GIRLS WILL BE BOYS
Style Board - Masculine DRESSING
With the launch of Zaras new drop, ‘High Tension’ which is full of masculine elements and influence, suiting details, ties, double breast coating & jackets & waistcoats. we thought we’d look at the history of women who wanted to wear clothing that was considered for a long time, for men only and the style icons who influenced this along the way.
Today most people wouldn't bat an eye at a women wearing trousers (in the western world), but it wasn't always this way. In fact, prior to the late 19th and early 20th century, social customs were very strict regarding women’s clothing, with women wearing dresses, underskirts and painfully tight corsets.
Then in the 1920's, with women entering the workforce during WWI and gaining the right to vote, they had to think more practically about their outfits. Although women continued to wear skirts, their clothing became more masculine, loser and sporty.
One of the most influential fashion icons was Coco Chanel. She rebelliously dismissed the feminine styling and embraced a more androgynous style. She paved the way for menswear-inspired clothing, designing elegant suits, tweed blazers and simple everyday-wear. She was best known for wearing nautical stripes, trousers, and chunky knit sweaters.
The 30’s brought menswear-inspired fashion to the forefront, with actresses such as Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn sporting suits and bow ties in popular movies.
After the war ended, women returned to their previous roles as housewives and mothers, and with that they went back to dresses and skirts. The 50's was subsequently hyperfeminine with clothing made to accentuate a women's hips and bust with tight waisted dresses, and curved jackets.
It really wasn’t until the 60's and 70’s that menswear inspired fashion was no longer considered a rebellious political statement. In the 60's women made large strides toward equality with the passing of Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which both gave women more rights in the workplace. In 1961 Audrey Hepburn wore black capri's in the movie, "Breakfast at Tiffany's", inspiring a new resurgence of women breaking away from traditional feminine clothing.
Yves Saint Laurent took menswear-inspired styling to new heights with his “Smoking” Tuxedo Jacket, hailed as the alternative to the Little Black Dress.
“For women, the tuxedo is an indispensable outfit, which they feel comfortable with, so they can be who they are. This is style, not fashion. Fads come and go, style is forever.” ”
In the last twenty to thirty years, “menswear-inspired fashion” has increased in popularity from sculptural shoulders, buttoned waistcoats, ties, classic fedoras and trench coats to slouchy boyfriend jeans and suiting. A tuxedo suit is now a main stay in any woman’s wardrobe.
Some women are now looking for a masculine wardrobe without the feminine styling altogether, seeking a true men’s fit, make and quantity. There has been a big rise in these androgynous brands in the last 5 years, brands that sell to men and women in unisex shapes like Riley Studio, One DNA and Bethnals.
Go forth ladies and lets enjoy our freedom of being able to express ourselves how ever we want, without the limits of 100 years ago.
HIGH TENSION
STYLE ICONS
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