Power dressing in the ‘90s and early aughts used to invoke certain items of clothing: wide-shouldered blazers, shift dresses, suit jackets, and wrinkle-free pencil skirts with coordinating pumps. But as the career ladder continues to invite different types of people, professions, and lifestyles (hello nomad worker) into a piece of the pie, displaying power through your wardrobe holds a new sort of weight. Instead of men and women having different clothing items, the lines have blurred the closer we move toward a certain sartorial center – bringing forth the new workwear uniform: menswear-inspired separates.  

What Is the Menswear Trend and What Elements Go Into It? 

Seen on high fashion runways and trendy street goers, both oversized and sharp menswear-inspired fashion has been trending upwards for the last 10 years. Detailed by sharp lines and tailoring, proportions that show sleek and cropped tops with baggier bottoms, the menswear trend shows a sophisticated and professional ethos, without compromising on fashion.  

When Did the Menswear Trend Start? 

Yes, button up shirts, printed trousers, and boyfriend jeans are part of the urban wardrobe, but the concept of women wearing menswear is not new. In fact, fashion icons have been borrowing from the boys since the late 1800s. Many fashion historians believe the first female sighting was when actress Sarah Bernhardt wore a custom-made suit in Paris in the 1870s. Back then it was seen as rebellion as suits were reserved for men who were in court to King Charles II of England.  

In tandem with the 1903 Suffragette movement, a female activist movement to gain the right to vote in the United Kingdom, high fashion designers like Coco Chanel gained the momentum to create a female suit in 1914. With World War I and World War II, women slowly started to gain the right to enter the workforce (to take over men’s roles who were away on duty) and saw victory in the right to vote. With their new lifestyles, their outfits had to be more practical and less restrictive than the corsets and skirts with stockings that they were used too. Instead, more casual attire was adopted, and women’s clothing began to lean more masculine, sporty and loser. 

The ‘30s saw famous acters like Audrey and Katharine Hepburn who sported suits and bow ties in their films. Vogue even coined the new trend with their May 1939 issue: “Our new slacks are irreproachably masculine in their tailoring, but women have made them entirely their own by the colors in which they order them, and the accessories they add.” With Vogue’s backing and an increased interest in the menswear trend, it gave designers like Yves Saint Laurent the courage to create “Le Smoking’ the controversial tuxedo for women in the 60s, known back then as the alternative to the little black dress. Another standout moment is when Diane Keaton wore tailored waistcoats, vests, khakis and ties in the 1977 hit film, Annie Hall, or when Princess Diana, quite possibly the most notable style icon, wore tailored blazers over sweats in the ‘90s — deeming menswear as the cool off-duty trend of the moment. 

How Has the Menswear Trend Evolved? 

Now, menswear-inspired fashion is more profound than ever with women sporting tweed blazers, wide-brimmed hats, utility pieces, tailored trousers and structured blazers. Whether at the office or after hours, sharp tailoring alludes to power and poise. Menswear for women now sees more feminine silhouettes that are form-fitting, with elegant shoulder pads and prestigious stitching.

This year, WHBM pieces include studded mid-heel pumps, patterned tie-neck blouses, wrap dresses with denim jackets, and plaid straight leg pants that are polished enough for the office, and relaxed and on-trend to take on after hours activities.  

How to Style the Menswear Trend in Everyday Life? 

Interested in testing out the trend? Both in-store and online, our assortment is filled with inspirational looks to get you well on your way to traditional menswear style with a twist. As you’ll shop, this season is all about wide-legs, pleats, and structured blazers. And the best thing is, you can work in a couple pieces into your outfit to polish it off, or create a whole outfit inspired by the menswear trend to show confidence and poise.