Look like a lady, even in clothing tailored for men

In last week’s episode of E!’s “Fashion Police,” HBIC (Head Bitch In Charge) Joan Rivers… In last week’s episode of E!’s “Fashion Police,” HBIC (Head Bitch In Charge) Joan Rivers voted Cate Blanchett the best-dressed celebrity of the week. Blanchett earned the title thanks to a Dries Van Noten suit she wore to an event in Switzerland. The star paired a classic white button-down with a black tuxedo-style blazer and crisp, flared white pants. She supplemented her outfit with a slicked-back ’do and a fresh face. The result was innovative and clean cut.

Blanchett’s outfit asks the question, is menswear for women the new black?

Julie Bowen seemed to think so. The “Modern Family” actress rounded out the week by emulating Blanchett’s look on the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Bowen wore a black Catherine Malandrino pantsuit accessorized with diamond clips. Unfortunately, Bowen missed the mark, though a few accessory changes and an updo could have landed her on the best-dressed list as well.

Blanchett and Bowen are by no means the first to rock menswear. Actress Diane Keaton has been sporting menswear-inspired looks for decades and even before her, the late Katharine Hepburn broke down stereotypes and social boundaries with the trend.

Even though the look might seem obscure, it’s more common than you think. Just two years ago, the “boyfriend” trend made a killing in both commercial and couture markets. Suddenly, blazers, Oxfords and jeans had to be two sizes too big, come with cufflinks and leave ample room in the crotch.

The clean lines and simple silhouettes are an obvious draw, but there’s more to this trend than meets the eye. One thing Blanchett, Bowen and Keaton all have in common? They are powerful women, succeeding by making it big in a man’s world. Is their choice of dress a testament to their inner feminist or is it simply a fashion statement? I believe it’s the former.

Bowler hats, vests, bow ties and Oxford shoes represent more than a chic sense of style. For a woman, dressing in menswear sends a message to men that we can do everything they can — and look better while doing it.

In the office, menswear on women says, “When I become the CEO of this company, I’m firing all the chauvinists first.” At a family gathering, it says, “There’s no way that smug Aunt Sophie would dare to make a comparison between me and her snotty daughter now.” And the rest of the time, it just says, “Even though I’m dressed like a man, I have the intelligence and grace of a woman.”

I like tight minis and stilettos as much as the next girl, but I love to take risks with my style. And I promise you, using your style to push social boundaries and as a vessel for empowerment is much more validating than getting the once-over from a horny college bro.

I understand that some are wary of the trend because they’re afraid embracing menswear might leave them feeling stripped of their femininity. Dresses and skirts are a crutch girls lean on far too often. But you don’t have to wear ruffles and pastels to leave home with a sense of conviction in your style and womanhood.

Fashion is an art form and a means of self-expression. Art isn’t easily defined, so why should fashion be? Don’t feel backed into a corner because of unwritten social rules and tired gender-specific expectations society has laid out for us. Cutting class and dating a guy with tattoos is so totally ’90s. Instead, rebel against the proverbial man by wearing a tailored suit when everyone else is wearing a dress.

So fellow fashionistas, take a chance with your look and use your clothing as a way to explore your own style while simultaneously representing your sex with pride. Don’t let those who pee standing up intimidate you. My advice to you? Just grow a pair of balls, ladies. And if you can’t, at least dress like you have some.