‘Borrowed from The Boys’ is Emma’s prompt for this month’s ‘Style Not Age’ group. It is true that we have adopted many items of men’s clothing as our own, over the years. Trousers are the most obvious item, I suppose.
POTTED HISTORY OF PANTS
When you look back at women’s fashion through the centuries it was very restrictive. Generally, what men wore was more comfortable and allowed for ease of movement.
During World War I, civilian women who took over jobs traditionally held by men wore pants. And in WW2, civilian and military women wore them both for work and socially.
In the 1950s, there were Hollywood stars such as Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich who defied the fashion rules and wore pants/trousers and tuxedo suits.
But it wasn’t until the 1960s, helped along by The Women’s Rights Movement, that more women began to wear trousers.
However, in certain workplaces, it was still frowned upon. I started teaching in 1978 and women teachers in my school were not allowed wear trousers for several more years. They were not considered ‘suitable’!
MY OUTFIT
I shopped my wardrobe for most of this. The wide trousers from Paul Costello at Dunnes Stores are a firm favourite. And my patterned cotton shirt from The Bias Cut online boutique has been seen previously in a ‘Style Not Age’ challenge.
Have any of you bought into the vest trend? Mine is new from Mango. But they are everywhere on the High Street.
Of course. the knitted, sleeveless jumper/tank top/vest/slip-over is also borrowed from the boys. It is handy for extra warmth and to cover gaping buttons.
Finally, I teamed the outfit with my crossbody bag (ancient) and my Adidas trainers and topped it off with Graham’s Fedora from Wallaroo.
Truly borrowed from the boys. And he will just have to share it in future!
MY FRIENDS
Anna’s blue trouser suit (originally for a man) was a find in a second-hand shop. I love the feminine touches of ruffles and pretty trainers. Pop over to annasislandstyle to find out more.
Emma’s stylish man’s jacket (Devil’s Advocate) is from TK Maxx. And what a beauty it is. Loving the satchel and hat also. See more on style-splash.
Jacqui also went for a trousers and jacket and borrowed her T-shirt from her son. Love the pink trainers to soften the look. You can find out more on mummabstylish.
And over on Is This Mutton, you can see Gail looking rather dandyish in her lilac tones. Her tie is borrowed from her husband and he wore it the day they got married.
I love our monthly virtual get-togethers and it certainly helps me to get out of my leggings and lounge wear. We are all suffering from lockdown fatigue here in Ireland and are possibly facing into another six weeks (at least) of heavy restrictions.
I hope you are doing ok, wherever you are. Stay safe.
Hilda
Such a gorgeous outfit, Hilda! I’ve long been a fan of wide-legged trousers so I swooned when I saw your look.
I was quite shocked to read that it was still frowned upon to wear trousers in your workplace in the late seventies. I can’t even imagine what that must’ve been like.
Hugs
Suzy xx
P.S Today is the Fab40s theme too. Ours is ‘birds of a feather’, I hope you’ll nip over to have a look!
Thanks Suzy. I certainly will pop over now and thanks for reading. x
Great challenge completed again, wow I love this whole look Hilda. I’m a big fan of palazzo style trousers and need to add more into my collection. Jacqui x
They are my absolute favourites. I just love the cut and wish I had another pair like them.
What fun theme! And a lovely trouser story! Your trousers, btw, are amazing!
Thanks Nancy. I love them. xxx
I love that you borrowed the hat!! I do that all the time with Rob’s hats. It is amazing looking back at history how women didn’t always wear pants/trousers. I’m so glad we have options now.
OOXX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Me too Jodie. I wonder what will be in fashion in another 100 years?
Fabulous interpretation of the theme. Your use of a vest with wide-leg trousers brings modern touches to your outfit that makes it fresh and fun.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
That is so kind Rena. I love the trousers, but never styled them like that before. Our monthly collabs make me experiment.
I love those wide leg trousers! The knitted vest is fabulous too. Such a great outfit!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks Emma..really enjoyed it…
You look great! I LOVE your pants!
Life is a Shoe
I love a little history lesson while enjoying your outfit today!
Fabulous wide-leg pants!!
I forgot that pants were not suitable in the workplace in the ’60s!
I love that you borrowed GG’s hat! You look very stylish in it!
Ah thanks Robin. You are so sweet. xx
Oh my goodness, how I love every single item of this glorious outfit of yours Hilda. The trousers make me swoon, both because of the shape and the beautiful apricot hue!
Thanks Anna. I love the trousers too.
The pants remind me of a couple pairs of mine. I usually wear them as soon as it warms up.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com