by Aisling Ashbery

Created on: September 15, 2009

What's the surest way to look sexy? Though your mind may jump right to your classic little black dress, hold on for a second. Instead of girly and flowing, it's time to try sleek, tailored, and mannish. That's right, I said it's super sexy this season to make mannish fashion choices. As women take more power in the workplace, government, and even on the home front, it's not surprising that they'd also be inspired by the power oriented styles of menswear. Here are some ideas of ways to try this mannish trend for yourself.

[1.] Vests.
A vest is a great way to try out this trend, because there are styles that can work for almost any body type. If you have a small chest, a vest with a deep v and low stance (that means that the place in comes together to button is low) can help elongate your neck and show off how slim you are. If you have a bigger chest, opt for styles with a higher stance and more buttons so that you don't look like you're spilling out. Through it over your favorite button-down and you're good to go.

[2.] Jackets.
The blazer is back in a big way. It can work over your favorite pair of go-to trousers or over a favorite dress that might not make it to the office otherwise. If you want blazers with a manly style look for cuts with strong shoulders (though no shoulder pads, please; some cute poufs will suffice), clean lines, and maybe even a bottom cut in points going off the inspiration of tails. A cute little cotton jacket in muted plaid can be a fun take on a man's smoking jacket.

[3.] Ties.
Not just for hubby at the office, women are finding new ways to rock ties with their outfits. Ties have been made into purses or used as belts. If you actually want to try one around your neck, wear it loose and slightly sloppy to avoid the Hermione Granger going to class look.

[4.] Pumps.
Women's pumps have taken inspiration from men's dress shoes and loafers. Patent designs based on wingtip shoes have been in stores everywhere the last couple years. If you want an extra edgy take, look for menswear-inspired pumps in an interesting color like burgundy.

Of course, the pristine lines of menswear-inspired fashion has been around for a few years. Now a new kind of mannish fashion is coming back: the boyfriend look. But while menswear says powerful and professional, boyfriend cuts are usually highly casual. It can be great to try the looks out for bothe work and weekend - just as long as your boyfriend doesn't mind sharing his ties!

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