5 Things Chicks Can Learn From Menswear

"The woman shall not wear that which pertains unto a man..." - from Deuternomy 22:5.
For centuries ladies have been dressing themselves in men's clothing, but it was considered taboo. Not anymore. We've traded in our corsets and bustle skirts for trousers and button-up shirts. Can you imagine trying to run your daily errands let alone breathe in something with that much fabric or that constricting? I'd trip on my dress every few minutes and fall flat on my face. Needless to say, women have gladly adopted some clothing traditionally associated with gentlemen. It's so much more practical. But we still have a ways to go. Here are 5 things chicks can learn from menswear.
1. Suit Up - Nothing says power like a really great suit. Don't get me wrong, dresses are great. But think about the attention you'll command if you're wearing a tailored jacket and pants. No wonder working women in the 80s wore shoulder pads and power suits. Too bad they did it all wrong. The suit presents an image of strength and prowess that used to be reserved for Wall Street types. Channel that energy and dress for success.

2. Keep It In Line - Creating a suit is like a lesson in geometry. There are angles that must be connected with straight lines to create shape and definition. It's all about precision. Even though a woman's body is a little more complicated, we can still apply these same principles to the way we dress. Your clothes should have structure. You should be able to draw an imaginary line from your head going through the buttons of your shirt intersecting your waist and falling in line with the zipper of your pants. You should be perfectly symmetrical and well put together no matter which angle someone sees you from.

3. These Are the Breaks - I doubt that anyone other than true menswear aficionados knows what in the world a break is. So let me give it to you. A break is where the cuff of the pant meets the shoe. The importance of this is the difference between high-waters, slacks that are dusting the floor, and pants that hit just right. Women have to be especially aware of this. Think about how many times you've tried on a pair of trousers in a store then got them home, put on heels, and the length was all wrong. You don't want to look bad or sloppy which leads me to my next point...

4. Oh Tailor, My Tailor - Let's go back to the store scenario. You've found a jacket and a blazer you absolutely love. The price fits your budget, but there's one little snag. The pants are a bit too long. Ok, and maybe the jacket is a little boxy. Don't walk away from a great outfit because of a few inches. Take it to a tailor. I know it sounds like something your grandfather used to do, but it's worth it. Getting your clothes tailored will make you feel like you're in couture. The clothes will hug your body just perfectly instead of looking ill-fitting. It may cost you, but a great tailor is priceless.

5. The Cool Factor - Let's face it. The perfect outfit can make anybody look good. It can transform the cute guy from the coffee shop into a handsome devil with chicks swooning for him. Just imagine what it can do for you. People will see you as the woman who's really got her stuff together but can still hang with the boys. And the guy you've been crushing on will start to imagine what you look like in one of his button-ups the morning after. Oops, did I really say that? We women have a tendency to get ahead of ourselves. Anyway, just remember when it comes to men's duds, play it cool. You're a real classy lady, and not some floozy.

Thanks to Kawai Matthews and the fantastic staff at the J.Lindeberg store in the Beverly Center for the style tips and the great pics. I had so much fun wearing men's stuff for the shopping event we did a few months ago. I think I make a pretty good looking gentleman. Ha! Oh, and I scored the best fitting trousers I've ever had in my life thanks to J.Lindeberg. It hits all the right angles.

Style tip to live by: It's better to be overdressed than underdressed.