Cross-Dressing

Now, your man can relax. He will no longer wonder where his favorite tie went or how come his newly pressed white shirt is missing in his closet. You can shop together and while he’s fitting his own pair of jeans, you can grab the same design in your size. Isn’t this fun? I have in the past been suggesting to raid your man’s closet for his shirts, ties, cufflinks, cummerbunds and other accessories.

Then an idea suddenly struck me when I read Lucy Gomez’s column in The STAR two Sundays ago. She wrote about her female friends purchasing pants at Celio, a men’s line from Paris, which Ben Chan brought to Manila. So, I thought, that’s a great idea for a shoot – using men’s clothes on a woman.

It seems that unisex fashion has reached its peak. Rules are now broken. If I am not mistaken, Calvin Klein made the trend mainstream when he launched one of his scents, CK One. Before this, products were defined exclusively for men and exclusively for women. It was very specific. This was the start of a shared market. The market grew bigger because the products became generic. There no longer was a taboo on what women or what men should be wearing. Soon, everyone caught on.

Even fashion collections for women were invaded by very masculine looks – from the military uniform to the smoking jacket. Two seasons ago, the trend was further established when women like Catherine Denueve raided Hedi Slimane’s men’s collection for Dior. Women ordered men’s suits off the racks! It was so popular that last fall/winter, Dior Homme made small sizes to fit the women. I am one of his biggest fans. I love his tux shirts and his formal bomber jacket with zipper accents. The workmanship and quality are incredible. There’s nothing like men’s tailoring.

The first time I purchased a Helmut Lang jacket, I was so impressed. He put pockets inside the jacket, like a man’s tailored suit. I always wondered why no one thought of making the same utility for men in women’s fashion. We also need these functional details. Like when I travel, I always wear this jacket because I can put my passport, ticket, boarding pass, pen and a little cash inside the hidden pocket without worrying. Normally, women’s jackets would only have outside pockets. Don’t you just hate how many times you have to take out your passport and other travel documents at the airport? This jacket saves me the trouble of opening and closing my bag 10 million times!

But fashion’s fascination with men’s clothing is nothing new. Remember Bianca Jagger’s Yves Saint Laurent white tux suit when she exchanged vows with Mick? And this is just one of those memorable moments.

The great thing about these pieces is that they are classics. Like your man, they will stay with you for years.

1. Forward March – Goldie Hawn as Private Benjamin would surely envy this get-up! It seems that the military influence has maintained its force on fashion. For many seasons, it has been the major trend – from Balenciaga to Marc Jacobs, Dries Van Noten, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Ann Demeulemeester and Helmut Lang, to name a few.

Have fun with a necktie by using it as a belt and personalize it by adding a laser cut chain belt. Fatigues are a great alternative to the all-time fave, denim. Dress this up and make it more feminine with stilettos. The white tank will always be a wardrobe staple. It can double as an inner shirt for corporate dressing or for casual days such as this one in the photo.

2. It Takes Two – Layering is so hip and current. Add staying power to your tank by putting it over a sweatshirt. Make this boyish look feminine by wearing a bandana and using a floral tapestry bag. It’s all in the mix. The balance between male and female is the secret.

3. "In" Indigo – Blue will always be a classic. Spruce up your all-day wear, jeans. Who says a necktie is boring? Wrap it like a scarf and accent it with a handwoven gold and silk medallion with leather straps. Make it even more hip with a grandfather’s hat, a distressed double buckle leather belt and loads of steel and natural stone bracelets.

4. Checkmate! – An over-sized men’s shirt is made ultra feminine and shapely. Wrap without buttoning. Then use a rope belt or a corset to make it even sexier. It’s all in the accessorizing. Dress it even more with layers of chalcedony and iolite as a neckpiece and bracelet. Slim-cut black slacks complete this look.

5. Skirted Pants – How confusing is that? Add versatility to your mannish look by adding a beaded wrap skirt and you’re all set to party! Add extra appeal to a basic black tank with layers of chunky colored stone necklaces. Can you still tell if this outfit came from a men’s store?

6. Who Wears The Pants? – Who wears the pants in your family? Show your individuality and confidence by dressing like a man. Show your femininity by adding a beaded necktie, an exaggeratedly huge pointer ring and sleek dangling earrings. This is a great alternative to those dressy nights or important events.

7. Nighty Night – Who says sexy has to be frilly and lacey? I find it so appealing to wear your man’s underwear. Lounge at home with a tank top and boxer shorts. I love it. It’s so comfy. Try on your price jewelry pieces on a lazy day, like this diamond studded and multi-colored aquamarine choker.

Who says a man’s wardrobe is boring? The secret is in the accessorizing. Create your own style by putting together pieces you truly enjoy. The balance of the female and male aspects is essential. It’s what makes it work. It’s what makes it so current. Be true to yourself. Wear only the things you are comfortable with. It’s what will give you confidence. Give your man a gift you will also enjoy! (Is that a selfish thought? Well, it’s practical you’ll ask me.) So now, it’s your man’s turn to raid your closet!

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Send queries and suggestions to joyce_orena@yahoo.com.