Man, I feel like a woman

In the early 1930's, Hollywood siren Marlene Dietrich (left) stepped out in style. Trouser suit, bow tie and a masculine hat. It was certainly a look that shocked the more conservative. It was not long however when this androgynous style was copied by the mass market and Dietrich was cited as a style icon. Of course, Katherine Hepburn (below) was also famed for her androgynous style, preferring wider trousers and natural make up, unlike painted lipped Dietrich, which made her style even more radical.

Indeed the masculine style is one of those things that is ever in vogue. I am all for dresses and femininity but although it may seem like a contradiction I think there is something very feminine for a woman to stand out from the crowd in an androgynous style suit. It has been said for a woman to step out in a man - style suit is one of the most empowering things a woman can do. I guess people, men and women alike, stand up and take notice.

Fast forward to the late 1970's when cult movie Annie Hall reintroduces women to the notion of wearing mannish suits. The costumes designed partly by Ralph Lauren and worn by Diane Keaton of course, are iconic of both cinematic and fashion history. A decade previously, Yves Saint Laurent designed his women's dinner jacket known as Le Smoking. The 80's obviously saw power dressing at it's maximum, as the Marlene style wide shouldered suit returned.

Iconic fashion moment - Annie Hall, 1977

Yves Saint Laurent's Le Smoking jacket

In 2007, androgyny is still as powerful and fashion foreword as it was in the 30's. Until recently my wardrobe was without a tuxedo jacket, now I can not imagine it without it, especially since androgyny is such a major trend this winter. I'm glad to say too, that it was very empowering to march into the men's section of a department store and purchase a crisp, white, button up shirt. Cue the music for this post's title!

Kirsten works the masculine style, in one of my favourite celebrity looks of the year, bringing the suit right up to the present day. Red lips add extra drama.

Suiting up at Paul Smith Women, Mark Jacobs, Lanvin and Nicole Miller. The suit is one of this seasons biggest trends.

(I apologise for the quality of some of these pictures, as they were scanned from books of mine.)