There's something about wearing a masculine piece that makes a gal feel all sorts of feminine, and ridiculously so. The way you have to roll up the sleeves of an over-sized blazer, so it doesn't fall over the tips of your fingers. How fringed penny loafers remind you of your handsome grandfather, but look so sweet paired with socks and your midi skirt. The way your delicate perfume mixes with the crisp white of an oxford shirt, gentleness mixing with no-nonsense. The contrast of the looks is what's so appealing, but more often than not it can be a hard look to balance.
You don't want to look like you're actually borrowing the pieces from the men in your life; you want them to blend into your look. You're not aiming to look like a boy, no matter how handsome they always are. You just want to steal a few of their things. But in order to do that, you have to keep a few rules in mind.
First thing's first: you have to choose things that are well tailored. If you have to remember one rule, this is it. Look for pieces made for a female shape, but have masculine elements to it. Just think Katherine Hepburn. She would wear manly wide legged slacks...but they would taper in tight at her waist. Same goes for you. Want a boxy blazer? Make sure that the sleeves are thin and the shoulders strong. Want an oxford shirt? Look for one that's close fitted to the body with a small and sharp collar. Looking for some masculine trousers? Find ones with clean pleats and a fitted waist.
It's not about finding manly pieces and mixing them into your wardrobe. It's about finding sharp, masculine inspired items that are made to fit your form. That way you still end up looking as female as you would in a dress stitched with flowers, but just as handsome as the men that inspired it.
PS: Want more suspender inspiration? Try reading:
- Wearing Suspenders Like Annie Hall
- This Is How to Repurpose Those Dresses You Regret Buying
PANTS: Thrifted (store similar: here, here)
SHIRT: Thrifted (store similar: here, here)
BOOTIES: TJ Maxx (store similar: here, here)
SUSPENDERS: H&M men's section
HAT: Urban Outfitters (store similar: here, here)
PURSE: Thrifted
NECKLACE: H&M