Ladies, we get it. It’s 2019, and we’re trying to be more woke in our fashion choices. Buying less, recycling looks are all great baby steps, but the struggle is real, especially when Instagram is constantly giving you fashion FOMO. Luckily, the cool thing about 2019 is that it allows us to appropriate looks from the men in our lives and transform them into rocking looks. Here are five things you can borrow from the wardrobe of your man/brother/father and get them to work for you.
Photo: Joel Valve
His chambray shirt = your favourite new jacket
A classic men’s chambray is the perfect transition wear for him, toeing the line between workwear and casuals, warm enough for chilly evenings, and cool enough for muggy days. Pop one on over your sleeveless dress, roll up the sleeves, and now you have your perfect transition jacket that’s effortlessly chic and comfortable. In fact, you can do a lot more with a chambray shirt, because it allows for effortless layering, so play around with it and you’ll come out with several outfit options from just the one piece.
His kurta= your new kameez
In recent years, menswear has diversified so that we’re seeing more kurtas pop up in bright colours, florals and prints, and we’re all for it. Grab one, pair it with leggings, skinny jeans or pattiala trousers, and you’ve got yourself a fresh ethnic outfit...with pockets! Need we say more?
His jeans= your jeans
Right now, the fashion world is rediscovering its love for 80’s fashion, and that means the boyfriend jeans are all the rage. High waists, baggier legs and deep pockets? We’ve never been happier. You can soften the look by rolling up the cuffs, and pairing with a skinny belt, heels, a flirty blouse and delicate jewellery, or choose to go sporty and comfy in a crop top and sneakers. There are many ways to rock this wardrobe staple.
His watch = your watch
The big dial, the chunky wristband encircling your delicate wrist, emphasizing your bone structure. We all love a good men’s watch, especially when we’re wearing them. This is a look that never goes out of style, so why not take these gorgeous timepieces out for a spin?
Photo: Marek Prygiel
His sunglasses= your signature shades
As we continue to stare at climate change in the eye, big shades are coming back because hey, who doesn’t like a little sun protection for them peepers? Classic men’s sunglass styles, like aviators and wayfarers look oh so chic when paired with red lips and a messy bun, so swipe them and own them.
Bonus: 2 things he can borrow from your closet
Photo: Hossam M Omar
In the interest of equal opportunity, here are two things your man can borrow from your closet in 2019 without getting a side eye.
Your earring = his lapel pin
We’re obviously not talking about your big heirloom jhumkas or your oversized hoops. Discreet but dressy studs – little bits of costume jewellery that we’re always misplacing parts of – can do double duty in adding a little sparkle to a suit lapel or a sherwani. So if you’re missing half a pair, lend him the spare so he can dress up,
Your scarf= his scarf/bandanna
Whether it’s a small kerchief adding a pop of colour to his man bun, or a longer stole draped casually over his jacket during transition weather, a scarf is a versatile, multi-purpose accessory that really ought not to be relegated to one gender.
