Inbox Stylist: Never Skip the Men’s Department

15 men’s jackets and coats that probably look better on women anyway.

The most stylish women I know shop the men’s departments just as frequently as the women’s. Given their louche fits, a tomboyish knit or jacket looks like it was swiped from some old boyfriend’s closet — which always carries a sexy whiff. And what is it about something a tad oversized that just looks more expensive?

In that spirit,

John Jannuzzi

is back! Our intrepid Menswear Editor went on the hunt for great outerwear that will move you from the single-digit temps into the budding days of spring — girl, guy, gay or they. After all, when it comes to fashion, gender is merely a suggestion.

Take it away, John.

xo, JG

Cut for a guy, worn better by her. Coat: Doen.

Well, here we are. It’s February. Somewhere it’s fashion week, and everywhere the charm of the colder season is gone. But take heart, we are almost to the spring — the season of rebirth, optimism, reinvention and most importantly, light jackets. My love of outerwear is well documented. I spend most of my disposable income on it. And for good reason — these pieces get a lot of airtime, perhaps more than any others you have. My expertise is menswear. But menswear, used appropriately, makes fantastic womenswear. To that end, I’ve gathered a few standout pieces that can jump those imaginary lines with ease.

For women shopping the men’s department, the most important thing to consider is the shoulders. Men’s outerwear tends to favor a straight drop fit. And if it’s tailored at all, it’s far from form fitting. So when shopping, just remember that how a coat or jacket will hang mostly depends on the shoulders. For any men reading this, they’re all good coats and will serve you well, I promise.

Also remember that most men’s outerwear will probably be longer than the usual woman’s cut, unless they’re cropped. But that’s all part of the appeal here. First up: the jackets.

Alex Mill Work Jacket // Loewe Fleece // Lemaire Jean Jacket // Billy Reid Suede Trucker // Jacquard Jacket // Kapital Printed Fleece // Nili Lotan Work Jacket // Paige Suede Shirt Jacket // J.Crew x Barbour Jacket // Bode Jacket

Over the past decade or so, menswear has embraced some louder styling. We could lay blame (in a good way) at Hedi Slimane’s Saint Laurent feet, or Emily Bode’s unwavering commitment to craftsy details.

In any event, it’s easier than ever to find menswear pieces with some dramatic effect: the sequin trimmed Bode jacket, the subtle Loewe graphic and that printed fleece by Kapital are the standouts here.

Todd Snyder Belted Herringbone Coat // Burberry Plaid Trench // Todd Snyder Belted Coat // De Bonne Facture Camel Coat // Quince Belted Coat // Stoffa Belted Coat

Even though springtime is a sign of warmer weather, it’s still very much a season for coats — just with less underneath. In my humble opinion, a t-shirt with jeans and a topcoat is pretty tough to beat. There’s a special focus above on belted coats, which allow you to play with the silhouettes in a DVF wrap dress kind of way, or give you the option to tie them at the back and let them hang boxy. (And don’t forget you can sub a matching belt for a leather one for a different effect.)

---

The List: Need Some Support? I'll Give You a Lift.

---

Regardless of what you end up with from the men’s department, things are going to be looser than typical womenswear. This gives you plenty of room for layering with comfort and ease. The trick here is making sure all the proportions are working together. Big sweaters, cozier knits, or even a hoodie peaking over the collar will help tie everything together. Or perhaps a wider leg jean underneath. You might have to mix and match to get things right, but just remember it’s best not to overthink it.