Who knew men were so stylish. Well, not until we, women, stole the show and paired our boyfriend’s favorite Brooks Brothers sweater with our skinny jeans and flats. It’s a fashion epiphany I had several years ago, an enlightenment that led me to steal more than one sweater. It not only kept me cozy, but it hung on my body with an ease and coolness that my fitted cashmere sweater failed to fulfill.

Well, apparently I was late in the game. Dressing in menswear has become less of a trend and more of a wardrobe staple. It’s a play on femininity, whether intentional or not. Dressing in a tuxedo jacket and pants during the twentieth century lent women a sense of equality and power, and of course it still does. However, instead of using the sharp, tailored look in entirety, designers have created an ease and comfort through men’s clothing, one that has found its own feminine identity, ironic as that may sound.

Boyfriend dressing has made a grand statement in the boyfriend jean, receiving more favor for spring than its first debut last fall. Katie Holmes caused quite the stir in September with her nonchalant dress on the streets of New York City in loose fitting, torn and rolled jeans. And the comments began to roll in: unflattering, and Tom’s jeans? Well, both accusations are up for debate. But to the fashion eye, these seemingly unattractive jeans, representing American-cool, can look effortless with ideal pairing.

Current Elliot led the pack when it debuted its boyfriend denim last fall, which even graced a page in Vogue. This slouchy pegged style is a refreshing take on skinny jeans, and leaves room to expose statement ankle boots, sandals or flats. For the cold winter days stick to a leather ankle boot and for spring, Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Stars will satisfy that all-American look. Even rounded pumps, ballet flats and sandals will compliment the boyfriend-style denim. Girls about town have paired their boyfriend jeans with everything from fur jackets to fitted blazers. Wearing a fitted top will look most flattering and balance the proportion of the jeans. The best look for the chillier days? A fitted blazer, sleek blouse and a bold pair of boots.

Emily Current and Merrit Elliot, former stylists, wanted to express a feeling of ease in denim with a hint of roughness. And almost every jean line has followed suit. 7 for All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, J Brand, Genetic Denim, Prps, Alexander Wang, William Rast and more have created their own version. Alexander Wang features a boyfriend denim short with rips and the perfect amount of slouch.

The boyfriend style has become a fashion phenomenon. One of the leaders of this boy inspired look comes from Boy by Band of Outsiders based in Los Angeles, CA. Designer Scott Sternberg built his collections on boy basics with a preppy edge. Muse Kirstin Dunst models Sternberg’s collection in the Spring 2009 lookbook and is featured in his video instillation that was featured during New York Fashion Week last fall.

Dunst’s relaxed personal style fit the brand’s essence flawlessly. His blazers come in a wide assortment of materials and fit: double breasted in wool, white linen, Chambray and madras. The difference between these blazers and the past interpretations falls in the fit. The look is less restricted, and looser around the mid-section. But Sternberg takes the tomboy look to a different level than his predecessors. He mixes in suspender-strapped skirts, cotton-pique dresses and loose fitting khaki pants. And of course the look wouldn’t work without perfect eyewear, the wayfarers.

They say men wear the pants in a relationship. Well, it’s a role reversal of fashionable sorts this season. Enjoy.