Whilst fashionistas the world over battle with tricky trends such as harem pants, peg trousers and slouchy jumpsuits, there is one look this season that is easy to wear with a little creativity and flair.
Dubbed “boyfriend dressing,” this is more than borrowing from your partner or a male friend, it’s about dressing like a man but still retaining the femininity of a woman.
What is Boyfriend Dressing?
2009 sees boyfriend dressing as one of the key trends of the year. It started a few seasons ago with boyfriend jeans (baggy denims) and then the boyfriend cardigan. However, it has morphed into a more sophisticated style, with the boyfriend blazer, which when worn correctly, actually emphasizes the female frame rather than hides it.
Boyfriend dressing is for women who have style. The masculine look is softened with feminine touches such as layers of chains or art deco jewelry. Divas like Katherine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich epitomized the stylish simplicity (yet femininity) of dressing like a man. It is for women with attitude.
Modern day divas who carry off the boyfriend dressing trend well include Madonna, Agnes Deyn, Kate Moss and Gwen Stefani.
The Boyfriend Jacket
An easy way to turn this high-fashion trend into real-life chic is to invest in a boyfriend blazer or jacket, versatile enough to complete any outfit, by giving it a modern look whilst still remainine elegant and dramatic.
Keep it classically tailored and go for oversized and long, in order to emphasize a fragile feminine shape in contrast to the manly cut and broad shoulders of the jacket. Team it with feminine pieces such as a flirty floral dress or playsuit, or denim mini. Throw it over a little black dress to toughen up the look. Alternatively go casual by wearing it over leggings or skinny jeans, just remember to keep the look long and lean. For the very adventurous, use an overly large jacket as a coat dress.
When it comes to mannish dressing its best to go for pale pastels or neutrals to keep the look soft. Despite a masculine cut, the boyfriend jacket can have a feminine edge, with lace, or a pretty scarf, but keep it loose. One example of the best designer boyfriend jackets around is Chloé's cream scalloped-edge blazer, available at Net-a-Porter.
CoCo Chanel and Boyfriend Dressing
Coco Chanel was the first to epitomize boyfriend dressing in the 1920’s with borrowed fishing tweeds (from then boyfriend the Duke of Westminster) and dressed like a country squire, whilst other society women around her were embracing Charlston-fringed dresses. She also borrowed from the boys by wearing masculine sweaters tucked into belted Oxford bags, a look which was revolutionary for women at that time.
How to Carry Off the Boyfriend Dressing Trend
Think oversized blazers, peg-leg pants, faded denims, workman’s vests and trilby’s worn contrasted with gilt chains, feminine pearls and frilly blouses.
- Choose masculine loose jackets, but still with a touch of femininity in one of this season’s blush tones.
- Contrast masculine with feminine. Wear a soft, delicate blouse under a blazer or a tailored suit, or choose a top in a romantic print.
- Emphasize your curves and cleavage with skin-tight t-shirts under baggy jackets, or wear a denim mini or one of this season’s sculpted skirts.
- Layer on jewelry such as gilt chains and cuffs. Pile them high.
- Roll-up trouser legs on peg-leg pants and jeans and show off high-heeled statement shoes. If skyscraper heels are a no-no, then don on a pair of pumps or oxford brogues.
- Scrunch up sleeves on jackets Miami Vice-style and wear them unfastened.
- Instead of a blazer, wear a chic oversized loose fitting shirt.
- Keep your look natural. Forget fake tans and lashings of make-up.
- Accessorize with a luxe leather portfolio or satchel.
The Art of Boyfriend Dressing
Boyfriend dressing does not need to break the bank. Invest in a tailored (oversized blazer) or a baggy shirt and some peg -leg trousers and have fun mixing and matching with feminine pieces or denim. With a little imagination you can work a style which can still allow you to feel ladylike yet gives you lots of attitude!
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
