Menswear isn’t just for the boys – in fact, who said it ever has been? Katharine Hepburn, with her slacks and button ups, always knew it, and the ladies of today are taking a cue from her as well as from the guys. There’s a fine line between pulling off menswear and simply looking like a dude. And since it’s man month, we’d like to examine it a little closer. Menswear on women, done correctly, is instantly effortlessly chic. The key is to mix feminine pieces and principles of dressing with common menswear pieces: slacks, button-ups, oxfords, blazers and sweaters.

1. Try menswear pieces in feminine colors. Menswear doesn’t have to  be drab colors! Oh and +1 for the cutest clutch ever.

2. …and with that, girl-up a menswear outfit with sparkly extras like jewelry or a nice handbag. A cute printed scarf goes a long way too.3. Stick with flattering materials. I like this outfit because the soft color as well as material of the top is very feminine and flattering to her in both color and silhouette.  Her top half looks entirely feminine even though she is wearing a button up, which people commonly associate with menswear. The bottom half of the outfit is entirely boy, making the whole thing entirely perfect. Well played.

4. No matter what style you’re going for, make sure the fit flatters your body type.  Ashley Olsen looks so casual and yet so put together here because even as her outfit is simple, it fits her as if it were tailored for her – but the same time, her top isn’t uncomfortably snug or awkwardly oversized.

5. Printed pants are everywhere this season, and I like how this young lady paired her menswear-esque jacket with some on point polka dot pants. Don’t be afraid to mix trends and classics. There’s nothing wrong with wearing a blazer with some trousers and a printed floral top, for example.

6. If all else fails – heels, of course.

We challenged a few of our stores to show us their menswear for women

…and our Santa Cruz store assembled an entire outfit just to show you:  Blazer by Villager size L $9.50,  Tank by Silence + Noise size L $11.50, Tie trouser by Gap size 3/4 $14.00,  Bag by Dooney and Bourke $45.00,  Shoes by Cole Haan size 7.5 $15.00, New merchandise dagger necklace $10.50

And a close up of those super cute Cole Haan shoes,  size 7.5 $15.00

Costume National size 5/6 $37.50 at West Hollywood CrossroadsFerragamo size 7.5, $65 at West Hollywood Crossroads

So what do you think? I’m feeling inspired, personally. Do you love it, hate it, or have to try it?

Images via Facehunter, Vanessa Jackman, the Sartorialist, Crossroads tumblr