The 1999 movie Girl, Interrupted was one of those films I vaguely remembered everyone talking about when it released in theaters. It was a cast of 90's most beloved actresses – Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Whoopi Goldberg and the late Brittany Murphy. This movie had nine nominations and won eight awards; which Angelina won Best Supporting Actress twice (Academy Awards and Golden Globes). At the time, I did not contribute to it's box office success, however, this film was forever on my "need to watch" list. Needless to say when I saw it on tv the other day, I jumped at the chance to watch it. Not only was I impressed by the dramatic acting, I noticed that I pretty much owned Susanna's (Winona) wardrobe.

There was a simplicity to Susanna's style that said tomboy with a subtle Dylan-esque tone. Her wardrobe definitely took pieces from classic menswear such as: the white oversize men's button down shirt, black slacks, nautical style pea coat, army green military sweater, keds, oxford/brogue shoes and most notably the nautical striped long sleeve shirts (guilty of owning all). In fact, I could see Madewell giving a nod to Susanna's style at any given time.

Often times, fashion brands, publications, blogs and other style outlets reference the same on screen characters with menswear influenced wardrobes – Annie Hall, Bonnie and Clyde, Lisbeth Salander, Mary Crowley from Downton Abbey (all that twill and riding outfits) and a slew of 80's films with power suits and prominent shoulder pads come to mind. Then there are off screen actresses that have incorporated masculinity to their style – Katherine Hepburn, Lauren Hutton, Diane Keaton, Ellen Degeneres and Kristen Stewart. I want to include Susanna on this list. The thing about adding masculinity is that it's not only about Savile Row tailoring or trousers versus dresses; menswear includes a certain attitude. A confidence that one can wear boxier cuts, less revealing clothing and sans 4 inch heels while STILL feeling empowered and look sexy. There is no doubt there is a cool factor to it. So, even though Susanna was a mental mess, her pixie hairstyle and tomboyish dress said otherwise. It said understated cool.