What Women Can Learn From Menswear

"Borrowing from the boys" is one of those fashion clichés we've never quite understood. Striped tees, destroyed denim, sneakers — isn't that the way most women dress when we're not meeting foreign dignitaries? But, having wardrobes full of unisex pieces doesn't mean men and women think about fashion in the same way. Ever hear a guy wax poetic about the minutiae of stitching and button placement between a Levi's Type I and Type II jacket? Or, have you wondered why it seems so much easier for them to get dressed in the morning.

Without being too essentialist about it, adopting a dude-like approach to fashion can lead ladies to some pretty major clothing revelations. We spoke with some of our favorite style experts, from the man behind Madewell's perfectly tomboy-chic designs to Details' style director, to a woman who makes bespoke suits for ladies. We found out their secrets to simplifying and editing their wardrobes, and how to make maximum impact with a minimum number of pieces. It's not about being one of the guys (unless you want to be). It's about using a menswear sensibility to make sure your style is perfectly tailored for you.