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Men’s shirts for women

— by Alyson Walsh

Meet designer Suzie Watson, who over the last year has been working on a womenswear collection for London label Mr Start – called er, Mr Start Woman. Personally, I think Mrs Smart is a much more catchy moniker but I wouldn’t want to argue with Brix Smith about it. Anyway, as a big fan of androgynous style, the news that a couple of key menswear brands are moving into womenswear is good enough for me.

When we meet, Suzy – who describes her style as clean, modern and unfussy – is wearing the Brix Sparkle Boyfriend Shirt. A denim-look number with a subtle smattering of Lurex. Gorgeous. I love a simple shirt. The uncomplicated cut, the cool cotton fabric, the wobbly arm coverage make this the perfect summer cover-up. I have a small selection in navy, black and white – and should I fancy something in khaki or grey, I’ll nab one of Mr That’s Not My Age’s. Proper boyfriend-style. Last summer, I lived in a pale blue Margaret Howell men’s shirt – not wanting to look too formal, I wore it with a pair of threadbare old Levi’s and Liberty print hi-tops. When the sun came out I dropped the denim for a J Crew maxi skirt.

The full Mr Start Woman collection launches in autumn, here are some of my favourite pieces:

Another menswear label branching out into womenswear is E. Tautz: the ready-to-wear range from Savile Row tailors Norton & Sons. And we have Katie Hillier to thank for that. The accessories designer is an advocate of men’s shirting for women – and the girlfriend of creative director Patrick Grant, which helps. Meet one of the coolest couples in fashion:

Photo: The Independent

Hooray for Hillier! The driving force behind the E. Tautz collection took inspiration from the classic men’s shirts in her wardrobe and created a range of women’s styles in Bengal stripes, crisp poplins and twills that launched this spring.

Proportion-wise the mannish shirt has a number of options. Take the French Vogue editor route and team a looser style with slim pants or jeans, choose a closer-fitted shirt and wear with slouchier pants, or embrace the nineties and opt for a classic shirt and flat-fronted, schoolboy trousers.

How would you wear one?

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