Diane Keaton did it.
Demi Moore did it.
Molly Ringwald did it.
Now, students across campus are doing it. But this time, they are doing it tight and lacey. The women’s fitted-vest — it’s back and frillier than ever. Menswear, which includes slouchy trousers, vests and blazers, is a hot item for fashion this fall. But as stylish as these items can be, incorporating the trend into even the most stylish wardrobes can be difficult.
The key is to keep an outfit minimal by wearing only one piece of menswear. This is not the Annie Hall look of the days long gone. And believe it or not, there is a quite a bit of sex appeal in these pieces — as long as each piece is tailored to feminine curves rather than manly bulk.
Annie Hlavacek, a senior in textiles and apparel management, said this trend requires looking at fashion differently.
“When dealing with what is traditionally known as menswear on women, one has to take into consideration that these types of garments have been modernized with under- and over-exaggeration in width and fit,” Hlavacek said.
The easiest way to address this trend is to pick one or two of the following items and layer them with wardrobe staples like jeans and T-shirts.
VestsThis is the most simple piece to throw into the mix, by far, for the most classic dresser to the funkiest fashionista. The vest is also Hlavacek’s favorite piece.
“It flatters just about anyone and can be conservative or provocative, depending on the cut and the shape or placement of darts in creating fit,” Hlavacek said. “Vests are extremely interchangeable and versatile from day to night, dressed down to up.”
For a clean look, simple, solid vests appeared on the runway with button-down shirts or Henleys and pants.
“Personally, I think vests look best with slim, lean jeans or pants, whether it be day or night,” Hlavacek said. “Vests look great with jeans tucked in boots — it’s very polished.”
To avoid ending up looking like everyone else or to save an extra penny, head to the thrift store or the Salvation Army — after all, keeping the ’80s in mind, vests aren’t exactly a new fashion.
TrousersJust think slouchy, slouchy and — OK — slouchy. A thick-banded waist emphasizes the female curves as the trouser flows out over the hips to the floor. Although trousers have a masculine feel, Hlavacek finds they compliment the female body when worn correctly.
“High-waisted pants are great in lengthening legs,” she said. “You want these to fit at the natural waist — about the belly button.”
Trousers can be won casually with low-heeled shoes or with round-toed pumps for a more formal look, which may be necessary, as most of the trousers this season could be classified as “extra-long.”
Double-Breasted JacketsPerfect for a cool day worn over a pair of jeans and flat boots, the double-breasted jacket is a fashion statement recycled decade after decade. However, designers have reinvented the jacket a bit with a new spin on an old classic by using fabrics like tweed and cropping it. These jackets, according to Hlavacek, can be worn with different outfits.
Hlavacek recommends pairing jackets with fall wardrobe items.
“Jackets paired with skinny jeans is a great look, day or night,” she said. “You can play with this look by changing the shirt underneath or the accessories to be more activity-appropriate.”
Dale Eramo, a senior in texile and apparel management, said he believes menswear is a great look for women this fall.
“I have always thought there is nothing sexier then a woman putting on a man’s dress shirt or wearing his boxers,” he said. “That’s the real sex appeal of women in menswear.”
Although their reasons are different, Eramo and Hlavacek agree that menswear is a big hit this fall.
