Embracing Masculine Fashion In Your 2021 Wardrobe
One of the last things that many were expecting to come out of the midst of a global pandemic was a boom of experimentation within the world of fashion. A surge in high-end loungewear certainly seemed fitting for the occasion, but what grabbed my attention more than overpriced sweat-sets, was the revival of masculine elements in use across many clothing brands and designers. While there has been a significant spotlight on iconic male figures embracing feminine aesthetics and styles this season, (see Harry Styles’ feature in Vogue for a prime example) I wanted to look into the ways that women have been almost equally encouraged to explore masculinity through sleek lines and leather details in their 2021 wardrobe.
““Masculine styles for women had a variety of origins. Many late 19th-century ‘New Women’ wore outfits of a matching plain jacket and skirt, sometimes with a tie and an unadorned hat. The wearer hoped to show that she was of independent mind, did not seek flattery from men and was serious about her new profession…” ”
Power-suits & Oversized Outerwear
With winter season in full swing, new trends in outerwear are to be expected, but I am particularly excited about this season’s push towards sharp blazers and oversized jackets. I love the idea of a power suit on any woman because of the obvious implications of the wearer being powerful, sophisticated, independent, and yet totally in her own as a woman. According to Nordstrom’s Trunk Club blazers didn’t receive “the fashion industry’s seal of approval” until Coco Chanel introduced a matching trimmed jacket and skirt set in 1914. Today’s traditional blazer design finally came into the mainstream from a pantsuit by André Courrèges, and since then, they have been a staple in any professional woman’s wardrobe. Today, however, blazers have made their way into streetwear and are worn with anything from Levi’s to bike shorts. If a blazer isn’t your style, opt for a faux leather jacket or warm teddy coat, both of which are perfect for layering with your favorite hoodie or oversized t-shirt. My favorite places to find these pieces are in the men’s sections of my local thrift stores or boutiques where you can find them oversized and reasonably priced.
Leather, Pleather, and Vinyl Everything
Leather, and all of its distant, less expensive relatives, has made an appearance in the recent lines of many designers and clothing brands this season, and it’s no surprise that the fabric has been used to introduce new accessories and statement pieces into everyone’s look-book. Designers have strayed from the traditional tight fit of black leather and have instead experimented with softer textures and colors that the fabric has to offer in the form of baggy pants and button-up shirts (check out Zara for some of my favorite leather goods). My favorite leather good that has made a popular entrance in women’s lines this season has to be the harness. The harness can be traced back to post WWII biker-culture from which it made its way into the gay-scene of many European and American cities in the 1960’s, and then into the fashion of fetish-wear in 1980 (all male-dominated scenes). Today, women have taken the harness and turned it into an everyday accessory to accentuate the bust and waist. Pair it with an oversized, white button-down, or take a note from Miley Cyrus’ book and match it with leather pants and vinyl boots. Either way, this piece will add a layer of power to your outfit.
Cargo Pants and Skater Jeans
In the spirit of Y2K fashion trends coming back in full force, I had to include the come-back of skater jeans and cargo pants as they have successfully taken over the shelves of Urban Outfitters, Pacsun, and almost every other store branded towards Gen-Z babies like me. I was personally excited by this trend because of the comfort and versatility of these pants that come in seemingly every color and pattern and make any wearers’ waist look cinched as they tend to ride right on the hips. They bring back the aesthetics of your neighborhood skater boys and Avril Lavigne alike, all while accenting your favorite boots or sneakers beautifully. And what’s even more beautiful, you can find them anywhere. Look at your favorite thrift store or Goodwill for a pair of Dickie’s, or if you’re willing to spend a little more, check out brands I.Am.Gia or Net-A-Porter.
Sweater Vests
While first invented with the purpose of helping rowers lose weight in the late 1800’s, sweater vests eventually became a sign of prestige and class in men’s fashion during the 1950’s. It wasn’t until Eleanor Roosevelt sported one in 1934 that this look became popularized for women to wear along with their favorite tweed accents. It wasn’t until recently that sweater vests made a comeback for women in streetwear and can often be seen paired with an oversized blouse, boyfriend jeans, and pair of neutral booties. My favorite part of this trend has to be the unique designs that can be found in vintage stock or handmade from small businesses. You can find almost any pattern on from venders on Etsy or dig for vintage designs on second-hand websites like Depop and Poshmark.
