At New York Fashion Week, designer Brandon Maxwell (yes, he of the Lady Gaga "meat dress" fame) did something that surprised the whole industry: he debuted a men's collection, ostensibly after his partner, Jessy Price, asked him to make him a shirt.
Baggy not daggy … stylist Olivia Palermo (left) and fashion editor Sarah Harris at New York Fashion Week.Credit:Getty Images
I, too, had my own Jessy Price moment last Friday when I found myself, unexpectedly, at my partner's house without the proverbial overnight bag. But unlike Price, my partner isn't a designer (but gee, wouldn't that be convenient?), so I grabbed his Country Road windcheater, threw on my black jeans and stilettos and, voila, my walk of shame (can you even call it that at six months?) was concealed.
And while I have always been a fan of Maxwell and his bigger-than-Texas glam, it was the menswear pieces I was most obsessively ogling after his show (as well as a "Bradley who?" Irina Shayk sashaying down the catwalk in a cutout black maxi-dress).
The two incidents got me thinking about shopping the menswear department, and why, when it comes to certain garments, it just makes more sense.
Men's T-shirts are better
There is a good reason why T-shirts cut for guys often feel better than women's styles (and they're often cheaper, hello "pink tax"). Country Road's head of womenswear design, Maria Rinaldi-Cant, says men's tees are usually cut with a drop shoulder and longer hem, meaning they will more likely cover your bottom, should you wish to wear it longer with leather leggings, or as a pseudo T-shirt dress (chunky '80s leather belt optional). For other great options, try: Nudie Jeans, Bassike, Neuw, J.Crew at David Jones.
Don't discount their pants, too
Just because men have extra, er, parts to women, doesn't mean we can't wear their pants, if you know how to pick the right style (or have a good tailor). Rinaldi-Cant says many women dig Country Road's men's wool "travel" pants, paired back with a women's blazer or knit jacket. Some styles of slim-leg moto-style jeans or drawstring drill pants would also work, if the tailored idea is a no-go. Brands to try: Academy Brand, Jac & Jack, Nique.
Their sneakers are sometimes less … girly
While most brands have moved away from the "blue is for guys" mentality, sometimes athletic brands can still resort to some pretty gendered tropes around colour. If you're blessed with a larger foot, there is nothing stopping you from shopping the men's range in your favourite sneaker.
Julia Roberts turned Richard Gere’s shirt into a style moment in Pretty Woman.
Slouchy suiting you can customise
Calibre designer Phuong Vo has this advice for women seeking to shop the men's suiting range, especially with this season's soft pastels giving way to bolder shades of tomato, cobalt and coral (hello, Melbourne Cup). He says the amount of tailoring to make a men's suit a good fit or a woman "depends on the person and the fit of the garment. I love our tailoring on women to be not too 'overdone' – it's not supposed to be completely fitted from bust to waist [but] still the strong shoulder, shaping through the body – we shouldn't be altering it too much." Also, if you are considering this option, ask your tailor for a quote first, as it might end up being as much as the suit.
You can recreate an iconic scene
Remember when Carrie wore Mr Big's shirt as a dress in Sex and the City, or when Julia Roberts wears Richard Gere's shirt in Pretty Woman? Women have been wearing men's shirts forever, so keeping it fresh is all in the styling. Belts are back, so cinch the waist, throw on a white sneaker and you're in business.
Get the look
Pretend you're shopping for the guy in your life, and then pocket the spoils.
Country Road, $129Credit:countryroad.com.au
Nanushka, $1105Credit:nanushka.com
COS, $335Credit:cosstores.com
Hansen & Gretel, $289Credit:hansenandgretel.com
Neuw Denim, $150Credit:neuwdenim.com
Source: Read Full Article