Hey there, style aficionados! Let me take you on a fascinating journey through the history of Lesbian fashion. From the elegance of tailored blazers to chic lesbian outfits that marked lesbian weddings, we’ve come a long way.
Picture yourself back in the late 18th and early 19th centuries when the “Dandy Rasputins” of upper-class society were the first to inspire our style choices. Wealthy lesbians borrowed from these typically masculine fashions, wearing blazers and refined clothing, and attended salons and dinners, creating quite a stir.
Fast forward to the years after WWI, around 1910-1914, the roles of ‘butch’ and ‘femme’ started to become the norm in the lesbian community. Femmes were dressing in clothes that accentuated an ‘S’ shaped silhouette, a la the fashion of the time.
Now, this might surprise you: Chanel was once considered a lesbian brand! Coco Chanel herself, known for her affairs and the iconic bags, is also credited for incorporating elements of menswear into womenswear. This subtle ambiguity became a fashion favorite, and Chanel served as a coded signal amongst French lesbians.
Although this style was far from mainstream, it lit the spark that slowly permeated women’s fashion worldwide. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that “masculine-dressing women” were fully recognized. Thanks to the Golden Age of Hollywood, Marlene Dietrich’s iconic androgynous style in the film “Morocco” turned heads and paved the way for lesbian outfits to evolve further.
In France, lesbians were adding a new accessory to their “men’s suits” – a monocle. This became a distinctive emblem within the community.
This style continued through the 1950s, with lesbian fashion seemingly running parallel to men’s. There was a noticeable differentiation in butch and femme styles.
As we moved past the 50s and into the 60s and 70s, the feminist, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ movements began to change lesbian fashion’s landscape.
With the rise of brands like Dior, Chanel, Hermes, and eventually YSL, and the shifting fashion hub from Italy to France, a new wave of androgyny was introduced. This was best exemplified when YSL debuted the world’s first women’s tuxedo!
Influenced by the gay scene, 70s New York saw radical lesbians donning tight t-shirts and jeans, proudly showcasing their feminine features.
Moving into the 80s and 90s, we saw a burst of subcultures influencing lesbian fashion, with styles ranging from hippie to punk.
And today, lesbian outfits showcase the broad spectrum of styles available to us. The emphasis on gendered attire has lessened, with most of us adopting more mainstream, socially accepted fashions.
![Image9] Caption: Gendered attire has become less prevalent.
So, whether it’s a butch look with a sleek blazer, a femme dress for a wedding, or anything in between, remember – fashion is a form of self-expression, and there are no set rules. You do you! Until next time, style savants, stay fabulous!
