“It is fatal to be a man or woman pure and simple; one must be woman-manly or man-womanly. ... Some marriage of opposites has to be consummated.”
Virginia Woolf, A Room of One's Own
I have always had a love-hate relationship with the androgyny trend. The feminist in me gets the significance of a neutral dressing code, but the woman (and feminist) in me is not ready to be covered up in clothes that does not distinguish me from members of the other gender.
While some women have been more than ready to ‘suit-up’ and embrace their masculine side, others, like me, are still struggling to find the right, as I like to call it, ‘Gender Mix’ balance.
For me, it is more about mixing genders rather that completely eclipsing one gender all together.
After much experimentation, I have finally figured out a way to incorporate the right masculine pieces without compromising on my personal style. My take on the androgyny trend is, to either layer with or accessorise with or trade a regular piece with a well-constructed men’s wear piece.
One brand that I think would be ideal to experiment a gender mix look with, is Calvin Klein Jeans.
I recently had a chance to go through their Autumn/ Winter 2013 collection and instantly found pieces in the men’s wear section I would love to add to my wardrobe.
From masterful tailoring to clean and simple pattern lines, the entire collection is a fine balance of everyday essentials and must have winter pieces.
While the women’s collection has trademark minimalistic dresses, classic jeans and tops, the men’s wear range offers a wide array of shirts, structured cardigans and lightweight sweater.
Keeping the current season and latest trends in mind, here are a few gender mix looks styled with the Calvin Klein Jeans Autumn/ Winter 2013 collection.
SMART CASUALS
[Jeans, Pink Tee and Messenger Bag- Calvin Klein Jeans Women's A/W 2013; Plaid Shirt- Calvin Klein Jeans Mens's A/W 2013; Watch-Michael Kors; Studded High-Top Sneakers- Forever 21; Wayfarer Sunglasses- Ray-Ban]
Pairing a plaid shirt with classic blue jeans and tee is one of the oldest looks in casual fashion history.
To make this look more fun and create a trendy gender mix look, swap your regular plaid shirt with a men’s plaid shirt. Thrown on pair of statement sunnies, boyfriend watch and high-top sneakers and you are ready for a weekend shopping trip or a lazy afternoon with the boyfriend.
CITY CHIC
[Printed Pants & Bag-Calvin Klein Jeans Women's A/W 2013; Lightweight Sweater-Calvin Klein Jeans Mens's A/W 2013; Buckle Booties-Forever 21; Necklace-Kelly Wearstler; Bracelet-Tory Burch; Lipgloss- Guerlain; Eye Pencil-Clarins]
Sweaters are currently having a major fashion moment. From runway to street style, they have made their presence felt in all possible domains of fashion.
While chunky knits may work in some places, in a city like Bombay, lightweight sweater is all one can manage to wear.
For a polished, city chic gender mix look, pair printed pants with a contrasting colour oversized men’s lightweight sweater. Throw on a pair of boots, structured tote and statement jewellery and you are all set for a business luncheon or client meeting.
Keep in mind: The sweater should be only one size big and not very large cause that will make you look bulky.
For a more contoured look you can add a skinny belt to the ensemble.
EASY GLAM
[Coloured Pant, Sequins Top and Bag-Calvin Klein Jeans Women's A/W 2013; Zip Cardigan-Calvin Klein Jeans Mens's A/W 2013; Glitter Loafers-Just Ballerinas; Gold Cuff- New Look; Lipstick- Elizabeth Arden]
Women love to dress-up and flaunt their glam side. However, a glam look can be quite a task. Sometimes you just don’t have the energy for a look so demanding.
On days like these, swap your all-out glam look with an ‘easy glam’ look instead.
With the right glam elements even the simplest of looks can be spiced up.
For a night out with the girls or a romantic date, pair a self coloured sequin top with bright coloured pants. Layer the look with a men’s zip cardigan for a stylish gender mix ensemble.
Accessorise the look with your fave pair of glitter loafers, gold cuff and red-hot lipstick to add the right amount of glam to an otherwise regular outfit.
With just a few add-ons and swaps, you too can style an semi-androgynous ‘Gender Mix’ look.
What did you think of Calvin Klein Jeans Autumn/ Winter 2013 collection? And are you ready to try a ‘Gender Mix’ look? Share your views with me in the comment section.
Till then, tra-la,
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