The 6 "Menswear" Items We Wear Every Week
Our style is very much "borrowed from the boys." From oversized shirts to mannish blazers, if it has an androgynous edge, we want in. Temporarily looking after a cashmere jumper, button-down or blazer from the menswear department has never been cooler. Whether it's an all-in look or styled with floral dresses, we can't resist our tailored jackets, stompy boots and oversized knits.
We love playing with proportions, and lifting from a wardrobe of masculine classics is the perfect way in which to do it. The boundaries of men's and women's fashion are becoming more blurred than ever, so A) it's really easy to pick up the kind of pieces that you want in either department, and B) they've become a really normal part of a hardworking wardrobe. We show you below how to incorporate a fuss-free menswear aesthetic into your style with on-trend "borrowed from the boys" pieces.
Keep reading to see the menswear fashion pieces that really work well for all kinds of women too.
pinstripe suits
On Em: Mango Pinstripe Blazer (£60) and Buckle High-Waist Trouser (£50)
The pinstripe suit is an effortlessly cool outfit when teamed with trainers—the resulting look is smart enough for meetings with just enough edge. Opt for a relaxed fit to avoid looking too '80s.
On Em: Mango Contrast Appliqué Sneakers (£35)
Shop my favourite suit:
Mango Pinstripe Blazer (£60) and Buckle High-Waist Trouser (£50)
oversized shirts
On Em: & Other Stories Oversized Shirt (£55); Saint Laurent Amber 85 Sandals (£510)
On Lou: A.P.C. Liquette Garcon Shirt (£150); Frame Le Boy Jeans (£255); Manolo Blahnik shoes
An essential part of your capsule wardrobe. This particular shirt is a simple but stylish classic (the more oversized, the better). Wear over a lace bra to add a touch of flirtatiousness, and team it with denim and heels.
Shop our favourite shirts:
tuxedo jackets
On Em: Blazé Milano Resolute Everyday Blazer (£1400); Re/Done Rigid Stovepipe Jeans (£276); Balenciaga Leather Ankle Boots (£645)
Don't think that tuxedos are strictly for black-tie events only. I love teaming my Blazé Milano jacket (the blazer brand is the very best) with jeans to play on the smart/casual dress code I always favour. Wear slightly oversized so it hangs just right.
On Em: Re/Done Rigid Stovepipe Jeans (£276); Balenciaga Leather Ankle Boots (£645)
Shop my blazer:
big knits
On Em: & Other Stories High-Neck Jumper (£49); Re/Done High-Rise Jeans (£296)
Wrap yourself up in cashmere or wool for cosy comfort dressing. This is an item you can steal directly from the men in your life, or head to the men's sections at Uniqlo, Zara or M&S for the more relaxed fit this trend requires. Team with Chelsea boots—this season's greatest ankle boot style.
Shop my jumper:
checked blazers
On Lou: Anine Bing Madeleine Blazer (£280) and Patent Leather Ankle Boots (£419); Frame Le Garcon Jeans (£240)
The jacket of the season, checked blazers are everywhere right now. The perfect throw-on-over-everything piece. You might find that these heritage checks make you think of something your granddad wore, but it couldn't be more on trend—trust us.
Shop my checked blazer pick:
camel coats
On Em: The Kooples coat; & Other Stories Tailored Trousers (£59); Gucci Brixton Loafers (£540)
One of my favourite pieces for winter. Nothing says classic cool quite like a camel coat. This one is an old-season style from The Kooples, but I'm on the lookout for a longer-line silhouette (the longer the better when it comes to outerwear for autumn/winter 2017). Keep up the look by pairing with tailored trousers and loafers.
Shop my new-season camel coat choice:
See more of Lou and Em's top trends and shopping picks on their website, A Style Album.
Who are your style icons?
Lou: Mira Duma
Em: Elena Perminova
Who are your 3 favourite people to follow on Instagram?
Lou: @lizzyvdligt @thefashionguitar @oneteaspoon_
Em: @tashsefton @damselindior @jenniferfisherjewelry
What are the fashion essentials you can’t live without?
Lou: Shoes. My current favourites are Gianvito Rossi Portofino.
Em: Jeans. Topshop, Rag & Bone and J Brand are my go-tos.
What's the beauty essential you can’t live without?Lou: Wild About Beauty’s Lou Bronzer.Em: Dr Frances Prenna Jones’s Formula.What would be your desert island album?
Lou: The Definitive Collection, by Stevie Wonder.
Em: Chaos & the Calm, by James Bay.
See more of Lou and Em's fashion, beauty, travel and lifestyle coverage on their site, A Style Album.
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