Today’s women’s wardrobes are filled with pieces once reserved for men—from tailored blazers to crisp button-downs. But these aren’t just borrowed looks—they’re powerful symbols of progress, rebellion, and reinvention. As gender norms blurred, fashion followed, and what started in the menswear department now defines modern, chic style. These ten wardrobe staples may have roots in men’s closets, but women have made them their own, transforming each piece into something bolder, sharper, and undeniably stylish.
Table of Contents
1. The Blazer
Once strictly business attire for men, the blazer has become a cornerstone of women’s fashion. First popularized in women’s wardrobes during the 1920s and later reclaimed with power suits in the 1980s, the blazer today is a go-to layering piece. Oversized or tailored, worn over dresses or jeans, it instantly adds structure and polish. While its origins are military and masculine, women now wear it to command rooms, express authority, and add modern edge to any outfit.
2. The White Button-Down Shirt
The classic white shirt began as a menswear essential—formal, clean, and crisp. Women embraced it during the 20th century, especially with the rise of androgynous style icons like Katharine Hepburn and Diane Keaton. Today, it’s a symbol of effortless chic. Tucked into trousers, layered under sweaters, or worn oversized, the white button-down adds versatility and polish to any look. It’s proof that structure, simplicity, and clean lines never go out of style.
3. The Suit
The women’s suit has a long history of rebellion and empowerment, starting when women first challenged dress codes in the early 1900s. By the 1960s and ’80s, thanks to designers like Yves Saint Laurent and icons like Grace Jones, the suit became a feminist statement. From sharp-shouldered blazers to tailored trousers, suiting today blends power with personality. What was once exclusively male is now one of the boldest, most empowering ensembles a woman can wear.
4. The Trench Coat
Originally designed for British soldiers in World War I, the trench coat eventually found its way into civilian wardrobes—including women’s. Hollywood heroines like Audrey Hepburn helped make it iconic. With its structured shoulders, belted waist, and double-breasted front, the trench still retains its military roots. But on women, it adds drama, sophistication, and an air of mystery. It’s a perfect blend of masculine utility and feminine elegance, making it a wardrobe essential across all styles.
5. Loafers
Originally created as a men’s slip-on shoe in the 1930s, loafers were practical and stylish for business and leisure. Women adopted them in the mid-20th century, especially during the preppy fashion wave. Today, women’s loafers range from sleek patent leather to chunky platform versions. They offer comfort, polish, and just enough masculine edge to balance softer looks. Whether worn with trousers or dresses, loafers are the smart, stylish alternative to heels.
6. The Leather Jacket
Born in biker and military subcultures, the leather jacket was once a symbol of rebellion and masculinity. But women quickly adopted it, especially in the punk and rock ‘n’ roll eras. From Marlon Brando to Joan Jett, the leather jacket has become genderless. For women today, it adds cool confidence to any outfit—over a floral dress or with jeans and boots. Rugged yet refined, this staple proves toughness and style can go hand in hand.
7. The Waistcoat (Vest)
Originally a key part of men’s three-piece suits, the waistcoat was all about structure and formality. But fashion-forward women from the 1920s flappers to today’s minimalist dressers have reimagined it as a layering piece or a sleek top. Whether worn over shirts or styled solo, waistcoats add a tailored touch with a playful edge. It’s a modern way to incorporate suiting elements without going full formal, and it nods to a legacy of bold dressers who challenged norms.
8. Oxford Shoes
The Oxford shoe, with its sleek lace-up design and formal structure, began as a staple in men’s academic and business dress codes. But women adopted them as early as the 1920s, drawn to their practicality and charm. Today’s Oxfords come in feminine cuts, glossy finishes, and even platform soles. They bridge the gap between menswear polish and everyday wearability—perfect for grounding flowy outfits or elevating casual looks with a touch of academic chic.
9. Denim Jeans
Invented for male miners and laborers in the 19th century, jeans were the ultimate symbol of hard work. Women started wearing them during World War II for practical purposes, but it wasn’t until the 1960s and ‘70s that jeans became a fashion statement for women. From flares to skinnies to wide-leg styles, denim now transcends gender. Comfortable, cool, and endlessly customizable, jeans are perhaps the most worn—and most empowering—menswear-inspired piece in every woman’s closet.
10. The Tie
Originally designed as a masculine accessory to signal class and professionalism, the necktie has had several fashion revivals in women’s wardrobes. Think Diane Keaton in Annie Hall or modern takes on androgynous fashion runways. Worn loosely, tied into bows, or used as a scarf, ties add a bold, unconventional twist to feminine outfits. Though not as common in daily wear, the tie remains a powerful nod to gender-fluid dressing and sartorial creativity.
