Trendsetting 101: Tuxedo-Inspired

There's quite a fascination with menswear this season. We're seeing all sorts of items borrowed from the boys for the fall. There's the oxford shoe, the penny loafer (which we talked about last week) and the tie-neck blouse. Also a big influence on women's fashions this season is the tuxedo. Tuxedo-style dressing has been popular in the past, but the look has always been about the power suit. You'll notice that in 2011, the tuxedo trend turns much more casual. People will wear the tuxedo jacket with their jeans or a pair of leggings, as opposed to just their formal trousers. You'll see how these dressed-down looks work below. Let's start with our first tip for tuxedo-inspired dressing.

1. Look for a tuxedo shirt:

A tuxedo button-front shirt is an easy way to break into this trend. You can wear it with staples already in your closet, like your black dress pants or your blue jeans and basic black blazer. A tuxedo shirt can also be cheaper on your wallet than a tuxedo jacket. For something more casual, try a tank or tee that features tuxedo-style paneling or detailing.

Our picks:
- Gaiam Bib Front Cotton Shirt, $55
- Victoria's Secret Tuxedo Poplin Shirt, $35
- GAP Tuxedo Tank, $30

Shop all: Tuxedo Shirts | Tuxedo Blouses | Tuxedo Tanks

2. Work a tuxedo jacket with leggings:

Balance a long or oversized tuxedo jacket with leggings. This is one our absolute favorite looks. Grab some leather leggings, a long tuxedo jacket, a graphic or slouchy tee and finally, some edgy shoes to match.
If you've got a shorter-cut tuxedo jacket, you can rock leggings as well. Just pair it with a longer tee or tunic.

Our picks:
- Aqua Jacket, $98 + Tee, $102 + Leggings, $88
- Tibi Jacket, $120 + Leggings, $25 + Tee, $85
- GAP Jacket, $70 + Leggings, $25 + Tunic, $59

Shop all: Tuxedo Jackets | Leggings | Graphic Tees

3. Show off your legs in shorts or a dress:

If you chose to sport a tuxedo jacket, your top half will be covered up, so we say leave your legs uncovered with a hot, party dress or a pair of dressy shorts. Both are great nighttime ensembles. The shorts paired with a sleek tuxedo blazer will resemble a short suit, which is another sought-after look these days.

Our picks:
- Adam Silk Dolman Dress, $177 + Lurex Jacket, $176
- Tibi Shift, $75 (for rent) + Haute Hippie Jacket, $173
- Oasis Jacket, $128 + Miu Miu Silk Shorts, $350

Shop all: Tuxedo Jackets | Party Dresses | Shorts

4. Stand out in a tuxedo dress:

Tuxedo dressing doesn't always have to come in the form of a suit or jacket. Tuxedo-style dresses keep you feeling feminine, while having that touch of menswear. When it comes to accessories for these, we suggest things that are dressy and feminine, like a pair of sexy, high heels, a metallic bag or sparkly jewelry.

Our picks:
- Nanette Lepore Sunny Day Shift Dress, $328
- Marc New York Tuxedo-Ruffle Dress, $138
- Marc New York Tuxedo-Front Dress, $135

Shop all: Tuxedo Dresses | High Heels | Metallic Bags

5. Add a bow tie to your look:

If you like to be daring when it comes to fashion or at least once in while, step out in a bow tie -- Janelle Monae style! Throw it on over a button front shirt or blouse. What shoes go perfect with a bow tie? Broques, loafer heels or if you want to keep it simple, black pumps.

Our picks:
- ASOS Chiffon Bow Neck Tie, $14.64
- Lowie Lace Bow Tie, $35
- American Apparel Unisex Bow Tie, $22

Shop all: Bow ties | Broques | Black Pumps



Trendsetting 101 is our new weekly series, centered on showing you how to wear the trends of the season. Come back next week for advice on another hot trend.

there are so many new trends to try this fall? Need advice on how to wear one? Write to me below and I'll give you the styling advice you're looking for.


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