Menswear for females started in 1966 when Yves Saint Laurent created the first women's tuxedo, 'Le Smoking Suit'. It was created for women who wanted to wear something besides evening gowns and other dresses. It was first made with black trousers and jacket with four button down pockets and a white organdy blouse. Now at YSL every season, 'Le Smoking Suit' is revamped and modernized.
Photograph by Helmut Lang in 1975
First, start with a blazer. Pairing a blazer with jeans, leggings or slouchy pants is a trendy way to get a menswear inspired look. I like a slouchy boyfriend style
For Fall 2010, Helmut Lang came out with this black boyfriend blazer
Kate Bosworth in a nude boyfriend blazer. Wearing blazers in neutrals and more pale colors keeps the look more feminine
Rachel Bilson wears a blue sequined blazer which adds some fun to an outfit
Boyfriend jeans are also a great way to keep up with the menswear trend. Everyone remembers when Katie Holmes started walking around in baggy jeans with button down shirts first. Hers were a little too baggy and may not look flattering on everyone, but there are now better fitting styles that can flatter all figures.
Boyfriend jeans at the D&G Spring 2010 fashion show
Victoria Beckham wearing boyfriend jeans and a black blazer
Jennifer Aniston wearing a more fitted pair of boyfriend jeans
Oxford shoes are a another cute and comfy way to follow the trend. They are inspired by a mens dress shoe and have a perforated pattern called the 'wing tip' . You can get them in one or two tone colors.
White oxford shoes at the Spring 2010 Alberta Ferretti show
White Michael Kors oxford brogues
Whitney Port in two-tone oxfords and ripped boyfriend jeans
Sienna Miller making oxfords look super feminine with a short, ruffled skirt
More mens inspired pants: trousers, pleated and wide leg
Dries van Doten Fall 2010 trouser pants
High waisted pleated pants by Chloe for Fall 2010
L.A.M.B Fall 2010
Olivia Palermo in a menswear inspired look (note:briefcase bag as well)
Ashley Olsen menswear inspired, including square glasses
Other clothing items to think about: slouchy cardigans, tuxedo jackets, vests, fedoras (although they were originally made for women first in the late 1800's), high-heeled oxfords, oxford shirts
