How to Dress, Whatever Your Sex

“Girls who want boys, who like boys to be girls, who do boys like they're girls, who do girls like they're boys” – the catchy lyrics of Blurs ‘Girls and Boys’ song rather accurately sums what’s been happening in the world of fashion over the past few years.

Ever since Muccia Prada sent out men in skirts at Milan Fashion Week 2008 there has been an ever increasing trend for menswear to take on feminine features and for the ladies to add a touch of masculinity to their look.

Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga are just another few of the big name fashion houses to adopt the cross dressing theme, although this is not a new concept. Woody Allen’s 1970's movie Annie Hall seen actress Diane Keaton adopt some more masculine looks and artists like David Bowie have been pushing the boundaries of personal identity through their clothing and makeup for many years now.

The newest cross dressers on the scene include new Burberry model Patrick Wolf, actress Cate Blanchett who played Bob Dylan in the 2007 movie I’m Not There and of course the 2010 celebrity big brother contestant Alex Reid who has been gracing the pages of British newspapers ever since the beginning of his relationship with well known glamour model Katie Price (aka Jordan).

If you fancy injecting a hint of androgyny into your wardrobe then you should be surrounded by inspiration and high street stores are one of the best places to buy different garments so you can experiment with different looks and styles.

Ladies who want to look a little less girly can opt for pinstriped and herringbone checks, whether on suits, trousers or coats. Tuxedo jackets, trench coats, cigarette pants and brogues are all key pieces that help you to nail this trend.

If you are not so keen on trousers then structured styles, like tulip, bubble and pencil skirts as well as shift dresses, all work just as well. The trick in retaining a lady-like edge is done by adding feminine pieces like sky high heels or a killer handbag.

For men the look is just as easy to pull off. The look can be dressed up or down, and how you pull the various elements together is completely your choice. No matter how you choose to match your androgynous items together,

It is oh so easy to feminise a manly suit with a pin, scarf and shoes and if you are going all out then skinny jeans worn with women’s T-shirts or tank tops creates the perfect look. From mens coats to ladies accessories, there are a million and one ways to update your look and even a hint of cross dressing seems to be the fashion forward way to go just now.