Menswear is in

Menswear worn as womenswear has a rich history, pioneered by style icons like Katherine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich and Coco Chanel. And yet it remains a largely untapped goldmine for those of us growing bored of the skinny-jeans-cardigan-and-cute-top uniform which is so dominant nowadays, both on and off campus.

Menswear introduces a whole new range of shapes and forms, far removed from any girly dress you’ll pick up in Topshop. Best of all, it’s really easy to work into an outfit and can be dressed up or down.

Now, we’re not talking about Canterburys and your boyfriend’s zippy here – there are many ways to wear menswear and actually look well, as opposed to hungover.

The beauty of menswear is in its simplicity. The easiest and most basic ensemble of this kind is an oversized men’s shirt with leggings, with a belt to give it form. I prefer to belt at the hips as the waist-belt is a look that’s been done to death. Then, you can throw an oversized cardigan over the shirt. This is easily the comfiest outfit I’ve ever worn, and it’s quick, easy and versatile. You can add a girly edge in your choice of accessories.

It’s important to always keep proportion and volume in mind – if you’re wearing a huge shirt on top, you’ll want something tight and streamlined on bottom. This is why dark leggings are perfect. Just make sure that your shirt covers your bum, because leggings do not automatically equal trousers, and nobody particularly wants to see the outline of your arse on display all day long.

Things to avoid when wearing menswear include anything with heavy shoulders, as it doesn’t matter how stylish the print of your boyfriend’s blazer is if it makes your shoulders look like you’re off to play American football. Also, it’s a nice idea to spend a few extra minutes on your hair or make-up if you’re going particularly masculine or voluminous, as it’ll provide a great contrast to your look and make it stand out that bit more.

You don’t have to go all-out, either. If you’re afraid of leaving your girly comfort zone completely, then just stick to accessories as a way to add a boyish edge to your outfit. Both trilbies and round bowler hats are great ways to hide a bad-hair day, and a pair of brown leather Oxford shoes would look great with skinny jeans .

Possibly the best thing about menswear is that it’s a cheap way to expand your wardrobe. The men’s department in Urban Outfitters is full of oversized bargains, as are Topman and H&M. You can also pick up men’s shirts for as little as 3 euro in your local charity shop or, if you don’t want to spend a penny, raid the closets of your boyfriend, your flatmates, your male friends, your brother or even your dad. They’re all veritable treasure troves of pieces that’ll transform your look from Audrey to Katherine in seconds.