Traditionally, when you think of a suit and tie (the clothing, not Justin Timberlake song) you automatically picture a man. However, throughout the years, women have become more and more open about wearing men’s clothing. I’ve often noticed women sneakily looking in the male sections of Topshop and Urban Outfitters. And I mean, who can blame them? With more variety and prices that won’t break the bank, what’s not to love? The long, plaid flannel shirts look so much better than the women’s versions, and the baggy jumpers seem so much warmer than our own. Even stars such as Cara Delevingne and Emma Watson are partisans of the androgynous trend, arguably rocking the shirt and trouser look better than most men!
Androgynous style isn’t a recent phenomenon. Flappers in the 1920s challenged women’s norms with their boyish hair cuts and unshaped clothing. It was also around this time that women began to wear denim trousers, something usually associated with men and the workplace. Even though jeans are extremely comfortable and affordable (and something we still wear today), I doubt this was the main reason women began to wear them. For women, wearing trousers and sporting short hair had practical benefits, it was more appropriate for manual labour. For years this had been an exclusively male sector, but with the evolution of the woman and her insertion into the working world came the evolution of women’s clothing.
When you’re younger, you’re generally either a girly girl or a tomboy. I for one was the latter, and proud of it too! With the tomboy clothes came the fun games of hide and seek and the freedom to stuff food in your face.
So, if you’re ever sick of spandex, tight dresses and heels that shred your feet, why not go over to the dark side? Men’s clothing is comfortable, stylish and versatile and us ladies are giving it a whole new meaning. Now, time to go and raid my dad’s wardrobe…
