This fall of 2013 womenswear strayed far from the 1950’s submissive housewife look that monopolised the runway last year. Women’s fashion is no longer idealising Betty Draper Francis in Madmen and trying to replicate her kitten heel shoes and knee-length classic A-line skirts. The look of this season seems to rebel against Banana Republic’s adorable, feminine Madmen line with its silk blouses, double-strand pearls, and silk ladylike gloves.

Pinstripes, blazers, oxfords, tailored trousers, and brogues stormed the fall runway. Huge masculine overcoats transformed pencil thin, tiny models into robust figures of great proportions. The models walked confidently down the runway shielded in thick layers of leather. Grunge-inspired black leather skin-tight pants, jackets, coats, skirts, dresses, and shoes were in no short supply. The tough, sleek leather proved such a contrast to the flowery taffeta dresses of last season. Though the f/w 2013 runway collections were full of masculine pieces such as the vest, the fedora hat, the oversized watch, and the bomber jacket, they were by no means entirely rejecting a feminine look.

Nearly all of these menswear-inspired pieces had a feminine twist. Take for example Barbara Bui’s Fall 2013 runway collection. Her collection has many black suits that come in a variety of materials including snakeskin, leather, wool, and silk. Bui’s suits are very tailored and minimalistic with a slight feminine touch. All of her jackets are single-button pieces that close at the waist, giving the wearer a ladylike silhouette and accenting her curves.

Then we have a slew of trousers that are feminized with a high stiletto. A pair of boyfriend jeans or a pair of Raoul high waisted pleated trouser would look incredibly sexy with some killer heels. The blending of feminine and masculine pieces makes for a stunning, fashion-forward look.

Don’t out of fear leave the brogues to the boys. There are plenty of ways that brogues can accentuate your femininity. Case in point: Robert Clergerie Glittered Textured-Leather Brogues. These golden shoes practically scream, “I love to wear menswear and embrace my femininity simultaneously!

This season women will be receding into their boyfriend’s closets to look chic and stylish instead of venturing through their mum’s old wardrobe for 1950’s pieces. Though women are stealing their style from men, they are not by any means throwing their femininity out the window.