Borrowing from the boys

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If you were to ask me right now how I describe my style, I wouldn’t know how to answer.  It’s all over the place!  Depending on the day of the week, weather and my mood, my style is totally different.  I love feeling feminine in skirts and dresses.  I also love the effortless look of perfect fitting jeans with crisp sneakers.  

In the early years of my career I used my outfits to justify to myself that I belonged.  I felt I needed to dress the part to ensure my position, so I wore lots of solid color dresses and pencil skirts in neutral colors.  Now that I hit thirty, I see that my abilities and hard work are what justify my position and career.  My clothes are where I allow my personality to show, and right now I’m feeling equal parts creativity and comfort.  I’m looking beyond the typical office unifom at other options that capture my personality.

Recently, I’ve been gravitating towards pieces that would be considered menswear-for-women.  I’m drawn to the effortless cool of an androgynous look and stepping outside standard outfit expectations.  I fully support the concept that you don’t have to put on a dress to look pretty.  I have a lot of respect for the female celeb that shows up to the red carpet in a pantsuit in a sea of ball gowns and sequins.  

Breaking outside my own norm of sky-high heels, I recently sought out a pair of oxfords that I can wear for more than just a #casualfriday. These shoes can be worn any day of the week and dressed up or down with a skirt, pants or dress.  I could’ve worn this leather skirt with any number of heels I have in my closet, but I’m always looking for ways to mix up my look and add in different elements.  Paired with these oxfords and a dotted button down the femininity of my leather skirt is nicely balanced.  This is the added dimension I've been seeking out. 

I immediately loved these shoes and proceeded to build outfits around them.  This got me thinking that I could really get into this menswear trend.  As I started researching, I quickly realized that I already own more menswear pieces than I thought.  Last fall I bought a plaid blazer to mix up my boring blazer options.  My favorite style of pants are ankle length and loose fitting.  Boyfriend jeans--it all makes sense!  How can I forget my hunt for the trench coat.  I’m patiently waiting for the temperature to drop a bit more before pulling this baby out of the closet again.  I've been bending the gender barriers more than I realized, and I'm not sad about it!

Now that I’ve put some thought into it, I’d have to say that my style is what I feel confident and happy in at that moment.  Today, that’s my new wingtip oxfords paired with a leather skirt.  Tomorrow I may be back in heels and a dress, and that’s my style too.  Here’s to breaking down style walls and always trying new things!

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Outfit breakdown:

  • Polka dot button down:  Skies are Blue for StitchFix.  Similar options:
    • J. Crew Tuxedo ruffle top in polka-dot silk georgette:  $128.00
    • Madewell oversized ex-boyfriend shirt in dot scatter:  on sale for $49.99
    • Maison Jules for Macy's Polka-Dot Shirt:  on sale for $29.99
    • Express Original Fit Polka Dot Portofino Shirt:  $59.90
  • Grey leather skirt:  Banana Republic.  Similar options:
  • Oxford shoes:  Ted Baker London 'Anoihe' Oxford:  184.95 (I LOVE this rose goal color, but they were sold out in my size).  Similar options:

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