In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent changed the world (at least the fashion world) with his introduction of le smoking, the first tuxedo suit for women. While women had been wearing menswear for decades before this, Yves Saint Laurent’s Pop Art collection jettisoned the movement into the critical eye of high fashion. Today, menswear-inspired pieces litter the runway collections of everyone from Chanel to rag & bone. Some of my favorite recent menswear-inspired looks come from the McQ Alexander McQueen pre-fall 2015 collection, including a satin bomber jacket and a shimmery crewneck sweatshirt.
McQ Alexander McQueen is Alexander McQueen’s lower-priced diffusion line. The line’s more accessible pricing allows it to appeal to a wider and more youthful audience, such as college students. The pieces range from elegant printed suits to casual shearling-lined jackets, in primarily blacks and whites with some porcelain blue accents.
The first look of the collection really resonated with me the first time I saw it, and I thought it was great inspiration for a going-out outfit that was club-ready but wouldn’t leave me freezing. It is a perfect example of a feminization of menswear style by using a provocative, unzipped leather mini-dress to offset the boxy cut of the outer jacket.
I wanted to imitate this contrast in my outfit, while keeping the focus on my structured, menswear-cut wool coat. I paired the coat with a high-cut leather circle skirt and spandex bralette to really play up the textures and add some interest to the all-black outfit. For accessories, I chose a square leather clutch that brings together some of the elements from the outfit. I finished my look with some heeled booties that can brave the winter streets.
Get My Look: 1. A sharp jacket. 2. Some leather. 3. Towering heels.
