PHOTO: COURTESY NEED SUPPLY CO/ I AM & CO
Each year, award show season brings buzzing news of glamorous red carpet goddesses in gowns. But what’s really making us buzz is the proliferation of menswear-inspired looks taking over the celebrity circuit. While tuxedos and ties that look dapper on the red carpet may be too much for everyday, we’ve rounded up a selection of pieces that draw inspiration from classic menswear styles that you can incorporate into your daily looks to feel powerful and put-together.
Photo: Courtesy Zara
Zara Double Breasted Blazer
$149 at time of publication
The 2019 Oscars red carpet was awash in strong suiting looks, and we’re not just talking about the men. 15-year old Elsie Fisher, star of the film Eighth Grade, wore a tuxedo as part of her head-to-toe look by American designer Thom Browne, who’s known specifically for his distinctive suit styling. Other attendees, including, Amy Poehler, donned suits for the occasion as well. For the rest of us, suiting’s more recent iterations in solid colors keeps the outfits looking modern. The double-breasted suit tends to feel stuffy, but this Zara version, with a blazer and matching pant in a sunny yellow, feels fresh for spring.
This suit is available at Zara.com
Photo: Courtesy Saks Fifth Avenue
Tibi Astor Suspender Pants
$209 at time of publication
Singer and actress Janelle Monae has made a name for herself by wearing suits almost exclusively on the red carpet. What elevates her looks, however, is her choice of smart accessories. Take a cue from the multi-hyphenate by mixing suspenders into your styling rotation. Classic ones were made to replace belts by clipping onto belt loop, but more modern versions are attached to trousers, with the option to remove if you wish. Try wearing them over a classic white tee to make the accessories stand out, or they can taken off the shoulders and draped below the waist for a cooler, edgier look.
These pants are available at SaksFifthAvenue.com
Photo: Courtesy Bloomingdales
Wayf Goodwin Pinstripe Blazer
$128 at time of publication
Pinstripe is a classic suiting print, which can range from subtle to bold, and instantly elevates otherwise unexciting staple pieces like trousers, jackets, and even skirts and dresses. Vertical lines elongate the form and work best on items with structure or defined shape. Pinstripe looks have been spotted on celebrities of the Instagram-famous variety, like Shay Mitchell and Emily Ratajkowski. While oversized suiting is trending as of late, lighter colors and updated styling can keep the motif feeling youthful and less like you’ve raided your father’s closet. This matching set from Bloomgindales is the perfect mix of classic and modern, in a pastel shade with shorts instead of pants.
This set is available at Bloomingdales.com
Photo: Courtesy Free People
Free People Carnaby Pant
$78 at time of publication
Plaid is another classic print that, despite its Scottish origins, has taken a stronghold in classic American menswear styles. Stay away from color schemes that mingle red with black and green to avoid looking like you’re on your way to a holiday party in April. To make plaid feel more feminine, take a cue from Kate Middleton, who last month wore a fit and flare dress in the print on a visit to a museum in Scotland (how fitting!). Gingham, which could be considered a micro-version of standard plaid, has made its rounds as another trend for this spring. Try pairing a straight-leg or slim pant in plaid or gingham back to a crisp white shirt for a look that’s clean but still fresh.
These pants are available at FreePeople.com
Photo: Courtesy Everlane
Everlane Chore Jacket
$68 at time of publication
Workwear silhouettes have taken the market by storm over recent seasons. A jacket like this one from Everlane, with it’s boxy cut and structured twill fabric, pairs well with culottes or jeans for a look that’s instantly put-together without trying too hard. It’s versatile enough to wear as a third piece during the winter (and looks particularly sharp paired back to pants in a matching color), but it can also be your everyday coat once the weather warms up. Pair it will a classic tee on casual days, or throw it on to dress down a feminine dress.
This jacket is available at Everlane.com
Photo: Courtesy Need Supply Co.
Ganni Clark Jumpsuit
$140 at time of publication
Jumpsuits are another workwear inspired piece that once again makes getting dressed an absolute breeze. Add a few versatile one-pieces to your closet to account for those morning when you’ve slept in, or just can’t be bothered to put your energy into styling a full look. Actress Melissa McCarthy set an elegant example in a black and white jumpsuit on the Oscars red carpet this past Sunday. Hers used a chic leather belt to define her natural waist, which made her legs look miles long. This one from Danish brand Ganni, also has a belted silhouette for a flattering fit, and looks just as cool with sleek ankle boots and it does with sneakers.
This jumpsuit is available at NeedSupply.com
Photo: Courtesy Urban Outfitters
The East Order Inka Blazer
$159 at time of publication
The right blazer will make you look and feel like an absolute boss. Looking to dress to impress your coworkers? A classic blazer, one that’s fully lined in a timeless black wool, will do the trick. To keep from appearing too formal, try wearing a blazer with a mismatched bottom, like dark-wash denim or a trouser with a minimal stripe. Gigi Hadid recently stepped out during Paris fashion week wearing an oversized blazer, but balanced it with skinny jeans and sleek knee high boots. For warmer weather or more casual encounters, try one that’s unlined, in a trendy pastel shade, or part of a flirty set ala Cher Horowitz.
This blazer is available at UrbanOutfitters.com
Photo: Courtesy Need Supply Co.
Farrow Aimee Shirt Dress
$108 at time of publication
Shirting fabrics have this magical ability to make the wearer look like they have it all together, albeit with minimal effort. Long gone are the days of your dad’s starched striped shirts - they’ve been replaced by pieces with modern tie details and magically transformed into sleek dresses. This style is also essentially seasonless - wear it on its own when it’s warm, and in the winter it can be layered under a sweater with the collar out. The tie waist on this dress from Farrow gives it a flattering shape while still having a relaxed vibe.
This dress is available at NeedSupply.com
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