While menswear for women is a consistently winning mix, menswear on women has a far less reliable track record. Consider the last time you quite literally “borrowed from the boys:” Did that boxy sports coat magically fit like an oversized blazer? Could you really belt a giant oxford like a tunic dress? Did you make any sense of an inseam that ran 6 inches too long?
If you’re still vehemently shaking your head no, no, and oh heck no, we’ve got a less hazardous way to shop the guy’s section (or, you know, the closet of a particularly stylish male friend): stick to accessories. Free of fit issues but brimming with effortless tomboy edge, any adornment originally meant for a dude delivers the laid-back attitude you crave without any potential fashion disasters. Here, InStyle’s accessories director Sam Broekema (who’s all too familiar with fashion girls raiding his wardrobe) shares 15 perfect add-ons from his side of the store worth picking up for yourself.
Filson Bag
Give your tote bag game a utilitarian upgrade with a cargo pocket style in color-blocked khaki.
Paul Stuart
Rakishly peeking beneath a tuxedo blazer, wrapped into an elegant turban, tied on your bag handle—there’s no end of uses for this long, vibrantly printed scarf.
LONGCHAMP briefcase
Thanks to its resume-friendly shape and clean lines, an ideal bag to carry on interviews.
Thom Browne Backpack
A geometric design and sporty color scheme give the high school knapsack a commute-ready upgrade.
TÄRNSJÖ-GARVERI portfolio case
The ultimate desk-to-drinks essential: a structured document pouch that doubles as a clutch.
Uniqlo Hat
To keep a boyish brimmed hat from feeling too conspicuous, mix with pieces that share a similar aesthetic, like vintage jeans and camel overcoat.
Braun Watch
Versatile enough to go with everything, but especially chic peeking beneath the cuff of a shrunken cable knit sweater.
Gap Belt
Don’t be afraid of extra length! Purposefully tucked just so to the side, a dangling leather strap is go-to detail for street style stars.
