Man-dress

Masculine lines. Boyfriend blazers. Boyfriend jeans. Tuxedos. Androgyny. Tailored shirts. Classic lace-ups.

This list continues endlessly describing one of fashion's favourite trend of turning conventionally masculine pieces into chic feminine styles. Women find it fashionable, very modern and liberating to wear these manly clothes. I myself enjoy mixing it with feminine nuances to contrast, tone down or balance my looks.

But when will our male counterparts get to enjoy the freedom of wearing skirts and the fun of wearing dresses? We've been complaining that fashion has not been turning up anything fresh for years, so how about creating conventionally feminine pieces for men?

Sure, Kurt Cobain wore a dress (on stage) and Marc Jacobs goes around with a kilt-sorta-skirt nowadays. But they're not your boy-next-door.

The Sartorialist recently posted a picture of a very androgynous lady, dressed head to toe in manly styles, and people were commenting on how very chic and feminine she was. She was definitely interesting but feminine and chic, non. What really struck me however, was what if the gender circumstances was turned around, how would people have responded?

Well, there was a recent case, also found on The Sartorialist (hey, he IS listed as one of my two favourite sites), where an Asian guy was wearing some kinda long baggy pants over leggings and trainers. Most people just thought he was woman.

If we can have mannies, we could also have fashionable skirts for men and stylish man-dresses. Now that's something we could use more of in our everyday.

BOUT SS10 RTW

Effortless classic elegance and style pretty much embodies Boy by Band of Outsiders SS10 RTW. It hits all the right notes in my venture into more laid back cuts and easy clothes. Don't get me wrong, I still consider Victoria Beckham and her stiff elegance a fashion icon. BOUT SS10 captures what I think casual elegance with a hint of subtle wealth should look like.

Will this work in an office? Sure, why not. I'd love to try the sleeves over jacket sleeves look; it's very relaxed yet still quite chic. Classic tapered pants with rolled up hems are all rage. Will pair with heels for an uptown look or with men's laced up for a masculine twist. Pull it all together with laid back confidence.

At first look, this may look just like any suit. But notice the shorter and usual cuffs and hem. These details make all the difference. To achieve the polished slim look, make sure the area around the chest and sleeves are well fitted.

How to dress up a drape skirt look while toning down the feminity of the design.

I guess there'll be lots of whites for guys next SS, again. To update the look, shorten sleeves and roll up hems. Go for a sockless look, though I'm not a fan of loafers, even if they're Tod's.

Parkas are great for a light spring or summer day. Parkas are probably not the first fashion outerwear to come to mind, but they are an easy transitional outerwear that gives that effortless chic finish.

Images: Style.com

For the gentlemen

Due to the increasing requests (disgruntled mummers) that I've been receiving from my male readers on the lack of profiling male relevant post, I would like to contribute a post entirely for them.

After scourging through various gentlemen fashion & style sites, I came to find that the site that offers the most sensible and accurate style note is from The Sartorialist himself. Not that I do not want to do my homework myself, but the Sart just captures some of the most perfect, stylish gentlemen around, providing the ideal source of inspiration for any stylish men.

Sharp, Smart, and Sleek. It's always a trick to look business-smart yet fashionable. But with a well-cut suit and perfect pants length the look can easily be pulled off. Not to forget accessories such as the right bag and shoes.

Then there's the ever challenging cuffed pants ending just above the ankle. Most of you would immediately push this off as a difficult look and it is. But it's very classy while keeping it casual. A difficult combo that if executed correctly you will be immensely rewarded.

For a simpler option, opt for shorts and cardigans.

If you like these styles then don't forget to check out The Sartorialist's blog for your daily dose of style.