College Fashion Trend: Your Boyfriend’s Clothes
Photo credit:1
Okay, so maybe literally borrowing your boyfriend’s clothes isn’t the best idea in the world, but one of my favorite trends lately has been the influx of menswear-inspired clothing. Also, why restrict yourself to the women’s section when you never know if you will find a great vintage tee or a rugby scarf in the men’s section?!
There are several boyfriend-inspired trends out there right now, but I am going to review the three that I feel have become the most prominent throughout the college fashion scene.
1. The Boyfriend Jean
Boyfriend jeans are available from so many different retailers and for such a wide a variety of prices that you have to ask yourself How do I choose the right boyfriend jean? After conducting some research, here are my “rules” for buying and wearing boyfriend jeans:
Go for a straight-leg version. Other styles don’t complement the overall relaxed look of boyfriend jeans!
Make sure the bottom hem meets the ankle. Longer versions will give the jean a baggy grunge look, while anything shorter creates a “high water” look that should be avoided when wearing boyfriend jeans (unless you purposely roll up the hems to wear with heels).
Your boyfriend jeans should be the strongest masculine piece in your outfit. If you choose to wear masculine elements such as a leather jacket or vintage sports tee, make them form fitting! Otherwise, you risk looking like you literally got dressed in a boy’s closet.
Now that we’ve reviewed the rules, here are some examples of great boyfriend jeans!
Product Information: Deidre Boyfriend Jean- Abercrombie & Fitch, Crafted Boyfriend Pu Jean- Republic (UK), Citizens of Humanity Boyfriend Jean- Chickdowntown, Tall Indigo Cory Jean- TopShop
2. Men’s Vintage-Inspired Tees
I bought my first men’s tee from Urban Outfitters recently. I wanted a crew neck screen tee to throw on with my leather jacket, but I couldn’t find a screen print I liked in the women’s section. My curiosity took me to the men’s section where I found an amazing cotton tee that had a vintage advertisment of Madonna’s 1985 “Like a Virgin” tour. I purchased the tee in a small and have worn it so many times, it might be time to go hunting for another similar t-shirt.
Now, if you think that venturing into the men’s section isn’t quite your style, there are certainly options for you that are made for women. Here’s what to look for when hunting for a boyfriend-inspired t-shirt:
Look for straighter lines when you try them on. This shouldn’t be so striaght that it completely hides your figure, but the relaxed/semi-loose feel is what this trend is all about!
The sleeve should not be a cap sleeve, but rather a t-shirt sleeve!
Try on the next size up in women’s t-shirts. Especially because most screen print t-shirts are made of 100% cotton, if you want the loose/relaxed look, it’s best to at least try on one size up!
Men’s Tees I Love:
Product Information: Clint Eastwood Tee- Urban Outfitters, Bob Ross Tee- Urban Outfitters, Junk Food Men’s AC/DC 1973 T-Shirt- Palmer Cash, Men’s USA Peace T-Shirt- Palmer Cash
3. Menswear Button-Down Shirt
The menswear button-down shirt has been all over the runways, as well as in several stores lately. The idea of a boyfriend-inspired button-up is no longer a trademark of the “walk of shame,” but rather a piece to throw on effortlessly.
The two versions I’ve noticed are definitely the flannel/plaid/Lumberjack look, and the classic dress shirt. If you are especially keen on the flannel versions, check out Liza’s post on how to wear them! This quick photo tutorial from TLC is great for anyone who likes the dress shirt version!
Here are some examples of each, available right now for purchase:
Product Information: Vince Oversized Plaid Roll Sleeve Shirt- Piperlime, Crinkle Plaid Flannel Shirt- Forever 21, H81 Pintucked Woven Button Down- Forever 21, Striped 3/4 Shirt- Forever 21
What do YOU think?
Do you like this trend? Have you tried any boyfriend-inspired pieces? If so, tell us about the experience! How do you wear your boyfriend-inspired clothing items?
Posted on on November 18, 2009 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Boyfriend Jeans, boyfriend-inspired, button-up, dress shirt, Flannel, men's tees, Menswear, Trends
Like this post?
Before you post a comment, please read the 
Norah
Yeah I love this post! On those lazy days when I have class and its just to early to really comprehend what I’m doing or if its a late night study session… this look is an easy way to feel comfortable and relaxed without looking like a mess. Its my go to style when I know its going to be a nice, relaxing day.
I just thought I’d add another boyfriend clothing piece that I see everywhere and really adore. The boyfriend blazer. Of course I would highly not recommend wearing your bf’s actually blazer as chances are it will not fit you at all and look more awkward than cute. But there are a lot of retail stores out there that are marketing this item. It’s basically you’re classic blazer but looser and longer ( it will usually go past your hip bones). It will still fit you around your waist and shoulders and it looks adorable when you role up your selves to make them 3/4. Pairing this with dark denim skinny jeans and nice top (simple but feminine) with flats or boots will work well with this look.
Anyway, Great post!
Jennifer
Dressing in meswear inspired clothing is a much nicer dressed down look than sweats and a ponytail any day. I definitely have greater preference over this style than any other lazy day one, plus it is generally just as comfy as sweats. :)
Luinae
Aww, darn it! You should have put in the boyfriend jacket.
But I think that this trend is a cute way to look relaxed without looking sloppy.
Shaylee
Nice post with gorgeous clothes, however I think you should have included outfit examples. It is nice to get a visual effect of how these pieces should be placed as an outfit. Other than that I thought that the tips were top quality! Thanks :)
Kristen
I liked this post! Lol about not going for the walk of shame look. I’m still not sure how I feel about boyfriend jeans, but maybe I should try some on…
Trendqeen
I love the boyfriend look. I really love wearing the look when I feel fat.
Sarah
That Bob Ross t-shirt? AMAZING. Definitely going on my Christmas list.
Ashley
LOVE IT!
Definitely agree with Jennifer on this is still as comfy as sweats and a tee, but still looking somewhat put together.
Tony Hats
Thanks for your great article. There is so much junk on the internet it is hard to find good quality information when you really need it. I just came across your site and have bookmarked it. Look forward to reading more in the future keep us posted.
Sam
Overall great article, but I actually disagree about sizing in men’s shirts – I’ve usually found that since men’s shirts run much larger than women’s shirts, I need to go one size down in order to get one that’s not TOO baggy.
Hilda
Looove this trend, wearing those oversized t-shirts and long shirts are the best.
As for the boyfriend pants, I would not wear them, and so true abut the boyfriend blazar, I actually wore mine today something like this.
:)
Python by wishlist4eva featuring Forever21
Hilda
Oppps by clicking on “Phyton” it should take you to my polyvore set*
:)
Marie
Too bad I need to find a boyfriend first. Maybe a post on that? lol.
Anyway, great ideas. I especially love the look of slouchy bf pieces paired with tighter girly ones for a cute contrast.
Caity
Sam- I think she meant you could get the same effect of wearing a men’s t-shirt, if you size up in WOMEN’S t-shirts.
I had to read that twice to get it….
Jess
I love the boyfriend jeans look and all the boyfriend inspired clothing. i usually wear my boyfriend jeans on those I-don’t-want-to-go-to-class days. lol
quinn
i love this post :) i’ve only recently started wearing my boyfriend clothes. i don’t have the money to spend on new peices so i started wearing his white undershirts with a statement necklace or a scarf with skinny jeans when i was feeling lazy (he’s really little too, so they aren’t that big). i’ve been wanting to snag one of his flannels and wear them over leggings for a while… this post has inspired me! haha :P
Sthrr
Beautiful!! but what about shoes??!
Gabby
Love the post, it’s definitely a cool style though I haven’t tried boyfriend jeans yet, I’ve been wearing looser button downs for ages. And while not listed here, some others mentioned it, i like borrowing my boyfriend’s jacket too. (he’s skinny so its not huge on me :) )
Madeleine Fahlbusch
I do like the boyfriend trend a lot!! I have a great pair of distressed boyfriend jeans that I got from American Eagle. I don’t wear them all the time though because I like the form fitting look of skinny jeans so I’m not constantly wearing my boyfriend jeans everywhere because I always have to be hyper-careful not to look sloppy. I typically wear my boyfriend jeans with a Hollister hoodie and Burkinstocks.
Heather
Not that I am plugging twilight series, but since we take a lot of trends from celebrities I find this style definitely correlating to the shy-awkward but still sexy Kristen Stewart
Lingerie
If you see the fabric in sufficient light, you can make out the flaws and pulls in its structure. Learn to differentiate between high quality and low quality fabrics. One of the ways to develop this quality is to visit high-end women’s fashion boutique. Touch the fabric on the higher end designer clothing and feel their texture. Next, visit a lower end fashion outlet and do the same exercise. You’ll soon develop an ability to determine fabric quality.
Nelle
I have to go against the grain and say I’m not a big fan of this trend- on myself, at least. I think the menswear style tends to work really well on women who already have boyish figures. For example Patti Smith pulls the androgynous look off very well. All of the models I see in this look, like the ones that model it for Urban Outfitters, are super thin and boyish looking, but then again that might be because that’s how most models look nowadays.
For someone like myself who has more of an hourglass figure I don’t think the look is quite as flattering. I prefer to wear clothes that highlight this instead of hiding it, and my boyfriend is perfectly okay with that.
That’s not to say that it can’t look great on other girls, I just don’t think it looks good on me. I like to wear clothes made for girls because that’s what I am.
Heated Jacket | Heated Gloves | Heated Clothes
Love the post, it’s definitely a cool style though I haven’t tried boyfriend jeans yet, I’ve been wearing looser button downs for ages. And while not listed here, some others mentioned it, i like borrowing my boyfriend’s jacket too. (he’s skinny so its not huge on me :) )