Boyish style is a distinct way of dressing built around traditional men’s clothing, like tailored trousers, button-up shirts, structured blazers, and utilitarian jackets, depicting a strong and practical masculine look.
Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn, prominent figures in the 1930s and 1940s, were instrumental in popularizing the Boyish look by wearing masculine clothing and challenging traditional gender norms.
Boyish style depicts comfortable androgyny and masculine energy while maintaining a sharp, tailored appearance.
Compared to the more casual look of the Tomboy style, Boyish comprises structured and tailored menswear garments in clean and fitted lines, such as blazers, trousers, and button-up shirts, to create a polished look while maintaining a masculine edge.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to 3 Boyish style outfits curated by our stylists for their power to depict a masculine look.
1. Boyish Academia
Start this Boyish Academia outfit with a crisp white Oxford shirt from Brooks Brothers, a brand synonymous with classic tailoring.
Match it with high-waisted, wide-leg dark denim jeans from Levi’s, brown leather suspenders from Fossil for a vintage academic touch, and a Ralph Lauren Preppy rep tie with a traditional striped pattern.
Accompany with a brown messenger bag from Coach and Clarks’ brown leather lace-up shoes with simple white crew socks, for a timeless masculine aesthetic rooted in the classic preppy style.
2. Boyish Skater
Start your Boyish Skater outfit with a quality white T-shirt from Hanes or Gildan, layered with a dark brown V-neck sweater from Uniqlo.
Complement them with light-washed, ripped, straight-leg Levi’s jeans for a rugged skater feel, Adidas Pro Model ADV skate sneakers for a touch of streetwear, and a dark brown argyle pattern from Happy Socks.
Complete the look with a Carhartt mustard ribbed knit beanie for a pop of color against the neutral tones and small hoop earrings from Madewell for a boyish skater look.
3. Boyish Grunge
Create the Boyish Grunge look with a loose-fitting white T-shirt from American Apparel or H&M, ideal for affordable basics, an oversized flannel shirt from Patagonia, and loose-fitting khaki chinos from Dickies.
Accessorize with Christian Roth 6558 series white sunglasses, a pair popularized by Curt Cobain, and a Carhartt lumberjack hat – both grunge-style essentials.
Complete with a sturdy black leather belt from Levi’s, argyle pattern socks in dark brown peeking above the shoes, and Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 70 for a relaxed boyish grunge feel.
Similar Styles to Boyish
Tomboy | Androgynous | Agender | Skater | Grunge | Light Academia | Dark Academia
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