BOYISH: HOW TO HIJACK THE MENSWEAR CODES
How to create an outfit that makes you feel gorgeous, comfortable and stylish all at once? It is exactly the question I am asking myself every morning in front of my closet. The so-called womenswear codes tends to make you go for clothes, shoes, even makeup and hairstyle, that are absolutely stunning. But comfortable? Not so much! This is an issue. An issue we all face at some point in our everyday life: to go to work, to the gym, to party,...
This is exhausting and sometimes most of us - me included! - give up. You know when you are laying in your bed on Monday morning and can't even think about the fact that in one hour you'll have to go face the outside. That particular state of mind pushes you to delay the moment you will try to figure out what to wear. The problem? You end up rushing so much that you grab the first clothes you find. I know what you're think... You think this might be the solution to this outfit issue! But usually - unless you are Superwoman or Karlie Kloss - the rush drives to a major FAILURE!
Why? Just look at what surrounds you. I mean the clothes that surround your bed. Do you get my point? No? Alright, let me do the experience: if I look to what surrounds my bed right now and dress with these, I'll be wearing yoga pants with a silk shirt, high-heeled sandals, two different socks and a hat. I am sure Kate Moss would look awesome with this outfit, but me on the other hand... not so sure!
My issue remains unsolved. So what did I do? I thought - it generally happens to me two or three times a year. I am kidding! I started by trying to find the elements I usually prioritize when I want to be comfortable. Immediately, the images of a jumper and sneakers came up in my mind. Casual, but too easy to be stylish. It needed a twist.
It is when the miracle occurred: why not use the menswear code? Actually the womenswear has always been inspired by men's outfits. Just think about it: trousers, tailoring, over the knee boots - yes over the knee boots used to be worn by men a long time ago, so guys stop being so shock by girls wearing this kind of shoes! - and many more.
So let's hijack the menswear codes! Here is my way to style a boyish outfit!
#DETAILSMATTER
If this style inspires you and you want to reproduce it or part of it, here are some tricks and tips.
What to hijack?: This is not an easy question to answer, because everyone has a different idea of what makes a masculine outfit. In my mind, it is composed of large pants, jackets, old sneakers, knit sweaters and a lot of grey, white and dark colors. It is the exact reasons why I selected a grey oversized jacket in opposition the traditionally ultra-fitted ones of the womenswear. Under the jacket, I put on a texturized jumper, that could be either belong to me or to a man. I chose large half smoking-inspired half sportswear-inspired trousers. Once again, I tried to remain far from usual clothes women selected to create an outfit, such as tight jeans. To complete the silhouette, I selected a pair of Stan Smith, which is one of the most famous unisex sneaker. And I was good to go!
Know the key elements: To create an outfit, not only a boyish one, you need to know what elements are the key ones. They will be the base of the silhouette. The other ones will be assembled according to this base. For instance, the sneakers and the jumper were my key elements when I created my menswear-inspired style. I selected the trousers, jacket and accessories to twist them.
Don't fall into the trap!: What trap? Losing your femininity, my dear! It's the main issue when creating a boyish outfit. You have to be careful to not become the copy-cat of your boyfriend - or worse your father! How to avoid this trap? It is the role of the accessoires, the makeup and the hairstyle. You have to be subtile by putting on girly or lady-ish accessories, such as earrings and colorful bracelets. However, the makeup and hairstyle are the most important. You need to pay attention to them to enhance your femininity. For example, when I styled this silhouette I chose to do cat-eyes for an instense look. I also recommend to tie back your hair, if they are long enough, or, if they are short, to style and texturize them with sprays. Just remember that, like the outfit, the hairstyle and makeup should be comfortable, there is no need to go over the top!
What about the make up?: You know what's good about a boyish outfit? You can choose whatever make-up style you want. I chose to do cat-eyes, made off black eyeliner over brown eyeshadows. I wanted my eyes to be intensified. You can also go with a nude make-up. Just remember that with nude, your stain must be impeccable!
OUTFIT
Jacket - LOFT
Jumper - Maje
Trousers - Zara
Sneakers - Adidas Stan Smith
Bracelets - Bimba & Lola
Earrings - Vintage shopped at Beacon's Closet
(Photo credit: Okmidnight Photographies)