Borrowing from the boys is nothing new for us gals. From Old Hollywood siren Marlene Dietrich to contemporary songstress Janelle Monae, women have taken to sporting men-inspired ensembles to chic effect for decades. The trend is so popular that it reappears every so often. But for those wary of looking like a boy when donning menswear, no need to fret! It’s all about balance. Below, we show you how to wear five menswear staples without sacrificing your feminine allure.

 

 

A signature men’s’ accessory, the fedora naturally heightens our cool factor when worn with just the right ensemble.

 

Our style tip: Pair this beauty with a light, ethereal white silk button-up, electric blue or red cropped skinny trousers, and classic pointy pumps for a feminine spin on this menswear classic.

We suggest: Farrah Straw Fedora, $55 at Banana Republic.

 

Another men’s staple, the tie provides a clean, polished finish to any ensemble. But to keep with our feminine style, we opt for this thinner, satiny version.

 

Our style tip: Wear this colourful neck tie with a vibrant, but complimentary, fitted print shirt, a curve-hugging pencil skirt, and classic pumps.     

We suggest: Satiny Tie, $10 at simons.ca.
 

The sports jacket is a menswear essential, and while men are bound by certain sartorial rules on how to wear this topper, us gals can go all out! We wear the boyfriend blazer for a cool, laid-back look, or sport a fitted version to accentuate our feminine physique.

 

While a black or navy blue blazer is an everyday must, we spruce things up a bit and show our girlie side with this floral proposition.

 

Our style tip: Pair this with a crisp white or neutral button-up, a black lace bow tie, a pleated miniskirt, and tasseled oxford pumps for a smart-but-playful look.

We suggest: Floral Print Blazer, $139 at Zara.

 

The perennial classic among gents is steadily gaining ground this side of the closet! Whenever we feel our ensemble lacks vibrancy, we can always count on a pocket square to provide just the right amount of pep. And we can wear it a multitude of ways, which makes sporting this men’s’staple all the more fun.

 

Our style tip: Don this dotted proposition inside the breast pocket of a fitted, royal blue tuxedo blazer, over a yellow sheer blouse, with leather shorts and peep-toe wedges.  

We suggest: Dot Silk Pocket Square, $50 at Banana Republic.

 

While the menswear version has significantly narrowed since the tumultuous zoot suit era, when it comes to women’s trousers, wider is better! We channel the clean and crisp air of men’s pants, but with the added flair and leg-elongating properties of the palazzo trouser.

 

Our style tip: Wear these wide-legged pants with a fitted sleeveless shirt and sport a statement double collar. Sling a long blazer over your shoulders, and finish off the look with a pair of classic pumps.  

 

 We suggest: Palazzo Trousers, $39.99 at Mango.