By ‘borrow from the boys’, I mean both literally and figuratively. So, this week we are looking at adding some menswear pieces into your wardrobe, while also taking style inspiration from items that are more generally associated with masculine attire. I got this idea from the shopping trip I did for my 17-year-old son’s birthday last week. We went into Soho with no particular endgame as to what he would be buying, and we were just seeing what took our fancy. During this trip I saw a load of things that I would personally LOVE in my wardrobe but, being the doting mother, I didn’t spend the whole time buying men’s clothes for myself (I know, unheard of) but I did pick up quite a few ideas. Plus, there is some really cool menswear out there right now. I think we can all take advantage of that, so I’ve snuck in a few items for you to check out.
BAGGY TROUSERS
Well, baggy jeans really. There’s definitely been a move towards looser-fitting denim over the past year or so. Sorry if you’re still married to your skinnies. You don’t have to look at divorce lawyers just yet, but I would advise a trial separation for the foreseeable. This goes for gentlemen as well as ladies. Remember that meme of the four lads in the tightest jeans ever? Well, look at them now.
You can’t tell me they don’t look so much better in the loose-fit denim! You can get men’s jeans for this look, and some brands are now doing unisex styles, but I think that in general the fit of women’s jeans is that little bit better, basically because they haven’t been cut to accommodate the male package. If you are new to baggy jeans, then I can recommend this Uniqlo pair. Not too expensive, and they come in various denim colours. I like to buy the longer length so I can turn up the cuffs.
- River Island Rodeo T shirt
- Hush A.Kjaerbede Lilly Sunglasses
- H&M small denim shoulder bag
- Uniqlo wide straight leg jeans
- Human Made heart knit sweater
- New Balance 9060 trainers
GET THE LINEN LOOK
When we were on holiday last year, my son commandeered my black linen wide-leg trousers. I still can’t fathom how at 6’2 (to my 5’7) he can wear the same trousers as me. The height for teenage boys must be all in the body. I’ve since bought him his own pair, and I will have no qualms about wearing them if mine are in the wash.
- Uniqlo ribbed cropped bra vest top
- Astrid & Miyu silver huggie hoops
- Abercrombie crochet style button up top
- Mango linen wide leg trousers
- All Saints Skylar western buckle belt
- La Redoute leather toe post sandals
KEEP IT KHAKI
A good pair of khaki trousers is a wardrobe staple for both men and women in the summer months. Perfect with sandals and a denim jacket. Although if you are going on a mini break with no way of going home to change, maybe have a look at your male partner/friend before you leave, or you will end up like we did last year. We were the walking embodiment of Howard and Hilda on the streets of Amsterdam.
Matching ensembles aside, khakis and a white T‑shirt is a timeless look, and one (as proven) we can all wear. Next time I will go with a printed T‑shirt just as a point of difference.
- Farm Rio printed organic cotton top
- Polo Ralph Lauren cropped denim jacket (use code KATE25 for 25% off)
- ME + EM tapered utility trousers
- Monica Vinader Wave wrap cuff bracelet
- Fat Face Hattie scoop hobo bag
- Whistles Jemma triple buckle sandals
NOT SO SHORT SHORTS
No hot pants here; instead, let’s have a look at a slightly longer short style favoured by the good gentlemen of Bermuda. Perfect also for any ladies who want a bit more length while still airing their legs. So, dust off the fake tan and get yourself into a pair of these. Wear with a white shirt and a khaki jacket for optimal unisex classic style.
- Hush Alannah white cotton shirt
- Ray Ban unisex square sunglasses
- Arket over-dyed twill over-shirt
- COS longline denim shorts
- John Lewis ANYDAY leather sandals
- Mango double strap basket bag
A LOVELY BIT OF KNIT
I often buy my knitwear from the men’s department. Especially if I’m looking for a slouchy, everyday jumper. Although on two occasions now I have gone halves on a sweater with my husband, only for him to literally wear it every bloody day for the next 3 months, leaving me no time to ‘share’. By the time he’s offered it up for me to wear, I’m sick of the sight of it.
- Howlin’ shaggy bear striped wool sweater
- M&S oval cat eye sunglasses
- Abercrombie high rise wide leg jeans
- Uniqlo Peanuts graphic T shirt
- Sezane Justine basket bag
- LK Bennett Telma white leather sandals
PJs ALL DAY
Ahh, the classic blue-and-white-striped oversized pyjama bottoms. Turns out they’re not just for night-time gentlemen sleepers anymore. In fact, they are very much on trend as daywear for ladies this summer. There are loads on the high street to choose from, or if you know a man who already owns a pair, you can just steal them instead.
- Ganni printed organic cotton t shirt
- Varley embroidered cotton baseball cap
- Stradivarius striped poplin trousers
- Uniqlo small round shoulder bag
- Carhartt Garrison cotton jacket
- Nike grey and red low Blazer 77 trainers
I think it might finally be time to do the winter wardrobe switchover soon. I am going to have another clear out once this happens so keep an eye on my Vinted for the items I can’t justify keeping for another summer. Nothing much up there now but I will be listing some more this week.
K x
