Literal Menswear

One of my favorite actresses, Sharon Stone in one of her best looks, her husband's white Gap shirt ;)

Take a trip down movie memory lane with me. Think back to the height of romantic comedy, circa 2001, to a movie called Someone Like You. That iconic scene where Ellen Barkin saunters in donning a cerulean blue man's oxford shirt, much to the chagrin of "old cow" Ashley Judd, is definitely a memorable one. What happens between Barkin & Judd is one thing...for now, lets talk about the shirt ;)... How electric she looked in her man's shirt; there's an innate sex appeal in the actual thing... Sharon Stone never looked better than she did at the 1998 Oscars in her then husband's white oxford shirt and Vera Wang wrap skirt. There's no doubt about it, menswear is very sexy, and with testosterone inspired digs dominating fashion again, you may be invading your love's closet for some pieces you can feminize ;)

• The button up shirt:With high waisted skirts and super cinching belts paired with dramatic blouses and billowing silhouttes of moment, incorporating your man's button up into your look really works now. Take advantage of the longer sleeves, and the fuller bodice...use things like brooches to tailor and add femininity to an ordinary shirt. Take advantage of you and your hubby's differences in size. If your man's clothes fit really loosely, rolled sleeves and a nice belt can look great as a shirt dress or a thin blazer over a cocktail dress.
• The t-shirt: This is probably the most versatile piece your man has to offer. If your man's clothes are dramatically bigger, a t-shirt looks very sexy paired with a belt, a leather jacket and heels. If you guys are closer in size, wear his shirt in place of yours but feminize the feel of it by pairing it with a vest, leggings or a belt.
• Sweaters and Sweatshirts: Sweaters like t-shirts can always double as a dress when belted. But, probably my favorite literal menswear piece is hands down the zippered hoodie. When you think of a hoodie you probably don't think ultra-feminine fashion, but its a great piece that can look very fashion forward. In cableknits and fabrics like wool, and tones like browns and henleys, a zippered hoodie makes great "boho chic" outerwear. It works belted or unbelted depending on the look you're going for
• Hats, Belts, and other stuff: Fedoras, belts, and scarves, are all things that can always be used to accessorize a menswear look. Ties are especially versatile.

Belts, belts, belts!!!! I must have mentioned them at least 10 times during this post alone, and they're the key to making your literal menswear look femme and chic. Of course, there's grand sex appeal in baring a shoulder in a shapeless but sexy male dig a la Ellen Barkin, but for now with the falling temps, and the return of the feminine silhoutte don't forget your belt! Take good care of all the jewels you borrow and remember not to manipulate your man's clothes too much ;). They still belong to him no matter how GREAT they look on you!!! LOVE

What is the Old Cow? Check out Someone Like You if you don't already know. This is a great romantic comedy with GOOD actors! LOVE