How to Wear the Androgynous Look in a Feminine Way

The other day I was just coming back from a very long day of work and I had to go to my boyfriend’s house for the evening.

I was so tired that I didn’t even bother to think too much about what I was going to wear (I am still in that early stage when I still want to always look pretty and perfect at all times and I wouldn’t dare to show myself to him in my Mickey Mouse PJs) so I just threw on a checked shirt that he had forgotten at my place, a pair of skinny black capri jeans, a pair of loafers and off I went.

He is much taller than me so of course the shirt looked really large on me and I didn’t even make the effort to pull back my hair or wear any makeup. In short, I looked at myself in the mirror and thought I looked awful but I was too tired to care. To my great surprise I arrived at his house and, as he saw me, you could literally see his jaw drop down to the floor.

With amazement he said “Babe, you look so sexy in that!” which caught me totally by surprise because I could not understand how I could possibly look nice in those clothes. Why do men are so attracted by women wearing tomboy clothes? Why do they find them sexier than ever in them?

This is a question that has yet to find an answer, but of one thing we are sure: sometimes “boyfriend” clothes can make the femininity and sexiness of a woman come out in a really effortless way.

Of course it is all about wearing them in the right way, finding the right balance between tomboy and lady-like and never forget to add to each outfit a really feminine touch.

This look is not for everyone, unfortunately, and if you already have really masculine features and body I would avoid using men’s clothes but find other ways to bring out the femininity. It is great, on the other hand, for those women who have feminine traits and long hair, as they can play a lot with the androgynous looks and dare more.

So, here are some tips and ideas on how to dress androgynous and still look like a sensual lady!

• A button up oxford shirt is a must-have for any androgynous wardrobe. It simply looks perfect worn with a pair of skinny jeans and flats for a really chic and effortless look. If the shirt is quite long and it covers your bum, you can also go for leggings instead. A statement necklace then is also a great option and it will certainly give you some sparkle. This will look even better with a classic blazer on top and a red lipstick and you will have like this a super sexy outfit that is great both for the day and the evening!
• Another tomboy classic is the denim shirt that will give you a much more casual look than the oxford shirt. Wear it again with a pair of black skinny jeans or, if it is quite long, again a pair of leggings are a good alternative. Go for a shirt that is oversize, because, as you may know, the larger the top, the skinnier the legs! Finish off with a pair of boots to get a cool grunge feel to it.

• When it comes to shoes, nothing is better than a pair of oxford brogues or loafers. To our happiness, fashion, in the past few years, has focused towards more masculine styles in shoes so it is not hard nowadays to find one that is androgynous also for women and we are simply spoilt for choice. Shoes are the easiest way to add an masculine feel to any outfit, even if it is a really girly and feminine one. Plus, let’s not forget that they are super comfortable and easy to wear!
• Go for minimal accessories and keep it to just one chunky statement piece of jewelry. A great idea is to buy an oversize metal watch which will look really cool with any outfit.
• The blazer is a staple item for men, but now it has also become a must-have for any woman. You can literally wear it over anything, from a pair of PVC pants, to a flirty skirt and a floral dress. Get one that has a classic cut and is quite structured, so you will be able to wear it for years and years to come.
• Have you ever heard of boyfriend jeans? They are not actually jeans that you steal from your boyfriend’s wardrobe, but pants for women that have a masculine cut. Pull them up a bit just above the ankles so to slim your legs down and show off some of your thin figure. Super slouchy but also sexy. Make sure to wear a top that shows off a bit of cleavage to keep everything very feminine and sensual. You have then the option of wearing them either with a pair of sandals if you need height or with some brogues. An other alternative to jeans are large khaki pants.

• Menswear accessories such as ties and bows are absolutely great to turn any outfit, even if it is a dress, into an androgynous one.
• Keep the makeup and the hair very simple. As regards the hairstyle, the best solution is to leave it loose and wild, maybe with some casual beach waves to make it look even sexier, or pull it back in a slick ponytail, even better with some gel for a wet look. As for makeup, try to darken and thicken the brows with a dark brown pencil, which is also a very fashionable look right now from the runways. For the lips, either go for a dark red lipstick which is super sensual or leave them nude for a more androgynous feel. For the eyes, again go for nude or for black smokey eyes.

Cover photo: coffeestainedcashmere.blogspot.com