Powerful, sexy and a little rebellious, the menswear-for-women trend has evolved throughout the years. From Coco Chanel’s first sophisticated tweed pantsuit to “modern woman”, Katharine Hepburn’s trademark wide-legged khakis and open-collar shirts. YSL’s Le Smokingtux suit oozed sex appeal through androgyny, heavily embodied by style icon, Bianca Jagger.
Women’s tailoring took a turn for the literal in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall. Diane Keaton’s long, oversized layers and men’s ties set the tone for 70’s style across the board. Sending the clear message of creativity, the 80’s were run by Working Girl’s Melanie Griffith and Madonna via her Blond Ambition. The “power suit” remained intact in the 90’s, though shapes finally began to digress again much thanks to such campaigns as The Tripby Dolce & Gabbana.
Today, designers such as Paul Smith offer refuge from the traditional womenswear route and propose boys-borrowed pieces made feminine through contrasting hems in polka dots and florals.
Trend-Right 2013
Getty Image.
After a long-lived hiatus, menswear-inspired fashion is back on the forefront. Pinstripes, brights and florals can be worn together or broken up to add a bit of tailored chic to denim, dresses, silk tees and shorts. Accessorize with a 70’s wide brimmed hat or bow-for-a-tie and keep ahead of the trend with the antidote to an overload of boys’ wear: the perfect pump or wedge.
For Spring, look to Saint Laurent for a rock chic vibe channeling Le Smoking‘s current muse, Alison Mosshart of The Kills. Tibi is offering fluid, fuss-free shapes and boxy lines reminiscent of 90’s past with fresh coat of polish. Balenciaga takes the cake for sensual, skin-baring cuts and as much edge as deeply embroidered tweeds can muster.
Saint Laurent.
Tibi.
Balenciaga.
Stay tuned for more fab Trends to Watch coming soon!
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