What: Menswear styling for women this fall with tailored jackets and pants in traditional colors kicked up with a bit of feminine detail, like this Marc Jacobs look, far left.
What the Fashion heads say: From Vogue: The borrowed-from-the-boys look takes on a more refined quality and cut for a woman’s shape. Key pieces: collegiate jackets, frock coats, vests, wide pants and tuxedo styling.
What I say: Smart tailored jackets and pants have become a classic women’s look, right? I can’t quite figure out why then, as it comes and goes season after season, we continue to call it “menswear for women.” At any rate, it’s a do for fall, but remember the key to keeping it modern is in the details. Punch up the traditional look with a bold colored blouse or pumps, or sleek leather gloves, to make it very ’07. For a budget-friendly version, Tahari by ASL (at Macy‘s) has the right idea: a strong suit kicked up with a soft paisley belt.
Founded in 2003, TBF is a fashion blog dedicated to helping you live your best for less. We give you the 411 on the latest fashion trends & tips and sample sales. 
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I LOVE this look! I bought my navy blazer in the boy’s section of Ralph Lauren and will be bying another one from Brooks Bros. Love your blog by the way! Stop by mine anytime http://iwantajobinfashion.blogspot.com/ Bisous!
It’s called the 1940s look. Think Katherine Hepburn, Lauren Bacall. It was a “big” scandal when Kate first wore pants albeit wide-leg pants. Like TBF said, it just keeps repeating year after year. It’s a classic and will never go out of style. Can’t go wrong.
I love this look. It reminds me of SJP’s style.
http://blackstylecentral.blogspot.com
I agree with you TBF. We’ve seen the so called “menswear for women” look for at least the past two fall seasons. I guess the fashion mags have to give the look a name so that’s the one they’re sticking with.
And Susanna, don’t knock your “harried bureaucrat” look. With all the election frenzy in the US, you may just start a new trend! LOL
I love the tailored ‘menswear for women’ look! My only problem is I can’t figure out how to make it figure flattering on me. I’m a complete square, no waist, no hips, giant bust.
I really like the look too! I think it became a lot more popular because it’s common to see women in the professional/business world scene these days. It’s a very sophisticated style. I’ve seen a lot of the outfits in higher end department stores like Lord and Taylor.
This is how a LOT of professional women dress every day and they have been doing it for decades. To keep from looking boxy, use feminine accessories and wear a belt and a strong eye or lip. Don’t wear the super-fab high heeled oxford booties I know we’ll all be buying with trousers and a blazer or you will look like a womanish man. I love the combo of camel and gray in the accessories. Can’t wait for fall! Real clothes!!
It is somewhat amusing that this is a “look.” As Miss Vreeland said above, many professional women have been dressing like this for ages, and don’t really have much choice! Corporate fields like law and finance can still be extremely traditional, leaving many of us feeling like we have to wear the same boring suit and accessories every day. I think perhaps the greatest thing about “menswear” being in style again is that all the magazines will give us some fresh new ideas that will perk up our stagnant work wardrobes! Yay!!!