I’ve always found the art of mixing masculine and feminine elements fascinating — that irresistible allure of the androgynous style, as if the person came from another planet. Those sleek lines, polished vibes, and men’s tailoring paired with feminine fabrics like silk all create that striking, intriguing contrast that never fails to make me sigh.
It’s no surprise that most of the looks we find on Pinterest, or on any other platform where we search for inspiration, feature dark, neutral colours such as navy blue, black and chocolate brown — the typical masculine palette.
Nice, but…Quite boring after a while, isn’t it? 😶🙄
But what if I told you there are other stunning colour combinations to try? What if I told you that you can easily break free from black and navy, even when it comes to the tomboy style, and experiment with bottle green, burnt orange and baby blue?
Yes, ladies — these are all shades Italian men adore (my husband included!), and they work beautifully on women too.
So, hold on tight, because I’m about to share some of the most incredible outfit inspirations to recreate this season. Welcome to my world, where femininity meets masculine cuts and colours for the perfect, unconventional androgynous match.
The Essence of Tomboy Style
Just as with any other aesthetic you might want to recreate, you don’t need to own the exact garments or accessories you see in magazine shoots or shop windows.
The secret lies in training your eye — learning to break down each look into its elements: the cuts, colour palette, textures and materials.
Once you start seeing these details, you’ll be able to capture the essence of any outfit without copying it piece by piece.
Never underestimate the power of texture.
Mixing materials such as wool, denim, cotton, silk or leather instantly adds depth and visual interest — a trick that works for any style, but especially for tomboy looks, where the play of masculine and feminine relies on contrast.
Let’s take a practical example. If you fall in love with the colour scheme of an outfit and want to recreate it, don’t rush to buy new clothes. Start by analysing the palette.
Perhaps instead of burnt orange tailored trousers, you already own light-wash jeans that would work just as well. Swap the Chinese blue denim shirt for a top that matches your jeans.
As for the striped jumper, chances are you have a blue-and-white striped shirt somewhere in your wardrobe — perfect!
Now you’re left with burnt orange and grey: colours you can bring in through a sweater, belt, or even a pair of shoes.
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When it comes to footwear, focus on the overall vibe rather than perfection.
Boyish style keeps it simple: think sneakers, loafers, or Oxford shoes. These instantly anchor the outfit while keeping it grounded and effortlessly chic.
Colour Theory & the Autumn Twist
If black and navy sometimes feel too harsh for you — as they do for me, depending on my mood — worry not!
Autumn offers a rich spectrum of warm, muted, and unexpected colour combinations that can bring your tomboy style to life.
Here are some palettes to inspire you:
Orange + baby blue + beige 🍊🩲🩹
Butter yellow + chocolate brown + taupe 🧈🤎🥔
Baby blue + bottle green + light grey 🩲🧶🔘
Burnt orange + light-wash denim + white 🍁👖🥼
Creamy white + tomato red + olive green 📔☎🚙
Baby blue + chocolate brown + off-white 🩲🤎🤍
Khaki + orange + light grey 📦🍊🔘
Olive green + tan brown + baby blue 🚙🥾🩲
Icy blue + beige + tan brown 🧊🩹🥾
Remember, black and white are “non-colours”, so they can easily blend into any palette. Add them in small touches — socks, a scarf, a bag, gloves or a leather belt — to harmonise your look without overpowering it.
Styling Formulas & Outfit Concepts
Shoes, however, are another story. I never count them as accessories — after all, you might forget your bag or scarf on a café chair, but you’d never leave your shoes at home (I hope!). Neutral footwear — black, brown, navy, beige, or grey — works beautifully to balance bolder colour palettes, especially when your outfit features rich tones on top.
When assembling a tomboy-inspired outfit, remember the rule of three: limit yourself to three main colours for visual balance.
Mix structured, masculine pieces — like tailored blazers, trousers, or crisp shirts — with softer or more fluid ones: silk tops, wool knits, or relaxed denim. The result is a look that feels both confident and effortless.
It’s all about capturing the vibe, not replicating the exact look. Once you learn to play with cuts, colours, and textures, you’ll realise that tomboy style isn’t restrictive at all — it’s one of the most creative, personality-driven aesthetics to explore this autumn.
So guys, let’s make it serious and do a professional breakdown of the 10 boyish outfits I selected for you. 🥳
Tomboy Look #1: “The Vintage Academic”
Key Components Breakdown
Main Garments: Mid-wash, wide-leg denim jeans; a blue and white check collared shirt; a chunky knit red V-neck vest.
Textures: Sturdy denim, soft brushed cotton (shirt), and a chunky, warm knit.
Accessories: A tan corduroy newsboy cap (or baker boy cap, you choose); a thin brown leather belt; a statement keyholder hanging from the belt; a small brown leather shoulder bag; and red flat sneakers.
Colour Scheme & Autumn Palette
The colour scheme is based on primary colours but uses warm, muted versions that ground them in the Autumn palette.
The deep, slightly faded red of the vest, the classic mid-blue of the denim and plaid shirt, and the warm, saturated tan/sienna of the cap are all rich tones.
The look fits the Autumn palette through the use of deep pigment and the warm caramel accessory colours.
Styling Note
This look gives a playful, academic, and slightly retro vibe.
The balance is struck by layering traditionally masculine items (plaid shirt, oversized jeans) with traditionally feminine accessories (red shoes, long necklace).
Wear this for a creative brunch or a casual afternoon of browsing bookshops.
Tomboy Look #2: “The Modern Prep”
Key Components Breakdown
Main Garments: Pleated, wide-leg brown trousers; a crisp white collared shirt; and a soft light blue knit vest with a V-neck and classic collar.
Textures: Flowing, perhaps a soft wool or rayon blend for the trousers; a sharp cotton poplin for the shirt; and a smooth, fine-gauge knit for the vest.
Accessories: Minimal—sleek dark brown leather ankle boots.
Colour Scheme & Autumn Palette
This scheme is primarily Dark Brown and Crisp White, with a pop of Misty/Sky Blue. The deep, rich chocolate brown trousers are a quintessential Autumn neutral.
While the light blue vest might lean Spring, the look is grounded by the deep brown, making the blue act as a cool, refreshing complement that prevents the overall look from being too heavy.
Styling Note
This look offers a clean, elevated, and serious vibe. The tomboy feel comes from the masculine silhouette of the wide-leg, pleated trousers.
To balance it, keep the shirt tucked and the lines neat. This is a perfect outfit for a smart-casual office or a gallery opening.
Tomboy Look #3: “The Earthy Minimalist”
Key Components Breakdown
Main Garments: Black or deep charcoal, high-waisted wool trousers with a generous fit; a soft light blue collared shirt; and a khaki/taupe knit vest.
Textures: A textured wool or flannel for the trousers; smooth cotton for the shirt; a slightly fuzzy knit for the vest.
Accessories: A small, thin black leather belt; chunky black leather derbies; and a large pale cream leather shoulder bag.
Colour Scheme & Autumn Palette
This palette is beautifully muted and entirely grounded in Autumn neutrals: Black/Charcoal, a Mid-Khaki/Taupe, and Pale Blue.
The taupe vest is a warm, faded neutral that blends seamlessly with the richness of the black. It fits the Autumn concept perfectly by combining muted earth tones with a deep, dark base.
Styling Note
This look is sophisticated and understated—it says “I mean business.” The strong lines of the trousers and the flat, substantial shoes provide the tomboy edge.
Balance the dark bottom half with the light colours on top, and use the oversized bag to soften the look slightly. Ideal for a smart-casual workday or a formal university seminar.
Tomboy Look #4: “The Chic Utility”
Key Components Breakdown
Main Garments: A khaki/olive green leather-look blazer or structured jacket; a blue and white striped collared shirt; and light khaki/stone wide-leg jeans.
Textures: Smooth, supple faux leather; crisp cotton shirting; and a sturdy denim for the jeans.
Accessories: Simple gold earrings; white ankle socks; and black leather loafers/moccasins with a heel.
Colour Scheme & Autumn Palette
This scheme is built entirely on muted, warm colours. The Olive Green jacket and the Light Khaki jeans are classic warm, muted tones found throughout the Autumn leaf spectrum.
The blue and white stripe adds a cool, crisp counterpoint. The richness of the olive makes the look feel earthy and grounded, which is the heart of the Autumn palette.
Styling Note
This gives a polished, creative, and slightly retro vibe. The masculine structure of the blazer is key.
Balance is achieved by the relaxed fit of the jeans and the slightly softer hair/make-up. This is an excellent outfit for a design meeting or an upmarket weekend outing.
Tomboy Look #5: “The Dark Academia Trench”
Key Components Breakdown
Main Garments: A long, dark indigo denim duster coat or trench coat; a button-up olive green shirt; and pleated, wide-cuffed cream/ecru trousers.
Textures: Heavy, rigid dark denim; a soft, matte cotton/linen blend for the shirt; and a smooth, flowing material for the trousers.
Accessories: Dark socks with a subtle pattern; and chunky black leather lace-up shoes or derbies.
Colour Scheme & Autumn Palette
This is a high-contrast but muted Autumn look. The Deep Indigo coat and the Warm Ecru/Cream trousers create a sharp yet classic contrast.
The Olive Green shirt is the crucial warm, earthy tone that locks the whole palette into the Autumn season.
Styling Note
The vibe is artistic, practical, and highly fashionable. The full coverage and strong lines of the trench and trousers lean into the masculine silhouette.
To balance, cuff the trousers to show off a hint of ankle and add a subtle pattern to the socks. This is a brilliant look for an art fair or a weekend getaway where layering is essential.
Tomboy Look #6: “The Elevated Neutral”
Key Components Breakdown
Main Garments: Olive green/moss green pleated trousers; a light blue collared shirt; and a mock-neck, oversized taupe/oatmeal fine-knit jumper.
Textures: A sturdy, thick wool/flannel for the trousers; crisp cotton for the shirt; and a super-soft, fine knit (like cashmere or merino) for the jumper.
Accessories: A thin black leather belt; and sleek, simple black leather ankle boots.
Colour Scheme & Autumn Palette
The palette is deeply warm and muted. The Mossy/Deep Olive Green trousers and the Warm Taupe/Oatmeal jumper are perfect examples of the muted, natural neutrals that define the Autumn palette.
The soft blue shirt is used here as a subtle, fresh accent under the warmer layers.
Styling Note
This outfit is quietly luxurious and impeccably tailored. The wide trousers and the high-neck jumper give a substantial, masculine feel. The ankle boots keep the bottom half grounded and sharp.
This is a fantastic example of tomboy chic that works beautifully both for a casual occasion and the office. If you want to make it even more polished, you can just swap the booties with a pair of derbies of classic loafers. Et voilà!
Tomboy Look #7: “The Utility Prep”
Key Components Breakdown
Main Garments: Khaki/stone wide-leg trousers with a workwear fit; a white collared shirt with a round/Peter Pan collar; and a black button-up cardigan (you can swap it with a fine-knit jumper).
Textures: Sturdy cotton drill or twill for the trousers; crisp cotton poplin for the shirt; and a soft, simple knit for the cardigan.
Accessories: A thin brown leather belt; a large black backpack; and red canvas trainers.
Colour Scheme & Autumn Palette
The dominant colours are Black and Khaki/Stone. The warm khaki trousers are an essential Autumn earth tone.
The injection of the bright, classic Red via the trainers adds a youthful, sporty contrast. The Autumn palette can handle a bold accent, and the red here stops the neutrals from feeling flat.
Styling Note
This look is utilitarian, practical, and a bit rebellious. The massive trousers and backpack provide the tomboy silhouette.
The feminine Peter Pan collar is a deliberate balance to the workwear trousers. This is the ultimate outfit for casual errands, university lectures, or a day of sightseeing.
Tomboy Look #8: “The Heritage Librarian”
Key Components Breakdown
Main Garments: High-waisted, pleated grey wool trousers; a striped white and grey/blue collared shirt; and an oversized, cable-knit dark green cardigan.
Textures: Thick, substantial wool or flannel for the trousers; crisp cotton for the shirt; and a heavy, textured cable knit for the cardigan.
Accessories: A medium brown leather belt; a warm brown leather cross-body bag strap; and taupe/suede Chelsea boots.
Colour Scheme & Autumn Palette
This look features classic Autumn colours: Deep Forest/Emerald Green and a Warm Mid-Grey for the trousers.
Grey is made warm here by the texture and its pairing with the rich green and the warm brown leather. The entire palette is rich and cosy, perfectly capturing the deep, shaded warmth of the Autumn palette.
Styling Note
The vibe is cosy, intellectual, and effortlessly vintage.
The oversized proportions on top and bottom give it a relaxed, borrowed-from-the-boys feel. Use the tucked shirt and fitted belt to add a neat waistline for balance.
Perfect for a cold day by the fire or a cosy afternoon tea.
Tomboy Look #9: “The Parisian Pop”
Key Components Breakdown
Main Garments: Straight-leg, mid-wash denim jeans; a blue and white striped collared shirt (worn untucked); and a bright red jumper draped over the shoulders.
Textures: Standard, heavy denim; crisp shirting cotton; and a soft, smooth knit jumper.
Accessories: Thick-soled black leather loafers/moccasins; large sunglasses; and a simple tan leather bucket bag.
Colour Scheme & Autumn Palette
This scheme is classic preppy/nautical but warmed up for the Autumn.
The Mid-Wash Blue of the denim and the shirt are cooler elements. However, the use of deep, clear red (rather than a bright, icy red) and the rich tan of the bag anchors the look in the Autumn warmth, giving it a saturated, earthy feel.
Styling Note
This look is effortlessly chic, polished, and ready for the city. The straight, wide lines of the jeans and the chunky shoes give it a grounded tomboy foundation.
Drape the sweater for a relaxed, confident attitude, and use the bold red as a stylish pop. Ideal for a city break, a casual meeting, or a weekend in town.
Tomboy Look #10: “The Collegiate Prep”
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Key Components Breakdown
Main Garments: Khaki/tan straight-leg chinos (cuffed); and a chunky navy ribbed turtleneck jumper over a striped white and pink shirt.
Textures: Sturdy cotton twill for the chinos; a thick, heavy rib knit for the jumper; and smooth leather for the shoes.
Accessories: Round prescription glasses; brown leather penny loafers; and bright yellow socks.
Colour Scheme & Autumn Palette
The main colours are Classic Navy and Warm Khaki/Tan. The khaki is the perfect warm neutral for the Autumn palette.
The bright Yellow socks and the deep Oxblood/Maroon shoes add the saturated, rich pops of colour often found in the Autumn leaf spectrum. The overall effect is grounded and slightly unexpected.
Styling Note
This outfit screams nerdy chic, playful, and preppy. The oversized, conservative knit and the substantial chinos provide the tomboy core.
The contrast is provided by the vibrant socks, which are a fun, rebellious flash. This is a great outfit for a casual day on campus or a relaxed weekend coffee catch-up.
Final Thoughts
For me, androgynous style has always been more than just a fashion statement. It takes me back to my teenage years, spent in my father’s mechanic workshop — a place full of noise, oil, and men.
As a young girl, I often felt out of place, not quite sure how to navigate that world or the attention that sometimes came with it.
So, just like my mum — who worked there as a secretary and somehow managed to command respect without ever losing her femininity — I started dressing in a more boyish way too.
Loose shirts, straight-cut trousers, and sturdy boots became my kind of armour.
Over time, that look turned into something empowering rather than protective.
That’s why I still love this style today: it’s where strength meets softness, confidence meets ease.
And maybe, deep down, it’s also a little nod to the girl I once was — the one who learned that you can be both strong and graceful, without ever having to choose between the two.
…what about you? Is the tomboy style a keep or a leave? Let me know by dropping your POV in the box below 😘
XOXO
Agnese K
