This fall, we’re going to be living in a man’s world—well, at least when it comes to our closets. As soon as we caught site of this season’s boyfriend jeans and jackets, we were dying to join the boys’ club. We’ve long coveted (okay, borrowed and accidentally perfumed) our boyfriends’ flannel button-ups and perfectly worn-in t-shirts.
But these laid back, oversized pieces have a certain just-threw-this-on appeal. So we’ve made our official wish list, complete with plenty of affordable options that ooze that relaxed menswear vibe.
We plan to pair our finds with feminine pieces, or at least fitted staples that show off our curves, to avoid looking like our boyfriends’ younger brothers. A few words of warning: Take measures to ensure that he doesn’t start raiding your closet.
1. The Blazer: The oversized boyfriend blazer has made its triumphant return from the ’80s, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. To balance the masculine feel, we’ll be pairing ours with floaty chiffon pieces and dresses sure to bring a certain light, swingy movement to the look. We love this single-button jacket, fresh from Piperlime’s new apparel selection, because it boasts rouched detailing on the sleeves. We love that they’ve taken care of the requisite pushing up of the sleeves for us. Genius! Tristan Boyfriend Jacket, Central Park West, $155, piperlime.com.
2. The T-Shirt: Why are his t-shirts always softer, lighter and more comfortable than yours? Perhaps because he’s worn them, stretched them and lived in them until they’re just right. That’s why this feathered boyfriend tee caught our eyes. You’ll get the same subtle draping and softness you love, sans the silly graphics your man gravitates toward. Plus, the retro feel of the felt-flocked feather detail lends an extra layer of cozy cool to this cotton tee. Feather Boyfriend Tee, Aqua, $37.80, bloomingdales.com.
3. The Belt: His or hers? This understated leather belt from Banana Republic would work just as well paired with his office garb as it would cinched over your favorite billowy dress. Double-Prong Belt in Cognac, Banana Republic, $50, bananarepublic.com.
4. The Dress Shirt: We’ve long known that his favorite button-up dress shirts look better on us than they do on him. Not to mention, as he has reminded us time and time again, there’s something so undeniably sexy about a lady wearing one of her man’s dress shirts. It is for these very reasons that we can justify immediately purchasing this boyfriend shirt with ultra-thin stripes (for less than $20!). Boyfriend Shirt, Lily White, $19.99, alloy.com.
5. The Bag: Some would call it a man purse (murse for short). We call it an accessory to lust after. And when we toss this leather camera bag over our shoulders while donning ultra-feminine dresses, we’ll just call it perfection. Tumbled Leather Camera Bag, Banana Republic, $148, bananarepublic.com.
6. The Updated Oxford: These lace-up oxfords may have taken a cue from traditional men’s footwear, but there is nothing macho about these heels. We’re smitten with the feminine, streamlined and much less clunky take on this traditional style. Lace-Up Oxford, Matisse, $120, victoriassecret.com.
7. The Boyfriend Jean: We first took notice of this look on Katie Holmes and instantly fell for the idea of jeans that would actually allow us to breathe freely. Needless to say, we’re happily embracing this trend—a welcome reprieve from the confines of skinny jeans. While versions of the rolled-up boyfriend jean have completely inundated the market, this super-affordable pair from Old Navy is calling our names. The Weekend Jean, Old Navy, $19, oldnavy.com.
