Spark

We’ve all stolen the occasional shirt or sweater from our SO’s closet, but have you ever considered working those pieces into your wardrobe for real? You’d be surprised at how easy it is to turn men’s pieces into chic, cool, and even feminine outfits. Here are three easy ways to do it, without looking like you just stumbled out of bed.

Men’s piece: Polo

We’ll give men one thing – they know how to do patterns. Today’s case-in-point is this patterned polo, and we challenge you to find something as perfectly loose-yet-structured on our side of the store! This outfit is all about contrast, and the polo is just begging to be tucked into a pair of tailored, high-waisted pants in a contrasting pattern. You can easily get away with mixing patterns when you stick to like or neutral colours, so don’t be afraid to wear these pieces together. Finish off this outfit for the office with a pair of trendy geometric earrings, shiny patent loafers, and a structured bag (in yet another fun pattern, of course).

Men’s piece: Sweater

The easiest way to pull off menswear is to go totally minimal and borderline androgynous. A crisp white button-up is as straight-forward as you can get, and is also a foolproof way of looking sleek and put together. To play up the androgynous feel even more, drape a men’s sweater over your back and tie it loosely over one shoulder – think Annie Hall in 2017. Even though this look is intentionally quite basic, you can still inject a bit of personality into your accessories. Leopard print loafers? Yes, please. A stack of bangles on one wrist is another easy way to add some interest.

Men’s piece: Hoodie

This piece brings us back to our junior high days when an oversized hoodie and jeans was practically our school uniform. In 2017, the men’s hoodie is calling to us once again – but this time we’re ready to put a bit more effort in. Don’t get us wrong, wearing a hoodie is always going to put you in the casual zone, but you can still style it in a fun way – we tend to go either hip-hop or preppy. We went the hip hop route this time since we love to rock the athleisure trend as often as we can. Hoop earrings give this ensemble a funky Lily Allen vibe, while a pair of Adidas sneaks keeps the look trendy and intentionally athletic. This look is a must for when you need to run out the door and want something easy that still looks fun and super cute. Pro tip: Keep your laces tucked into your shoes for extra style cred.

Looking for more chances to shake up your wardrobe this fall? Check out the new ways we’re styling our favourite shoes this season.

See something that caught your eye? Visit St. Vital Centre to shop the looks featured in this post (check stores for availability):

Look #1 - Polo

Men's Hawaiian polo: Le Chateau, $45.00
Cropped pants: Reitmans, $49.90
Black patent loafers: Hudson's Bay (Calvin Klein), $153.00
Silver geometric earrings: American Eagle Outfitters, $15.95
Black-and-white purse: Hudson's Bay (Guess), $135.00

Look #2 - Sweater

Blue men's sweater: RW&Co., $39.90
White button-up: Reitmans, $49.50
Black pants: Reitmans, $49.90
Leopard slides: Hudson's Bay (Lord and Taylor), $119.00
Silver bracelets: Le Chateau, $25.00
Bangle: Le Chateau $12.95

Look #3 - Hoodie

Oversized mens navy hoodie: Boathouse (Kolby), $60.00
Navy sneakers: Journeys (Adidas), $119.99
Gold hoop earrings: RW&Co., $29.00
White cross-body purse: Hudson's Bay (Nine West), $110.00