Photos / Supplied
For years now, women have been unabashedly borrowing looks straight out of men's wardrobes. And for good reason: sometimes nothing beats going back to the classics.
Coco Chanel pioneered womenswear back in the 20s, when she outrageously donned mannish-looking designs, all very unconventional back then.
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Fast forward to now and women continue to be inspired by the sharp tailoring and cut found in menswear.
What I love about masculine-inspired chic for women is how key pieces, once traditionally worn only by men, have been completely re-invented by the women who wear them. With a confident attitude, women have added their own, uniquely feminine touch.
I always think back to that powerful, iconic image taken by Helmet Newton in 1975 of the female model wearing the "Le Smoking" tuxedo suit designed by Yves Saint Laurent.
Saint Laurent once brilliantly observed that while "Fashions fade...style is eternal" and this still resonates today.
Great style is all about the details and sharp tailoring will always be your best friend.
Man-style, tailored separates simply add an instant "cool factor" to your look, making them timeless wardrobe staples.
Here are some essential pieces you'll need if you want to nail the "borrowed from the boys" look.
The gorgeous Claude coat from Maurie and Eve is a must-have addition to your new-season wardrobe.
I love the versatility of this piece. It can be dressed up for evening or easily made casual when teamed with a pair of jeans. The neutral camel colour makes it work with pretty much anything. While the essence of this coat, with its peaked lapel collar, stems straight from menswear, the easy drape of the fabric and its softly structured tailoring give it a truly luxe and undeniably feminine appeal.
Maurie and Eve Claude coat: $359
Available from Smith & Caughey's
Women look incredible when they wear a beautifully cut suit as androgynous chic will always make you stand out. Zambesi's silver tuxedo suit, the Ms Black jacket and sleek Knife trouser worn with the sexy little Goddette halter top bring the wow-factor. This immaculately tailored, metallic number will easily up the glam stakes at any function.
Ms Black jacket $1095
Knife trouser $495
Godette halter $400
Challenge tee (worn underneath) $155
All from Zambesi
The blazer is my number one must-have piece to save the day. Juliette Hogan's collarless black Nixon jacket is worn here with her silk Dresden jumpsuit. I adore the super comfy, "too cool for school" and relaxed attitude of this look. It's casual but still smart, and subtle details such as the beautiful sheen of the jacket's fabric add a feminine element.
Nixon jacket $499
Dresden jumpsuit $549
All from Juliette Hogan
Everyone needs a good collection of well-tailored shirts at the ready to mix and match with other separates. Taylor's Bryant shirt is a great example of the classic boy-meets-girl cool. This stylish cotton shirt is mannish tailoring at its best. Worn here with Taylor's Integral pant in ink, this is such a practical and yet sharp look.
Bryant shirt $427
Integral pant $340
All from Taylor
If you have a great set of pins, why not flaunt them? This season, Kate Sylvester gives us the sophisticated tailored short. Her Caprice shorts worn here with the Fausta cardigan are cut to flatter. Complete with man-style pleats and pockets, the whole look channels the man-style trend, yet remains fiercely feminine.
Caprice shorts $295
Fausta cardigan $245
All from Kate Sylvester
Nothing defines man-style attitude more than wonderfully tailored pants. From slouchy to fitted, there's such an array to choose from. Helen Cherry always includes a great tailored pant in her collections and her new season's offerings don't fail. I've added her fitted grey wool culottes as they are so classic and yet bang on trend.
Wool culottes $449
Valencia shirt $479
All from Helen Cherry
There's something quintessentially chic about a beautifully cut vest. The elongating effect a vest has on the silhouette might be the reason why vests are so flattering. The FCUK long line sleeveless vest, worn here with their pleated back shirt and skinny-leg black denim jeans, is masculine-inspired minimalism with a feminine twist.
Pleat back shirt $119.90
Longline sleeveless vest $159.90
Skinny-leg denim jean $159.90
All from FCUK
Getting the look is easy thanks to fab accessories. Try a man-style shoe but in a fun, metallic tone, such as Mi Piaci's silver Aladdin brogue. To add a bit of drama, always go for a bold lip. I'm partial to YSL's Rouge Pur Couture lipstick in Classic Red. Or opt for a man style, chunky watch, such as Mimco's gold Sportivo Timepeace.
And if in doubt, bring back the glam with some high-voltage heels. I'm partial to Stuart Weitzman's blue Nudist heeled sandal. My motto is always, if in doubt, wear sky-high heels to bring a splash of femininity to the mix.
Clockwise from left:
Yves Saint Laurent lipstick $59
Available at selected department stores and pharmacies
Stuart Weitzman Nudist heel $590
From Runway Shoes
MIMCO Sportivo Timepeace $279
From Mimco
Aladdin brogue $240
From Mi Piaci
• Maurie and Eve available from Smith and Caughey's
• zambesistore.com
• juliettehogan.com
• taylorboutique.co.nz
• katesylvester.com
• Helen Cherry available from Workshop
• frenchconnection.com.au
• mipiaci.co.nz
• Yves Saint Laurent cosmetics available from selected department stores, Farmers and pharmacies
• mimco.com.au
• witchery.com.au
• Stuart Weitzman available from Runway Shoes