Raiding the men's rack

Searching for new unique piece for your wardrobe? Perhaps you need look no further than a man’s closet.

Menswear-inspired looks and androgynous dressing are nothing new. But it can lead to big cost savings when you actually scoop the pieces free from your partner, or shop the menswear section at second-hand shops.

Some of the best items to repurpose for yourself are:

Jeans

There is a reason many denim makers sell “boyfriend” jeans. Well-worn and roomy through the hips, men’s jeans are a perfect combination of comfort and casual.

If they are too long or wide at the bottom, take in the inner seam, cut to capri length and roll up the cuff. Or turn them into jean cut-offs. My favourite denim shorts were pairs that my husband no longer wore.

Tees

Basic men’s cotton shirts are cheap as chips. Pick up a Hanes three-pack for as little as $15 and you can create multiple looks with a pair of scissors.

I like to cut the sleeves off on an angle toward the neck to create a loose tank, then cut a slit in the middle of the back’s bottom edge to tie the tee fitted around the waist.

Blazers

Unlike womenswear, you can find blazers and jackets for men in every possible fabric and pattern imaginable. Simply roll up the sleeves for a super chic boxy look that compliments fitted bottoms. 

One of my favourite things to wear in high school was my father’s captain’s jacket from when he worked in the airlines. I thought the broad shoulders and epaulets went smashing with jeans.

If the jacket is long enough, cinch around the waist with a belt or belt-bag. Speaking of which....

Belts

The best belts in our closet are all my husband’s. For some reason, it’s almost impossible to find the kind of thick chunky leather belts that look great with jeans in the women’s section.

Button-up shirts

Remember when Sharon Stone wore her husband’s shirt with a satin skirt to the Oscars in 1998? A classic men’s button-up can look incredibly sexy on a women.

I’ve also found new life from my husband’s discarded dress shirts by sewing two together to make it long enough to wear as a dress.

Pants

Loose baggy pants cinched at the waist are all the rage, and you can find these styles in all sorts of materials and patterns in the men’s department.

Pair with a fitted simple tee, and if you’re feeling extra sassy, wear with suspenders as in the picture above.

Vests 

The suiting section at thrift stores are great places to find classic men’s button-up vests. They add extra flair to a blouse and pants look for work, and look great with casual jeans.

Have fun raiding your husband’s or brother’s or dad’s closet to create fun new styles.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.