I am not sure why but today I really felt like being a boy. Perhaps this longing is because of all of the menswear shows that have been passing in front of my eyes. The weather is cold. I really want to wear what my brothers and my boyfriends in college used to wear in the winter. The warm wools, sweaters, vests, pants and coats that drape the figures of the men walking across my screen are much more of a draw than the increasing references to SS 2017 womenswear that pops up as I try to read (without these uninvited interruptions) the reviews coming in from London and Milan. As boundaries blur, I do admit I find myself attracted more and more to what is being produced by designers in their menswear collections. I find I enjoy watching the videos of the shows much more than viewing still photos of each look. It is also interesting to me the kind of music that is chosen and who is cast to walk in the show and carry forward the inspiration and vision of the designer.
I feel a desire for, and my muse lately Miuccia Prada says it perfectly, “humanity, simplicity, reality”. This desire was the inspiration for her grounded and earthy corduroy and leather constructed collection for men with a few looks for women thrown in for good measure too. While watching the Prada show, accessories made of organic materials: twigs, crystals and shells as well as the silhouettes made me daydream about the 70’s. Vests, caps like John Lennon wore (in leather), pants, shirts, everyday sweaters were what my boyfriend and his friends wore to school. It just makes me feel grounded.
Also satisfying were the garments that came from the always nonchalant and elegant hand of Angela Missoni. Maybe it was the relaxed and slightly geeky look of the models, in the Missoni show , some wearing glasses, that attracted me. I do have to say though I felt a tactile desire to be wrapped in the layers of mohair, camel, alpaca and cashmere sweaters, jackets, pants and scarves like the men were. Maybe it was the satisfying checks and plaids and 70’s referenced look of the clothes. Maybe because the colors were dark and rich. Maybe it was the little bit of a Japanese influence with abstract and blurred patterns that recalled ‘kasuri’ textiles. But I think it was because the caps were perfect, and just the right look for someone who felt like they wanted to be a boy.
Do you ever wear, or wish you could wear menswear?
Absolutely. And I often do.
Yes, I used to wear my father’s clothes.He had an absolutely amazing grey coat¡¡.
Yes, I used to wear my father’s clothes.He had an absolutely amazing grey coat¡¡.
As Yohji Yamamoto said: “When I started making clothes for my line Y’s in 1977, all I wanted was for women to wear men’s clothes. […] A pair of brilliantly cut cotton trousers can be more beautiful than a gorgeous silk gown.”
What a brilliantly written post! I felt fully immersed into the "fashion show" of the senses you were describing with colors, textures, fabrics, movement and style. I remembered all you described. Menswear was ( and often still is) styled to show off the luxury of each chosen fabric; to look fluid and elegant; easy and rich; understated yet so present. You could mix and match pieces and always look effortlessly put together. I loved stovepipe trousers in menswear fabrics, belted with an alligator belt, cashmere tops, and covered with a simple, unembellished draping coat that moved with my every move but always returned to its straight, simple design when I stood still –as if the bottom of the coat was somehow weighted to keep it’s handsome, masculine edge. Your post took me to a great place for awhile, Lyn. I truly enjoyed it.
What a brilliantly written post! I felt fully immersed into the "fashion show" of the senses you were describing with colors, textures, fabrics, movement and style. I remembered all you described. Menswear was ( and often still is) styled to show off the luxury of each chosen fabric; to look fluid and elegant; easy and rich; understated yet so present. You could mix and match pieces and always look effortlessly put together. I loved stovepipe trousers in menswear fabrics, belted with an alligator belt, cashmere tops, and covered with a simple, unembellished draping coat that moved with my every move but always returned to its straight, simple design when I stood still –as if the bottom of the coat was somehow weighted to keep it’s handsome, masculine edge. Your post took me to a great place for awhile, Lyn. I truly enjoyed it.
I’ll go back to the links for the shows you posted, but didn’t need to look to respond to you query. YES, I am often more attracted to menswear… I scour websites forewomen shoes with wingtip toes, my clothes are mostly solid, stripes, plaids, or textured (allowing for bigger scale jewelry). In the early eighties, I was fortunate enough to visit the flea markets in Florence…I purchased numerous skinny leather ties for myself. I agree the quality, strength, and structure of the garments provides for the grounding you mention. Could this also be connected our involvement in the movements of the 60’s & 70’s??? Maybe further back with Kate Hepburn…wide legged trousers and topstitching to die for. As always Lyn, thank you for the brief but satisfying intermission in my life…I’m feeling a bit more commitment to my preferences. Kathy O.
I’ll go back to the links for the shows you posted, but didn’t need to look to respond to you query. YES, I am often more attracted to menswear… I scour websites forewomen shoes with wingtip toes, my clothes are mostly solid, stripes, plaids, or textured (allowing for bigger scale jewelry). In the early eighties, I was fortunate enough to visit the flea markets in Florence…I purchased numerous skinny leather ties for myself. I agree the quality, strength, and structure of the garments provides for the grounding you mention. Could this also be connected our involvement in the movements of the 60’s & 70’s??? Maybe further back with Kate Hepburn…wide legged trousers and topstitching to die for. As always Lyn, thank you for the brief but satisfying intermission in my life…I’m feeling a bit more commitment to my preferences. Kathy O.
Menswear style works for me now. I can’t remember the last time I wore a dress. I imagine I’d feel uncomfortable and look out of place in feminine clothing anymore.
I have a work me and a home me. Work me always wears dresses. Home me wears pants more, and loves wingtips, mens sneakers, and mens shirts. Part of this is due to the fact that I am vertically proportioned more like a man (long torso, shorter legs. . .plus wide feet) while horizontally I am proportioned more as an hourglass, feminine shape. So, I have learned to find dresses that fit me well for work, versus wearing separates that always seem too short or otherwise not proportioned for my body. When not at work, I dress more for comfort, and a busy life with teenagers and big dogs.
I have a work me and a home me. Work me always wears dresses. Home me wears pants more, and loves wingtips, mens sneakers, and mens shirts. Part of this is due to the fact that I am vertically proportioned more like a man (long torso, shorter legs. . .plus wide feet) while horizontally I am proportioned more as an hourglass, feminine shape. So, I have learned to find dresses that fit me well for work, versus wearing separates that always seem too short or otherwise not proportioned for my body. When not at work, I dress more for comfort, and a busy life with teenagers and big dogs.
First of all, I just want to say that I found you via Fordham’s Facebook post and I’m so thrilled that you exist! Congratulations on the well-deserved HuffPost feature. I am inspired by your breaking stereotypes & am encouraged to continue doing the same. I started fashion blogging a few months ago, but coming from a world that’s considered far removed from fashion (mathematics), I have found it hard to relate to some of the more prominent bloggers out there. You are at the intersection of intellectuals and fashionistas, so I find your voice extremely refreshing!
Now that that’s out of the way, my answer is yes – menswear is appealing to me in that it has a sharp geometric quality to it, yet is also very practical in the winter. It is hard to dress feminine in the winter, and I find I am often compromising my own body temperature in order to wear dresses and forgo heavy coats! I envy that menswear is all about layering, and thus leaves people far better prepared for the dire cold. Personally I find when I attempt to dress like a boy, I actually end up dressing like a BOY, as in a male child, possibly still in grade school. Whoops…
All the best,
Dax
http://daretodax.com
Instagram: @absolutedax
First of all, I just want to say that I found you via Fordham’s Facebook post and I’m so thrilled that you exist! Congratulations on the well-deserved HuffPost feature. I am inspired by your breaking stereotypes & am encouraged to continue doing the same. I started fashion blogging a few months ago, but coming from a world that’s considered far removed from fashion (mathematics), I have found it hard to relate to some of the more prominent bloggers out there. You are at the intersection of intellectuals and fashionistas, so I find your voice extremely refreshing!
Now that that’s out of the way, my answer is yes – menswear is appealing to me in that it has a sharp geometric quality to it, yet is also very practical in the winter. It is hard to dress feminine in the winter, and I find I am often compromising my own body temperature in order to wear dresses and forgo heavy coats! I envy that menswear is all about layering, and thus leaves people far better prepared for the dire cold. Personally I find when I attempt to dress like a boy, I actually end up dressing like a BOY, as in a male child, possibly still in grade school. Whoops…
All the best,
Dax
http://daretodax.com
Instagram: @absolutedax
I used to wear a lot of men’s clothing when I was in my 20’s, especially the shirts, jackets and wool overcoats. I found the vintage coats to be beautifully constructed, even if they were usually much too large for me. I wear women’s size 10 shoes, so have found some lovely pairs of men’s brogues that fit me fairly well. At my present age, I stay away from overtly masculine clothing because with my mostly shaved head, I often feel I look androgynous enough as it is 😉
I used to wear a lot of men’s clothing when I was in my 20’s, especially the shirts, jackets and wool overcoats. I found the vintage coats to be beautifully constructed, even if they were usually much too large for me. I wear women’s size 10 shoes, so have found some lovely pairs of men’s brogues that fit me fairly well. At my present age, I stay away from overtly masculine clothing because with my mostly shaved head, I often feel I look androgynous enough as it is 😉
I desire, on an almost daily basis, to dress like a madcap combo of Jillian Holtzmann from the recent Ghostbusters film and Tilda Swinton in any outfit ever. I steal my husband’s scarves and cardigans with religious zeal. I haven’t worn a dress to a formal event in ages, and prefer white silk trousers with a velvet smoking jacket and tuxedo shoes whenever the dress code calls for anything above "dressy casual". I adore menswear!
I was having a similar thought this week about loving menswear fashion. In the 1970s, I bought jeans from menswear stores. I liked better how they hugged the hips and it was an excuse to get a great belt to pull in the waist.
Yes. I always bought my husband’s clothes. First, he looked great, and second, he dressed well. I still love men’s clothes, and occasionally pick out something for my son-in-law. I’m not frilly. I like simple, elegant lines and great tailoring.
In the 70’s I took dressing in men’s clothes to an extreme, even wearing a fake moustache for a couple of days. I worked as a tradesperson and people always took me for a boy in my toolbelt (it was before the days of girls could do anything, so I was a trailblazer in my role). But the day I wore the fake moustache to work I nearly got the sack!