Hand Over That Jacket, Boyfriend

Diane Von Furstenburg, Fall 2009

This season every wardrobe should be updated with the Boyfriend Jacket.

By: Michelle Bong

Multi-hyphenate Ashley Olsen loves it, model Agyness Deyn rocks it and the likes of Eva Longoria, Lindsay Lohan and Kate Moss have been seen in it while out running errands, attending business meetings or partying the night away.

The trusty blazer, better known these days as the Boyfriend Jacket, is one of this season’s must-have pieces. What used to be an ’80s staple has found favour again among the fashion elite some two decades later, in updated versions that tempt even the most jaded shopper.

Still cut in a masculine style, it’s meant to be worn and slightly roomy, with the sleeves usually rolled up once or twice for a less austere look. The jackets come sequinned, belted or plain, and in tones ranging from black and navy to green, plaid, even luminescent orange– thanks to the variety created by labels like Topshop, Just Cavalli, Gucci, Diana von Furstenberg and Dorothy Perkins. Pretty incarnations also include jackets with three-quarter sleeves (Marni) and those with slightly cinched waists (Lanvin).

Don’t like sleeves because you consider them too warm? No worries – the boyfriend jacket even has sleeveless variations from designers like Charlotte Ronson, which are cut boxy at the shoulders and paired with sexy complements like mid-riff baring tees and cute shorts.

The good news is, the Boyfriend Jacket is practically for any body shape – although a little nip and tuck may be necessary to achieve that, especially if you’ve got small shoulders. Play with proportion, stylists advise: the jacket looks good with a vintage dress, the classic white-shirt-and-leggings, an LBD or skinny jeans and a tank top. The loose-plus-fitted combo never fails.

To stand out in a crowd from everybody else, also consider the clever use of accessories for a one-of-a-kind look. Chunky necklaces add a feminine touch, as do multi-strand lariats or an eye-catching brooch.

The Boyfriend Jacket, it’s been said, has been part of a boyfriend outfit-inspired trend that began with celebrity Katie Holmes flouncing around in what’s assumed to be her hubby’s jeans. They were well-seasoned, baggy and comfortably paired with ballerina flats and a striped top.

Of late, other boyfriend’s wardrobe staples have also been spotted – ranging from tee-shirts (oversized and cinched at the waist with belts) to cardigans (V-necked pullovers with a preppy, chic feel). Is this fashion’s way of telling us it’s becoming a woman’s world as opposed to just a man’s? Perhaps. We’re just happy to play dress up and have fun. Hand me that fedora, would you?