TO BE more of a trendy woman, you have to dress like your man.
I'm not talking about the '80s extreme look (think Eurythmics and power suits with mega shoulder pads).
This current man-or-woman incarnation is much more subtle.
The idea behind the look is that you're at your boyfriend's house and you're looking for something to wear.
You spot his stuff, slip it on and slink out of the house.
You're a sexy, confident woman with enough gusto to rock his clothes.
It may seem like a music video but it's a trend that big girls can embrace.
Clothes are looser, more relaxed.
This is not to say the clothes are baggy. They just have more space to breathe.
The hottest fashion item now is the boyfriend jeans.
These are the anti-skinny jeans.
They're snug at the hips but relaxed down the legs, like straight-cut jeans but with a sassy attitude.
Trendy to tragic
Turn up your jeans at the bottom and expose the ankles. But nothing higher, please.
If it hits mid-calf, you've gone from trendy to tragic.
And as expected, just as the world is embracing the boyfriend jeans, the boyfriend jacket appears.
It operates on the same principle of having a relaxed look.
The jacket is longer and more boxy, and it is almost always in a dark shade.
Wear it over a dress for the best effect. Play with colours too.
If it's all the same colour, it'll look like you are fashion clueless.
Wear it over a print or a bright colour, and you're 2009.
But here is the most important thing I can share with you: If you're wearing boyfriend, keep it feminine.
Match the outfit with a nice belt, or fabulous handbag.
And never, ever wear both the boyfriend jacket and the boyfriend jeans together because you'll look like a hobo.
This trend is so hot now it'll probably self-combust in a matter of months, so get on the bandwagon quickly.
And don't bother spending too much. Unless, of course, you can afford it.
- GET THE LOOK BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE
RUSHING-FOR-WORK LOOK THE boyfriend jacket may be good for clubbing (imagine all the things it'll hold), but it's great for work. If your office is cold, you can keep warm. If you need to look professional, you're in a jacket. For work, pair it with a serious dress. The twist in this Dorothy Perkins dress is the polka dot print, which adds a bit of whimsy. Add a dash of colour with a bright belt. I think it's never a good idea to wear a boyfriend jacket with pants. That's way too '80s for my liking. How much:
Boyfriend jacket $116
Polka dot dress $89
Faux croc belt $23
All from Dorothy Perkins, Wisma Atria (Tel: 6733 9893) SHOP WITH THE GIRLS' LOOK THIS is a look that suggests that while you're out with the girls, you're still thinking of your man. Cult brand Citizens of Humanity has a pair of jeans called Boyfriend Jeans, so that eliminates the guesswork. Wear it with a thin cotton T-shirt for that comfy vibe and throw everything else into a big handbag. How much:
Citizens of Humanity jeans $549
Dirty Italian Job T-shirt $169
Ferre handbag $659
Available at Bread & Butter, Wisma Atria (Tel: 6235 4469) JUST-OUT-OF-BED LOOK A WOMAN went into a Levi's store and asked for a pair of men's 501 jeans. She didn't want the women's version because she wanted the real thing. The 501 is legendary for being sexy, and it works for women too. Choose a pair that's slightly faded. And if you're buying vintage, get one that is not too distressed. Team it with a pair of gladiator shoes and shades, and you're ready to turn heads at the roti prata stall. How much:
501 jeans $169.90
Tank top $39.90
Sunglasses $79.90
All from Levi's This article was first published in The New Paper. |
