Menswear: A Guide For Women

While watching Ocean’s Eleven, I was struck by the fashion. It was just as good as the story line. George Clooney as Danny Ocean was perfect throughout the whole movie…not hard for him to achieve as he is a Grade A smoking hot babe actor. Both he and his right-hand man “Rusty Ryan” (Brad Pitt) stole each scene, looking incredible in finely tailored suits, tuxes and sportswear.

I particularly loved all of the light-coloured suits that Brad Pitt wore so effortlessly while constantly eating junk food throughout the movie (anyone else notice that??). And how about Clooney in his tux when he’s released from prison? Mr. Ocean is setting the bar very high, right down to the simple gold wedding band and classic, understated watch. I even have to give it to Terry Benedict. I don’t think anyone else could wear a $5,000 Mandarin-collared suit like him. He just looks like money.

Me to husband: “You know..that is NOT FAIR.”
Husband: “What?? The fact that you aren’t married to Clooney?”
Me: “Ummm no. I mean “yes”. I mean… the menswear! That’s what! It’s just better. The fabrics, the classicism, the cuts, the design. And you get to wear fun stuff like tie clips and cuff links and pocket squares!”
Husband: “I know, right?? And STOP SALIVATING OVER CLOONEY!”

That movie really stuck with me and got me thinking. I want to look like this. I want to wear menswear and put my own feminine twist on classic suits and basic staples. I did a little research on the wardrobing for this film and discovered that BAFTA-winning costume designer Jeffrey Kurland designed each piece for each character in Ocean’s Eleven. His work was so on point that he received an Oscar nomination for his efforts. Not surprising.

A lot of us seem stumped on how to pull off menswear without it looking costume-y. So, I thought I’d make a guide for us ladies on how to rock a menswear look while still being a lady. Read on!

Get yourself a pant suit. A good one.

Find yourself a suit that is finely cut. The blazer should fit properly at the shoulders, nipped in at the waist (unless you are going for that boyfriend fit) and fit smoothly at the back of the collar. There is an array of pants you can choose from too. Cropped, relaxed, skinny, boot cut…as long as they fit properly, you’re golden.

Want to freshen up the suit? Add a loose-fit white t-shirt under the blazer. Pair a white blazer with boyfriend jeans. Whatever you do, keep the look clean and rock your signature look!

Loafers are a girls best friend.

While shopping at Gucci (wow, I never get to say that), I fell in love with their classic menswear-inspired shoes for women. The Gucci Jordaan Loafers are classics that look great on everyone. Pair a tobacco-coloured pair with cropped, navy wool pants and a white boyfriend tee for maximum Italian chic.

Tie One On

Don’t be afraid of ties! They look amazing on us ladies and will definitely set you apart from the crowd. I would always wear one with a complete suit. I find pairing a tie with only a shirt can make you look like that person who did not buy the entire suit. The exception is tieing one onto a fitted chambray shirt. I saw a girl wearing a tartan tie with a chambray shirt, tucked into a flared skirt. WOW. Amazing.

Cuff It

A shirt with French cuffs speaks directly to my heart. Even better? Get a French cuffed Banker’s shirt. I steal those by Harry Rosen from my husband, to his mild dismay.

Neutrals Are The New Black

For summer, opt for suits in light colours such as white, khaki or even pale pink. Perfect for the warm weather, they look more appropriate at work and weddings unless you work in a very conservative setting such as a law office).

The classic white shirt

The workhorse of the wardrobe, the classic white button-down shirt is a worthy investment for anyone. It looks perfect under a suit, paired with a blazer and jeans and on its own with a great pair of pants or a skirt. Add a long version to your wardrobe too and cinch the waist with a belt. Voilà! Shirt dress!  Remember, buy up and not out. Buy one great quality white shirt and it will last you a long time. You’ll be laughing all the way to the back with all the money you save…or spend your savings on…

Fun Accessories

Go all out with your menswear look and add some traditional accessories like ties, tie bars and pocket squares. They really elevate your look and sharpen things up!

Do you like menswear? Which menswear pieces do you like sporting? Do tell in the comments!