frame.
I also think the 100% masculine look doesn’t work with me. It could be because I’m just too damn girlie. So I feel more at home by adding a lace trim shirt (thanks, Aunt Mare!) under a three quarter sleeved shrunken blazer, topped with a fringy scarf (both H&M). I also skip on the trousers. I have finally given into the fact that I look bad and frumpy in roomy bottoms. Even when skinny jeans and leggings go out of style, I’ll wear them with everything.
I really like lacy ruffles with this sharp, hard-lined blazer that Marlene is wearing below. Are poet shirts coming back? Because I am so hopping on that bandwagon asap!
What do you ladies say? Are you for a little cross dressing? And gentlemen, do you like your ladies in a suit (or parts of one)?
This is a super chic look! I have that scarf, too!
I feel you on the skinny jeans. I can never go back to boot-cut again.
oh lauren, this outfit looks so fab on you! and i love feminine pieces with a touch of masculine! 🙂 i am a total sucker for lace and ruffles ^-^ love your hair too!
gorgeous outfit. i especially love the scarf. great informative post as well. your write and make reading interesting!have a great day xx
I LOVE menswear.the blazers are truly one of a kind.
This is the perfect combination of flowy and refined, loose and structured. So lovely!
True menswear looks are horrid on me. I’m far too curvy/squishy and just look a mess! But I love your more feminine take on masculine looks, Lar.
MMMMM gurl! You look FLYYYYY!!!
I mean, you look smashing darling. Whatever, you pull the ish off! And yes women do wear (the) pants!
looking great!!!!!! i love it!
A cool look for women based somewhat on mens wear is the English riding outfit. Betty Draper wore this in Mad Men this season and going back a ways, Ginger Roger wore a riding outfit in Top Hat.
Going back a ways, when I was in business school in the late 80’s, women wore suits more. I thought they worked well in the business world. I don’t see them as much now.
I’m all for crossover, but not at the sake of losing the vital elements of what define one’s style. Because most of my outfits are for work, I honestly don’t even know anymore if I have a “set style,” which I don’t think I do–which makes me very, very sad.
But you already outlined that you are girly, and that you have a tiny frame. I think adopting too much of a boxy, manly kind of style like Katherine Hepburn would overwhelm your shape and make you look like a little boy who played dress up in his daddy’s suit closet.
I think you’re right.
And it’s all in balance. do a crossover, but incorporate essential elements of your own personal style that help balance and still define what is you. Be it nicked in waist lines, shorter hemlines on boxy boyfriend jackets, ruffled collars, girly shoes, etc.
Myself, I’m for Chuck Taylors and suits, but I’d rather wear a skinny pant leg now instead of wide trousers. Not very convenient for the cold in MI, but whatever. I spend most of the time indoors with a heater or a blanket or something, so. whatever.
LOVE THIS POST!
i just adore every last piece of this outfit.especially the blouse!
This is maybe my favorite outfit on the blog yet. Love the scarf, the blazer, the jeans, the boots. Everything!
And don’t underestimate what you can pull off. it’s all about how you rock it!
I think this is the best outfit I’ve seen on you yet on the site! I freaking LOVE IT and will attempt (and fail) to copy it.
I’m pretty sure all guys like girls borrowing from their closets. Blazers for sure. I also really like when girls’ shoes are menswear inspired-like oxfords and what not. Oh and all girls should rock M-65 jackets. For sure.
i love the little lace of the shirt peaking out from the sharp blazer- very pretty! i love a little cross dressing. when i used to have a corporate-y job i would wear masculine pants, super fitted vests, and preppy ties all the time. i was a cubicle dwelling annie hall.
I love suits, I love dress with men’s clothes, but not the 100%.
And men’s likes that, when Victoria secrets ask “what was the sexiest clothes in a women” ( or something like that) they pick ” dressing just with my shirt”. men’s like that. I don’t know why.
I like it too. I have a weakness for womens in suit, they look very sexy, and is always a challenge use them.
thanks for your comment <3
fantastic layering!!
i love this! that lacy top is phenomenal! i really like this style too:)
I’m all for cross-dressing if one likes it. Why not?
And here’s a question: why not bring the poet shirt back on your own? Start a trend! It’s just right for you.
i love everything about this ! i love the scarf, love the fitted jacket, love the white lace shirt with sleeves coming out of the jacket. this may be a mens inspired outfit but you will surely get lots of looks from men!
LOVE this post.
I like the really severe-looking, tailored suits (a la Katharine), and I think I’m tall (and broad-shouldered) enough to pull them off. haha. But I definitely think the lace blouse is a sweet touch! I look awful in lace, so I’m always envious of girls who can pull it off so well!
Cute outfit 🙂 I feel frumpy in mens-wear inspired pieces, too.
i’m all for raiding the boys’ closets. i totally love my boyfriend jacket (in grey), my boys ralph lauren polo shirt (my boy inspired post about it here http://sundaralife.blogspot.com/2009/09/about-boy.html) and my frye boots which are mannish.
i love your look! i also think i will add a touch of feminine on masculine look 😀
I completely agree with you. love menswear but an entire suit looks a bit silly on me. I think it’s the small frame and lack of height. I love blazers and fitted jackets but ones that fit well are kind of difficult to find. You look great!
I adore Marlene Dietrich’s style, but I do think it’s a little tricky to pull off. Love your outfit though. the blazer with the scarf and lace top is a great combo!
I think using the separates of a suit is much easier. I either go with the blazer and pair it with jeans, or I take dressier straight-legged (or slightly bootcut) dress pants and combine it with a more casual top, a leather jacket and Converse sneakers. Oh, and I agree with enc. you should bring back the poet shirt!
i actually not that fan of the skiny jeans, but you look great with that outfit
First you are both gorgeous!
And curves are not a bad thing. Um, take it from someone who has.NONE!
You look lovely as always and I love the lace trim!
Wishing you and Cath and all your loved one a very Happy Thanksgiving!
xoxo
I wish I can pull off a menswear. But I’m too petite for the look. But I liked how you tried another way for a masculine look. Love the scarf plus the whole outfit!
The peak of lace makes this outfit. Love it.
You know, I think the difference between Katherine Hepburn and anyone else who tries to dress like a man, is that Katherine totally owns it. The secret to dressing boldly or non-conforming is to own the look. She wears a suit like she owns it, so it doesn’t seem like she’s even trying hard. Unlike many people who might wear the same thing but look like they’re in costume.
Your outfit is so great, lately all I’ve been wearing is black on black due to my job and working in the studio. le sigh.
~Faith