One of the Originals

As one of the original tomboys, Marlene Dietrich is one of my style icons. She was incredibly versatile at pulling off the most extreme of menswear such as the tux, or something milder like a tailored shirt or pair of pants. I admire her abilities to pull off the full suit with the big boxy shoulders, which can look strange on many women if they do not know what they are doing (the 80s gone wrong anybody?). Dietrich never failed to always look chic.
What I love most about her approach to dressing is also what is most hard to imitate, her attitude. There is this nonchalant, daring, experimental attitude that made her stunningly seductive and sultry even in menswear. This is part of her tomboy spirit and what distinguishes her as a true tomboy and not just merely woman in men's clothing. Her clothes become just a natural extension of her inner self. Dietrich was honest and unpretentious–qualities that are considerably lacking in many people's approach to dressing nowadays. Though not everybody can be a Marlene Dietrich, everyone could certainly channel her energy and spirit to add a little spunk to your wardrobe.

 "Darling, the legs aren't so beautiful, I just know what to do with them."



18 comments:

L.L. said...

Marlene Dietrich and Katherine Hepburn: two women who knew how to wear the pants

Anonymous said...

I agree, she is incredible in men's wear !

Unknown said...

absolutely agree that it's her attitude, and that her style is a natural extension of who she is. authentic all the way.

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Justyna said...

she's too lovely....

Amelia said...

Dietrich is my second favorite style icon. The first is without a doubt Katherine Hepburn.

GIAA said...

wow I wish I was born in that era!

http://giaa-fashion.blogspot.com

0000 said...

Love Dietrich (and Katherine Hepburn too!) for her androgynous style. I really adored how crossdressing was such a political statement during those times (because it was illegal in many places) and, because it was such a daring statement, it was also considered downright sexy. Fast forward to the present day, and I think a woman who shows up in a tuxedo to a formal event (particularly if she is not a movie star--think senior prom, for example) is commonly viewed as a 'lesbian,' which is just so sad.

sweet harvest moon said...

She was so talented!


http://sweetharvestmoon.blogspot.com

Jada said...

I agree with "0000" above! The fact that she dressed for herself and not for the public of Hollywood and the film industry really made her different and memorable. Hooray for pants! haha. I always feel great wearing "menswear" inspired outfits, so why not? She sure showed em :D

Cliff Tuna said...

love her style as well! :D

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Unknown said...

I absolutly love her! Definitely one of my top style inspirations.

Thanks for sharing some great photos.

Hila said...

This is the kind of style I like best on women. The more androgynous, the better. She is such a class act.

EMI COCO said...

Such a lovely post!

You've got a lovely blog, I'm following. Could you please follow me back?

//Emi Coco

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Sarah @ Pencil Skirts and Lattes said...

She was always so classy and chic. Such amazing pictures. Thanks for the inspiration!!

Have a fab week, doll!

Joy said...

@L.L., Amelia: Most definitely, please keep your eyes peeled for my post on Katharine Hepburn.

@intheselovelydreams, Monica: So glad you concur.

@0000: I know, when did menswear = butch?! I'm planning to write a post on this very soon and I'm SO GLAD you picked up on this.

@Jada: Yay for menswear lovers.

@FMK Vintage and Fairy Tale: So glad you find this useful.

@hila: MTE.

Margaret said...

god to have those cheekbones :) x