How to Wear Menswear

Menswear — blazers, oxfords, menswear prints (houndstooth, pinstripes), basic white shirts, fedoras, fitted vests and pantsuits – is one of the biggest trends for fall. The beauty of this trend is how easy it is for us grown-ups to co-opt.

My own nod to menswear this Fashion Week was in a pair of high-heeled suede oxfords that I paired with black slim cropped pants and a leopard-print sweater cardigan.

As for designers who do this look,  Ralph Lauren is a huge proponent of menswear for women (his wife Ricky actually wears tuxes for formal events.) I also love Michael Kors' interpretations of menswear because he does it in a way that's luxe and sporty at the same time.

If you'd like to add some menswear to your look, it's easy to mix in with other basics you already own. Here are some modern ideas for wearing menswear as a grown-up:

• Always mix in a feminine element. Wear a lace-trimmed or satin cami under a menswear blazer, wear it with a bit of fur or add something floral.
• Mix proportions. While the younger girls are wearing boyfriend blazers with short shorts, you can mix up proportions by wearing a boxier jacket with slim pants.
• Show some skin. Nothing's sexier than a white menswear shirt unbuttoned as far as you dare or a sleek slit skirt with a tailored jacket.
• Don't be too literal. Toss a menswear overcoat over a long satin gown or pop on a chambray shirt with a matched pantsuit. Mix casual or formal elements with menswear for a personal touch.
• Fit is everything. Unlike soft sportswear, menswear tailored pieces need to fit impeccably to look right. Get sleeve and pant lengths tailored to fit you perfectly.
• Keep it neutral. While in the past black pantsuits were worn with bright colored tops, it's freshest now to wear all neutrals (with the exception of adding a print like leopard.) Mix charcoal and camel together, camel and black, etc.
• Don't go head-to-toe menswear. Oxfords are one of the season's trendiest shoes, but worn with a menswear blazer and trousers they look a little costumey on grown-ups. Instead, try oxfords with cropped pants and a pretty blouse. And while the younger girls are wearing oxfords with ankle socks, this is strictly an under-30 look.
• Top it off. The fedora has been summer's go-to hat for men and women. Take it into fall in wool felt in rich colors. Again, it looks best with looks that aren't menswear: try a fedora with an oversized chunky knit sweater and leggings.