Taking Over The Male Uniform: Modernising Women’s Workwear
In almost every aspect of life, women have the ability – or magic, if you will – to make everything just that little bit better, and when it comes to fashion, it is no different. You wouldn’t be surprised to know many traditional garments were made to model the male form, not the female. But as society continues to modernize, so do women in respect to their garment choices. Borrowing from traditional manual labour workwear (designed for men), women have taken this style and made it better. Now, the ‘workwear’ aesthetic has become a staple in every woman’s closet – here is your inspo for taking over the male uniform.
Chore coat
Prior to its modern day fad, the chore jacket was worn by manual workers for practicality and uniformity – labourers, factory workers, farmers, railroad workers. Originally known as the ‘bleu de travaille’ (work blue), the chore jacket first originated in France but has developed significantly. Its dark colour and heavy duty material made it the ideal choice for men that handled heavy equipment. But gone are the days of male and gender divide in clothing. Modern day women have not only borrowed this look, but have extended its potential, creating new and chic ways to style them – different colours, materials, and variations. Pair them with a laid back pair of jeans or a cool denim skirt and you’re ready to go!
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2. Overalls/coveralls
Just like the chore coat, overalls or coveralls were an option for manual workers as uniform. Traditionally in the form of thick denim, they have evolved from their consistent ‘one-size-fits-all’ ensembles and now have features like removable and adjustable straps, additional pockets, and a variation of different materials. Overalls and coveralls are a staple in every wardrobe – a statement piece, if you will. If you’re looking for a laid back look, opt for a baggier or looser fit and pair them with sandals, flip-flops or even wellies. If you’re going for a put-together look, try some loafers and perhaps a long sleeved button up underneath.
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3. The Napoleon jacket
If you’re in the market for a statement jacket or coat to spice up your closet, look no further. The military jacket – traditionally worn by men on the battlefield to keep warm – will be your new go-to jacket for the winter. Their unique features – epaulettes, structured shoulders, metallic buttons and crisp collars – have made it almost impossible for the internet to hate them. From the more low-key, hooded khaki green winter coats, to the more lavish ceremonial, colourful statement-piece jackets, there is a military jacket in the market for everyone. Pair them with some casual jeans and a simple tee and let the jacket speak for itself.
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4. The blazer
The suit and tie has long been a staple in a woman’s closet ever since YSL’s Le Smoking suit first walked down the runway and there are no signs of stopping this trend. The suit and tie combo has only gotten increasingly more creative since the 90s; women are transforming the suit and tie into something of their own, straying away from the ‘borrowed’ blazer and pant combo from men, and making it their own. It has evolved from being a bold statement of authority to almost everyday casual wear – pairing blazers with shorts, using them as jackets rather than wearing the suit as a whole, or even pairing them with more casual garments like sports bras or tees.
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5. button ups
Like the blazer, the button up has also become normalised amongst populations of women. Originally worn by men as undergarments or as we know today, normal shirts, women have taken this type of garment and made it their own. We’ve found new ways to style them – oversized and baggy, tucked or untucked, buttoned in different ways, or even worn in completely different ways; upside down, inside out, back to front – you name it. Button ups are an easy way to make an outfit look more composed and put together. The neat buttons and sharp collar make outfits look more presentable, although colours and patterns have the potential to do the opposite. Replace any regular top with a button up, play around with the buttons and wear the shirt to suit yourself: the versatility of a button up.
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6. Rainboots
You’d be surprised to know that rain boots were originally made for men in work fields. Yes, you heard that right. Wellingtons were made with the original purpose of providing better protection for men’s feet in harsh army conditions. But like everything else, women have found a way to style them for their own practicality. Pair them with jeans and tuck them in on a rainy day, experimenting with a coat – layer sweaters, trenches, and pea coats. Remember, the criteria for a day out with your wellies does not have to be rain – rain boots are now almost an essential for festivals and can serve the purposes of protecting your feet from mud while elevating your style. Or, if you’re feeling nostalgic, wear them Angelina Jolie style!
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7. FLANNELS
Excess wool in a random Welsh farmhouse in the 1600s was all it took for flannels to become a widespread phenomenon, and a staple in almost every wardrobe. Weaved on both sides, traditional flannels are sturdy in their materiality, allowing farmers to withstand harsh, icy winters in the countryside. Thanks to these hardworking farmers, we now get to enjoy the luxury of wearing these patterns without having to endure cruel winters., Regardless of its silhouette, shape or size, the infinite color combinations of the traditional flannel make them versatile to any wardrobe. Use it as an accessory, a layer, or the main event of your outfit!
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