Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, Amelia Earhart in the '30s, Katharine Hepburn in the '40s, and Diane Keaton in the '70s.... all defying gender role norms and all a complete and utter inspiration.

Throughout much of history, Western women (both European and North American) traditionally lived by strict dress code in which pants were not allowed. In the early 1900's during both World Wars, women were asked to do more physical jobs and therefore pants were a necessity. It was very freeing and women weren't willing to give that up! Coco Chanel was often found wearing her boyfriend's suits so she created a "sportswear" line for women to wear during activities like horseback riding.

In the 30's and 40's the general public was still pretty surprised to see women sporting menswear and actresses like Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn popularized the trend in a big way. In February of 1933 WWD (Womens Wear Daily) raised the question, "Will women wear trousers?" By the time the May 1939 issue of British Vogue hit the newsstands that question was answered and it was a resounding YES. Yes, we would.

By the 1960's and 70's wearing pants was completely accepted both in casual and work fashion. The aforementioned women really paved the way for the freedom to express ourselves individually and without gender boundaries. Pretty cool, right? Scroll on down to see my take on this look.....

Have a fun, fashionable week,

kiki

lillian and alice