The Autumn/Winter 2025-2026 fashion season has boldly declared a departure from traditional feminine aesthetics, such as florals and ruffles, in favour of a robust masculine-inspired look. This shift is characterised by darker colour palettes and oversized silhouettes that redefine womenswear with a distinctly boyish charm.
The Rise of Masculine Tailoring
Across major runways, masculine-inspired tailoring emerged as a dominant trend, appearing in collections from Acne Studios, Coach, and Michael Kors Collection. These designers showcased XXL blazers that evoked the effortless style of borrowing from a boyfriend's wardrobe. Meanwhile, Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood took classic men's ties and elongated them dramatically, creating floor-draping statements. Similarly, Carolina Herrera and Brandon Maxwell elevated men's shirting by pairing it with evening-appropriate A-line skirts and sophisticated accessories, blending masculine and feminine elements seamlessly.
Officecore: A Sartorial Revival
Dubbed 'officecore', this trend draws inspiration from 1980s corporate attire, featuring power suits, ties, and boxy trenches. Celebrities have embraced this look with notable examples including Nicole Kidman in a slouchy Saint Laurent suit at the 2025 Critics' Choice Awards and Cynthia Erivo in a pinstripe Dolce & Gabbana two-piece at the NAACP Image Awards. To tap into this trend, invest in a chic oversized blazer and pair it with straight jeans and Chelsea boots for a modern twist.
Styling Tips for Masculine Tailoring
For those eager to adopt this trend, key styling advice includes avoiding overly fitted pieces, which can appear dated. Instead, focus on unisex silhouettes and boyish accessories to achieve an easy, effortless look. Head-to-toe tonal dressing, such as coordinating a shirt with your tailoring in the same colour family, adds an expensive feel. Unbutton and roll back shirt cuffs for a relaxed vibe, and incorporate masculine accessories like cufflinks and tie pins for a cool edge. Remember to opt for classic men's shirts, as they often feature cuff holes that women's versions lack.
Footwear and Finishing Touches
When it comes to footwear, ditch traditional footsies in favour of visible socks for a chic touch. A classic white calf-length sock is a fail-safe option, while a red sock can add a pop of colour and intentional style. This attention to detail completes the masculine-inspired ensemble with flair.
For affordable options, retailers like The Frankie Shop, Topshop, Mango, and H&M offer oversized tailoring, or explore menswear aisles for items like poplin shirts to achieve that borrowed-from-your-boyfriend silhouette effortlessly.
