The androgynous zone

July 15, 10:12 AMChicago Style ExaminerJennifer Rifkin

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From the Todd Lynn runway collection on Style.com

Lets hear it for the boys; cinch up those high waist slacks, tuck in the fitted shirt with that crisp white collar, sling on the silk lined vest that hugs your ribs and makes you feel uber professional in that sexy wallstreet wanna-unbutton-all-those-buttons sort of way.  There is a mysterious appeal to the sleek smoky look of truly classic menswear that manages to be the complete antithesis of feminine style, while simultaneously making you exalt your womanhood.

I’m not talking about shrugging on your boyfriend’s old sports Jersey or nabbing a ratty old pair of boxers to hit the gym (a terribly disgusting habit I had a long time ago and have thankfully broken). Menswear for the ladies has started to hit the catwalks for this fall, and shows a splendid array of tailored slacks, shirts with cufflinks, pinstripes, form fitting vests, all in subtle colors and rich fabrics. 

If you are extra adventurous – and incredibly careful – you can even take a stroll through the men’s department and check out some of the wares made especially for them. 

A good friend shops the men’s sale racks at Bloomingdales and comes home with some amazing fitted jackets sporting patch elbows, and button-ups with ruffled edging or graphic iron on prints. You can also find some deliciously demure details on shirts you would question if you saw on a straight man, but happen to look perfect on you.

Luckily, since most of us aren’t that comfortable strolling the Y chromosome aisle for style, designers are introducing some easy to integrate boy-meets-girl separates for this fall. With the right pieces and a dash of machismo, you can be sure your look  is high fashion hot, and not a sad Yentl story.

How to wear it:

If you plan to hit the racks in mantown, keep these tips in mind: Sleeves tend to be longer in menswear, which is great for girls with Go-Go-Gadget arms like myself. However; this also means that the shirt itself will be extra lengthy, so consider wearing it with opaque leggings and obi up that waist with a cavalier leather belt.

Jacket cuts and styles for guys are much straighter.  You won’t find nipped in waists that flatter your curves, but that straight cut military style will look fab with fitted denim. In fact, one really good jacket should be a part of every woman’s wardrobe, just keep the color neutral and the fabric flexible so you can wear it year round. Remember Julia Roberts in the last scene of Pretty Woman when she is wearing a suit jacket with jeans? I have always wanted to steal that look…

Never wear a vest as a shirt.  This slutterific look ruins the whole style and would only ever be flattering if you had one tailor made for your body type that covered everything that needed to be covered, and didn’t make the “girls” hang out. Try a charcoal vest with barely-there pinstripes over a fitted cotton tee shirt and wide leg trousers.  The look is effortlessly chic and can be dressed up or down depending on the accessories. 

Where to find it:

Hit up the chain gang for quick off-the-rack favorites:

The Limited – Dearborn, N. Harlem, Watertower Place

BCBG Maxazaria – Oak, State St., Michigan Ave.

Ogle the boys in their own playground, hit up the men’s department:

Saks – 700 N. Michigan

Bloomingdales – 900 N. Michigan

For somber style:

Robin Richman – 2108 N. Damen

Even those of us with the most feminine wardrobe could use a dollop of man mojo.  Keep the look tailored with subtle accents in rich colors and you will definitely give the boys something to talk about.