Collars are in, culottes are back, dresses are shifting into more boxy styles (see what I did there?) and Pantone has even declared baby blue as one of the two colors of 2016—yup, we are definitely back onto a menswear trend, as we have been multiple times in the last century. However, this means more than just trading your cardigans for blazers. Menswear has been adapted and upgraded with some serious frills. Fun collars, tiered ruffles, floral embroidery and soft pastels take oversized button-downs, wide leg pants and jackets from Brooks Brothers to couture.
Don’t take my word for it though—here’s what I was inspired by. Ronald van der Kamp debuted these looks in January for his spring 2016 couture line. Wide leg pants, button-down shirts, tweed, blanket plaids, oversized jackets and leather characterize the manly influences. Skirts, ruffles, shimmer and brocade add a bit of a feminine side to the collection, but for the most part, the colors are muted. And of course, it’s pretty dramatic. But look to the major trendsetters like Zara, H&M and Topshop to see the more wearable interpretations of these pieces and you’ll want to get your menswear on, too.
For my influenced look, I wanted to do more than pair my business-professional pants with a blazer and some adidas; I wanted to show that as masculine as this trend can get, femininity can be retained.
The leather jacket is very rugged and moto-inspired, and definitely a major player in van der Kamp’s line. Paired with it is a dress that honestly looks like it could be one of my dad’s work shirts, re-sewn into something that I’d actually leave the house wearing. It has its ruffles and off-the-shoulder femininity, but at it’s core it’s a play on a men’s dress shirt- boxiness and all. Lastly the shoes are an awesome mix of a moto or combat boot and a lace-up heel. Their black color makes them a match to any top or bottom in van der Kamp’s lineup.
Get My Look: 1. Any leather jacket. 2. A plain, simple dress. 3. Moto-inspired heels or booties.
