— The Power of a Genderless Vision: Shopping Menswear to Distinguish Your Look

Every stylist has his or her own little secret or favorite trick of the trade. How to tuck in a shirttail or tie a chic bow. What to do to avoid blisters from rocking those towering Gucci sandals. Of my own tips and tricks, and the one I find most relevant to my female clients, is how to source great fashion-forward finds in men’s departments.

To be clear, when I talk about sourcing key wardrobe pieces from men’s collections, I don’t mean shopping for menswear-inspired clothing. While longline blazers and pleated trousers can be very on-point and certainly have a place in one’s closet, what I’m talking about is straight up clothing—and some accessories—designed for and sold to men. Of course, fit is a key consideration when shopping from men’s, but assuming you find your corresponding size, you may quickly realize that there is no place better for a woman than a men’s store when hunting for certain essential wardrobe staples. Here are some reasons why.

It Uniquely Defines Your Style

Just as a pair of killer shoes or a show stopping handbag can take an outfit from pleasing to potent, so can a piece of clothing not commonly found in your girlfriend’s closet. And what’s not usually found in your girlfriend’s closet? Menswear! So, the next time you are searching for that perfect oversized poplin shirt, head straight to your favorite men’s collections instead of continuing to run circles around your favorite women’s shops. Designers like Marni, Maison Margiela and Paul Smith make especially fun shirts for men in a range of smaller sizes and slim fits. Pair it with skinny jeans and boots, pencil skirts and elegant pumps or even wide-leg trousers and smart loafers and you have an outfit that’s tough to replicate. Need a little something extra? Just add a chunky men’s bracelet or watch to the mix.

It’s Economical

Have you ever have the conversation with your male partner, family member or friend—the one where you contemplate the relative cost of men’s vs. women’s clothing? Men not only “need” fewer things than women typically, but their clothing, especially their accessories, often cost much less than similar pieces designed for women. Just take a look at some of these side by side comparisons and see how opting for a “men’s” version of something can not only save you some retail dollars, but might also serve to distinguish your overall look in a way that’s fresh and unexpected.

Celebrates the past while looking to the future

For decades, women have brought a unique masculine flair to their personal style. Dating back to the 1920s and 30s, fashion icons like Greta Garbo and Katherine Hepburn favored trousers and turtlenecks over fitted dresses and furs. In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent redefined “dressing up” for women when he introduced the Le Smoking tuxedo to skeptics in the fashion world who believed that proper women’s wear included only refined, figure flattering dresses and skirts. By the 1970s, Annie Hall’s hats, vests and ties could be seen on the most stylish women from Pennsylvania to Paris. Followed by the power suits of the 80s and grunge and punk dresses and suits shared by both men and women in the 90s, it is no wonder we are increasingly seeing men and women sharing Fashion Week runways across the globe.

Here I am wearing menswear to style a man! Shirt is from a recent Marni men's collection. Alas, the trousers are menswear "inspired."

Designers like Alessandro Michele of Gucci and John Galliano of Maison Margiela are among those who are leading the way for fluid styles and genderless dressing. To these designers, the clothes they make and how they’re shown in the world is not only a fashion statement, but a visual reflection of how they see and interpret the world today. Just this month, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the designers who redefined feminine luxury back in 2006 with the launch of their iconic label, The Row, premiered their first menswear collection geared toward the “husband” of their female customers. Their reason for expanding into menswear? Simple—men and women share similar tastes. (Fun Facts: The Row is named after Seville Row, the London street known for men’s tailoring. In the past, the sisters have manufactured womenswear pieces in menswear factories, often incorporating traditional menswear fabrics into their women’s designs.)

So, whether you’re a visionary like some of today’s most influential designers, a style seeker looking to add a unique twist to your wardrobe, or a practical-minded shopper hoping to stretch the value of your retail dollar, give some consideration to buying a few menswear essentials. Not only can it benefit your look and your wallet, it’s also an opportunity for you to express your vision and the unique way you see yourself, and maybe even the world. And what’s more powerful than that? Around here, we call that a mic drop.