I’ve mentioned this numerous times in passing over the past month and a half (here and here, for example), but figured it was time to sit down and write a proper blog post on the topic. A motif I’ve not been able to get out of my head this season is juxtaposing masculine and feminine pieces; I think autumn in particular is the perfect time for experimentation because the cooler temperatures allow for additional layers and dimension when putting together an outfit, but it’s not so cold that keeping warm is priority number one.
So without further ado, here are a couple of ways I’ve been bringing this motif to life.
Waxed Cotton Jacket + Cotton Dresses (& Skirts)
It’s no secret how much I love my Barbour jacket. It’s utilitarian, practical, and has this masculine quality I really love. While it’s undoubtedly excellent paired with simple jeans and a knit, I’ve been loving it paired with a feminine dress or skirt (this is also a great way to get a little bit of extra wear out of those summer pieces). I love how the jacket plays off the pattern of the dress and the broderie detailing in the skirt, it’s just the perfect juxtaposition in my eyes.
Broderie Skirt + Wool Blazer
I’ve been looking forward to this pairing since I bought the skirt back in the springtime. I was initially inspired after seeing this photoset from one of my favourite photographers, and just fell in love with the combination of the two pieces. The skirt is of course the Dôen one that I cannot stop wearing and has plastered itself across my Instagram grid. It’s still available on their site and while I’d understand if a white cotton skirt wasn’t high on your wishlist for autumn, I’ve been so surprised with how versatile this piece has been this season.
Broderie Skirt + Loafers
Yes, it’s the Dôen skirt yet again. It really has been such an awesome vehicle for experimentation and my cost per wear has gotten so low for this reason (to think that when I bought it I was nervous about how versatile it would be — boy was I wrong). While I could easily pair the skirt with a pair of equally feminine Mary Janes or ballet flats (and did so many times over the summer), the masculine loafer adds something a bit more unique and feels very autumnal. It’s very much in tune with Alison Bornstein’s “Wrong Shoe Theory” which I fully subscribe to.
And that’s all! Another idea I’ve been toying with (but didn’t want to let my lack of imagery hold me back from writing this post) is combining a wool check blazer with a frilly collar poking out from underneath. I think there’s something so autumnal and collegiate about a collared shirt under a blazer, but a piece like this just brings an added dimension to a tried-and-true combo.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this post got the creative juices flowing just a little bit!
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