It’s not something I was that aware of till recently, but I’m a massive fan of tomboy style. Sometimes I refer to it as masculine chic, but I’m generally referring to a casual outfit consisted of mainly masculine elements: Sneakers, jeans, camo jackets, caps – you know what I’m getting at.
When I styled my black Obama tee the other week I noted in the post that it was something of a signature style for me. I thought I’d pull all the tomboyish styles I’ve worn on the blog into one post with some tips on the types of pieces that make up this look… Hope you like them!
Let me know if you’re a fan of this look yourself – if so, what are your go-to pieces to achieve tomboy style? Do share in the comments!
Add a camo/army jacket
1. Camo jacket, graphic tee, boyfriend jeans, slip-on sneakers, army cap (original post)
A camo jacket can make an outfit. I went for the full tomboy with no feminine elements except my nails and my hair.
2. Camo jacket, boyfriend jeans, rose print top, pointed flats (original post)
The same camo jacket but softened with a pretty rose print chiffon top. Dark denim and pointed flats make it slightly smarter than the first outfit.
Add a pair of statement brogues
3. Longline blazer, navy slacks, floral top, statement brogues, flat cap (original post)
Although this is a very smart outfit (navy trousers instead of jeans), the long blazer, flat cap and statement brogues give it the tomboy look. It’s softened by my curled hair and floral top.
4. Military trousers, two-tone sweater, two-tone brogues, flat cap (original post)
Black and white brogues are really bold, and I contrasted the khaki green of the trousers with the rest of the outfit in black and white. A pretty silver bobble necklace added a touch of femininity.
Go for a muted colour palette
5. Graphic tee, track pants, tennis shoes, small Panama hat (original post)
A muted colour palette works well with the tomboy look: Here I worked in taupe with black and white in key casual pieces (graphic tee, tennis shoes).
6. Graphic tee, track pants, chunky heels, Panama hat (original post)
Cotton khaki track pants are a great casual alternative to jeans. With a black tee and neutral accessories in lots of interesting textures the look is muted but still pulled together.
Wear a statement/graphic tee
7. Camo jacket, graphic boyfriend-fit tee, white skinnies, wedge heels (original post)
A graphic tee can be subtle: This Paris one is a pale grey marl that blends well with the white skinnies and works really well with the camo jacket.
8. Panama hat, palm print top, distressed boyfriend jeans, slip-on sneakers (original post)
A bold, palm print top is toned down by distressed denim and muted black accessories.
Include a feminine element
9. Pink blazer, tank, boyfriend jeans, brogues (original post)
Although all the pieces are very masculine chic here – boyfriend jeans, brogues, blazer – the blazer is in a bright candy pink which stops the whole outfit looking too boyish and gives it an element of fun.
10. Boyfriend-fit tee, chinos, coloured sneakers, army cap, brightly-colourful scarves (original post)
One of my favourite ways to add interest to an outfit is with a scarf. I didn’t stop at one: I twisted two brightly-coloured scarves together and added a ton of brooches. Everything else is muted (except for the checked Adidas sneakers) and loose-fit.
Key pieces to achieve tomboy style
Hats:
Army cap | Baseball cap | Panama hat | Flat cap
Tops:
Boyfriend-fit tee | Tank (vest) top | Graphic tee
Bottoms:
Chinos | Boyfriend jeans | Distressed jeans | Military-style trousers
Shoes:
Slip-on sneakers | Coloured sneakers | Brogues | Converse/tennis shoes | Classics like Stan Smiths/Adidas Original Superstars
Outerwear:
Camo/army jacket | blazer
Plus:
One feminine piece as contrast (heels, floral print, etc.).
My best tip?
Add a feminine element to stop the outfit being 100% tomboyish. That said, sometimes I’ve left it to my hair – especially if it’s curled – to do the feminine bit for me. Soft, pretty make-up could do the same. And as always – have fun with it!
P.S. Like this post? You might also enjoy 8 Ways to Wear Boyfriend Jeans!
Linking up to: Visible Monday, Let It Shine, Monday Mingle, Style Sessions, Turning Heads Tuesday, Trend Spin Link-Up, What I Wore Wednesday, Brilliant Blog Posts, Throwback Thursday, Passion for Fashion Friday, Friday’s Fab Favourites
These are all great looks. I'm a huge fan of graphic tees!
I love all the combos and definitely sway to the Tom boy look. Thank you for inspiring me ☺
I love the looks! Believe me, I need to incorporate more of these as I love brogues and cargo pants I have shown, as well as some jeans. My favorites are the rose top with the camo and super cute flats, those striking green pants with the brogues, heck they all look great!
Thank you friend for linking up with Turning heads Tuesday!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I love all of your tips and looks here and it is just amazing the variety of boyfriend jeans!
Rachel xo
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Garay Treasures
Nice resume. It gives a good overview of the possibilities. Because I have a boyish figure (inverted triangle with two outsticking lumps), I have to be careful with this look. It soon becomes too masculin. Which is why I like number 9 with the pink jacket. But that is only because that would suit me. All ten suit you.
Greetje
I think that you ooze femininity even in the most Tomboyish of outfits. I know you always have a feminine element, but, TBH, I don't think it would matter!
What is it about dressing like this that is so attractive to gentlemen?!?!? I have had many a fun night (before being married) dressed in a borrowed-from-the-boys style. Vintage gents trousers, braces and brogues… and many a dull night dressed up to the nines.
Perhaps it is because comfort=confidence and confidence=attractiveness.
Who knows?
You look beautiful!
XXX
Samantha
Fake Fabulous
You've nailed this look totally and I love how you manage to get the balance right each time between the masculine and feminine. And that's all in the detail – a scarf here, the right coloured bag here to soften it, or interesting footwear or a fun tee. Lots to admire and learn from.
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Cute, so cute! The hats really make a statement and you look terrific as a tomboy. xox
Love this post Catherine – I am a huge fan of this tomboyish look. Just this week I picked up some cute gold loafers from Zara which I use to soften the look down – otherwise I find jewellery and carefully chosen bag always does the trick too…found some amazing lace loafers with sparkly stones on them this week – am sure you will love them (will post soon ;-))
Wish you a fab evening,
Yvonne from http://www.funkyforty.com