Mannish style first burst onto the society scene in the 1920s, when liberated women finally flung away their corsets, unbridled their breasts, cropped their hair and embraced the flatter, straighter styles. An androgynous vogue, slicked backed hair and men’s tuxedo jackets and trousers were an alternative to girly flapper frocks. In the 1930s, the German born, American actress and singer Marlena Deitrich epitomised this look in an iconic scene in the film 'Morocco'. Fast forward to 1993 and the look is adopted by Mother of Reinvention, Madonna, for her burlesque-inspired, VMA performance of "Bye Bye Baby”. Another screen goddess who broke the mould was Hollywood actress, Katharine Hepburn whose style was defined by smart tailored pieces and those much copied high-waisted, wide-legged trousers. She in turn inspired film actress Dianne Keaton, who won an Oscar for her role in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall in 1977. Her cookie mannish style has endured and her most notable wardrobe staples have included bowler hats, boyfriend jackets, chunky knits, polo necks, baggy trousers with waistcoat, shirt and tie or bow-tie. In 1971, Bianca Pérez-Mora Macias, defied convention, when opting for a chic white trouser suit for her marriage to rock legend, Mick Jagger. The love affair with androgyny continued into the 80s with the New Romantic wave, together with 50s teddy boy quiffs, crombie coats, skinny jeans and brothel creepers. In the video “Who’s that Girl” Annie Lennox turned gender-bending into a fine art by depicting both a blonde bombshell and an Elvis Presley clone. Glynis Barber, in her Dempsey & Makepiece, hayday looked ultra feminine with her shaggy blonde bob, long black jacket, jeans, white shirt and black tie. In more recent times the look has been perpetuated by model Agyness Deyn and presenter Alexa Chung both famous for their super quirky style. Even Lady Gaga has got in on the man act! The effortlessly stylish Samantha Cameron has been seen in a number of manly tailored outfits including that gorgeous
camel crombie coat, black cigarette pants with plain white shirt and more recently
sporting a tweed trouser suit, What goes around comes around, it seems the mannish boy trend is here to stay and thankfully gone are the days when you really did have to rummage in your boyfriend’s wardrobe. The good news is that designers love this style too so you can now shop with ease.
MAN UP is just one of the 50 top trends at
my-wardrobe.com. We have chosen some of our favourite pieces from the New Season collection
(article by P Adams FFS)
The style Guide has now landed on my-wardrobe.com! Please click here for inspiration:
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