When it comes to classic style I turn to menswear. I started borrowing my dad’s polos and shorts before taking to the Brooks Brothers boys department. Their chinos were loose in the leg, high in the waist and I preferred the fit to the women’s versions.

Enduring pieces are easier to find in the men’s department. That’s why I started Clementina. I wanted tailored clothes that fit the way I thought they should fit. I thought other women would want that too. I collaborate with men’s brands and tailoring ateliers to create suits and small collections for women, adjusting the fit in ways many women want. That’s longer and slightly looser—wider lapels, bigger collars, quality fabrics—less fashion and more style.

If you’re a woman shopping men’s, don’t let sizing stand in your way. For a tailored-yet-easeful look and feel, I size up. The idea is that they’re a little larger. I’ll give sizing advice here, but the general principle remains that slightly oversized, boxier fits are more appealing.

Some menswear pieces are worth buying new, and some are better vintage or borrowed. Not all are pricey, but all look better worn in.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Lacoste Polos Even a classic can be edited. I like the fit of a men’s medium in long or short- sleeves, then have the hem shortened (your local tailor can do this easily). The women’s short sleeved polo is too fitted for my taste, and I prefer the boxy fit of the men’s shirt. I always suggest sizing up one size from women’s to men’s, which seems counterintuitive but isn’t. The extra size allows the shirt to fall elegantly. When you size equally (S women’s to S men’s) you risk an awkward in-between fit that sits in the closet.

Charvet Scarves These are essentially large pocket squares that come in two sizes. The larger is great as a bandana and elegant anywhere. These are the perfect weight for folding—and the fall flat in a wonderful way. If I’m in Paris, it’s a fun tradition to buy one but otherwise there are a ton on eBay and Etsy with great colors and prints. The odd colors like saffron wind up being the easiest to style—a little daring, and a lot more interesting.