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Borrowed From Boys Menswear Styles: Throwing Clothing Gender in the Blender

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hofstra chapter.

 

It’s time to cross that invisible shopping line.You know the one that splits almost every store right down the middle – the line where the sexes part ways. As someone who’s never been a fan of gender roles, I say as women we cross that line and relish in the land of comfort and loose bands, the land of menswear.

Why should men have all the fun, or in this case all the comfort? There are multiple men’s clothing items which can be transformed into something a little more feminine or worn just as they are, whichever suits you personally.

One of my favorite men’s items is the boyfriend jean. Some prefer the boyfriend jean made for women, but I find that actual men’s jeans have the right bag and wiggle-room for that care-free, fall campus look (belt may be necessary). Cuff-up the legs and pair with a mean combat-boot and wool socks for a look that looks effortless, yet stylish, and not to mention comfortable.

From the looks of it baggy sweaters are everybody’s go to item as the cold finds it’s way back to campus, but we don’t have to limit ourselves to those found strictly on our side of the store. In fact we may even benefit from expanding our horizons. Baggy women’s sweaters are usually the perfect length to wear with leggings the first time they’re worn. However, after one wash they shrink up to that awkward covering-half-our-bottom length. Men’s sweaters have a bit more length, just enough to keep ourselves covered for the cold even after multiple washes.

Men’s cardigans make for perfect cover-ups as well and ensure that all those cute summer dresses don’t collect dust. Pair with tights and voila! Take advantage of the extra length that men’s clothes have to offer. If it’s the shape you’re after, cinch any loose, oversized mens sweater at the waist with a belt.

Don’t be afraid to venture across the store and see what you can make your own. If you’re skeptical about your ideas, just remember as long as you feel comfortable and confident, little else matters. Our college years are meant for exploration, so don’t be limited by what someone else has labeled “women’s clothes.” Generally we’re told not to cross the line, but now I dare you – make your own rules.

Rachel is a senior at Hofstra University where she majors in journalism with minors in fine arts photography and creative writing. The Rochester, NY native is involved in several organizations on campus including the Hofstra chapters of Ed2010 and She's the First. She is also an RA in a freshman residence hall. Rachel has interned at College Lifestyles, Cosmopolitan, The Knot Magazine, and is now interning at Us Weekly. She hopes to someday fulfill her dreams of being an editor at a magazine. Until then, she is a dreamer, a wanderlust and a lover of haikus. Follow her on Twitter for silly and sarcastic tidbits @rcrocetti!