I have had a long standing relationship with dressing up like a tomboy, maybe because growing up I always wanted to be a boy and since I couldn’t magically turn into one, I started dressing up like one. Till date, I feel more comfortable in a pair of jeans, an oversized tee and sneakers than in a girly dress and heels. But then again…that’s just me!!
However, dressing up like a tomboy has always been a fun fashion trend. This trend became popular during the 1980’s, with Hip Hop and Street Wear coming together. However even before Hip Hop, Ms. Coco Chanel herself broke ground on women menswear, by sporting sailor pants in the 1040’s. She built an empire turning menswear staples like tailored suits and Brenton Stripe shirts into something that women could wear and still retain their femininity.
This trend is low maintenance and comfortable, and pretty much anyone can pull it off. As a tomboy turned girly-girl myself, I often like to mix the two, for an effortless look. While I love my heeled booties, sometimes I’m happier swapping them for a pair of white sneakers.
Tomboy Chic is versatile enough to wear on the streets or even at a girl’s night out. But how do you pull off this look without looking too masculine?? Well, that’s the fun part! Everything you need is most likely already in your (or your Boyfriends) closet – all it takes is some creativity.
OVERSIZED TEEs –
Oversized t-shirts paired with loose denims are a typical tomboy look. However if you want to add a bit of a girly element to it, you can dress it up with a cool high-waisted skirt and ankle booties or just wear the tee with a short tight fitted skirt and sneakers. These looks are versatile, chic and can be worn as an everyday work outfit or a night out with friends.
CHINOs -
Pick a pair of chino’s, which hang loose and low on your waist. They definitely add a badass tomboy element to your style. You can roll them up at the ankles and pair them with sneakers or brogues. Girls, try this look out…you’ll love how comfortable and relaxed you feel in it.
SNEAKERS –
Now, trust me when I tell you that sneakers go with everything! Here are some great outfit inspirations. Dressing up like a tomboy doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate colour into your outfit, and the best way to do that is by pairing your look with colourful kicks.
BASEBALL CAPS –
Baseball caps are fun and super casual. You can pair them with skirts, shorts, skinny jeans and dresses. Baseball caps are generally the best way to top off your tomboy look. Not only can they show off your favourite team, they are also extremely functional. They keep the sun, rain, dirt and hair out of your eyes. Unless, of course, you rock a backwards baseball cap, which is pretty dope too. You’ll find them in various colours, so its perfect when you need to incorporate that pop of colour into your look.
OXFORD SHOES –
Oxford shoes were initially created and made for men, but women soon realised that they looked great in them too. They look amazing with rolled up chino’s or trousers. Pair it with a loose tee or fitted shirt for a cool tomboy look.
OVERSIZED MEN SHIRTS –
I love loose white shirts, they look great with either fitted skinny jeans or loose boyfriend jeans. This is something you can find in your dad or boyfriends closet. Girls, I strongly suggest you experiment with this look, you can add statement assessories, like earrings or a neck piece to add a bit of a feminine element.
BAGGY DENIMS/BOYFRIEND JEANS –
I know I talk a lot about boyfriend jeans, but its only because they look amazing and are super comfortable. Denims like these are easy to style and makes you look Tomboy Chic
OVERSIZED TUXEDO JACKETS/ BLAZERS
Oversized Tuxedo jackets or blazers have been all the rage this fall, on runways and on the streets. They look chic and tomboy-ish at the same time. They look great when paired with skinny jeans, and you can wear this look to a formal event. If your style is a bit quirky and off- beat, try a printed oversized blazer in a colour.
Ladies, go ahead and steal some of these essentials from your boyfriends closet!! Tomboy Chic is here to stay, so don’t be afraid to shop menswear all on your own too. We’ve seen these looks on the streets, runways, and even on some of our favourite street style icons like, Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, Miley Cyrus…the list goes on. The formula is simple: combine equal cool girl attitude and the right borrowed-from-the-boys fashion for enviable nonchalant off-duty outfits.
So girls, embrace that inner tomboy and start experimenting with these looks.
Are you a Tomboy?? Tell us about or show us your chic tomboy look by leaving a comment below or by sending us your pictures via email on Bandraroad@gmail.com or by #BandraRoad or @BandraRoad on all social media.
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