For the boyf's birthday last week, we went for lunch at Jamie's Italian. Whilst there we spotted Rhys Ifans - who was also lunching in the restaurant - chain smoking outside... every ten minutes! The Welsh actor's performance in Notting Hill was funny and I loved the child-like innocence of his character Spike. Indeed, despite his slightly dishevelled look and probable stench of cigarette smoke - judging from the number of cigarettes he was smoking - there is still something a little sexy about Rhys Ifans. Not just that but I sort of coveted his style - with a worn leather biker jacket, stone washed jeans, leather work boots and aviator sunglasses - which got me to thinking about women dressing like men - a certain chic androgynous style:
Sometimes it is all I can do to get out of bed, brush my hair, throw on enough foundation to make me look alive and grab a pair of jeans and a tee. Sometimes - and I am probably breaking every fashion blogging rule by admitting this - I just can't be bothered to get all dressed up when I have no place to go. But I do try. As Gala Darling says, "Tomboys don’t brush their hair ... Tomboys don’t wear make-up ... Tomboys wear ill-fitting jeans and a baggy t-shirt... Androgyny requires effort".
This season, trousers were big news on the catwalks for Autumn/Winter. Not the hard-to-wear harems of yester-season or slouchy tracky pants, this season, trousers are tailored, flattering and elegant:
It doesn't have to be quite so formal as any of these catwalk looks, however. Instead, grab yourself a pair of tailored trousers, flared or cigarette or skinny - how about these Next Grey Slim Leg Trousers - and team with a vintage printed tee - like this Topshop Polaroid Rock Tee - for a slightly more dressed down look.
Make like Rhys Ifans and throw on this ASOS Washed Leather Motorcross Aviator Jacket over you vintage tee, or why not try out this season's hot jacket, the aviator?
Not sure what to wear on your feet when the weather takes a turn for the worse? Men's footwear is perfect for a rain shower, or even the snow. Try a pair of these ASOS Leather Lace Up Ankle Boots to help man-up a pretty dress. Or a pair of ASOS Leather Traditional Brogues with your cigarette pants?
Why not channel the androgynous style of Audrey Tautou in Coco Avant Chanel (above)? And add a masculine accessory to your look, like this ASOS Felt Trilby.
Whether it's your thing, or not, go easy on the make-up when trying out this look. A little tinted moisturiser - like Topshop's Skin Tint - will even out your complexion without being too heavy; and smudge a little kohl around your lash-line - or try something like Topshop's Limited Solid Gel Eyeliner - to create a smoky effect.
Finally, again, as Gala Darling says, "empty your pockets". Don't carry everything around in your pockets - invest in a good bag. Man bags don't have to be just for men and they are insanely practical - with the launch of the Mulberry Alexa bag, satchels are back, why not dump all of your stuff in this Topshop Medium Leather Buckle Satchel? And remember how I fell for these deconstructed man bags on the Graduate Fashion Week catwalk by Gary Butterfield, University of Northampton?
Will you be embracing the androgynous look this season?