“I realized long ago that skirts are hopeless. Anytime I hear a man say he prefers a woman in a skirt, I say, ‘Try one. Try a skirt’.”
Katherine Hepburn
Katherine Hepburn isn’t just a style icon, she is the poster girl for wearing whatever you want!
Her androgynous style was quite the scandal back in the late ‘30s, taking men’s fashion and making it feminine. High-waisted wide trousers were a staple of her wardrobe along with loose shirts and blazers. This look is perfect for the colder months and very comfortable too for work or play.
Staying true to vintage fashion isn’t as easy in the winter months, those calf length hemlines leave too much space for the chilly weather to take effect. But there are still ways to keep up the style and stay warm. I always end up going back to Hepburn as my winter style inspiration.
High-waisted trousers seem to be having a comeback. Keep an eye out in regular high street stores for the right shape as they will be available in most shops this season. I love these Vivien of Holloway ones:
Go for a thicker fabric if possible and save the lighter fabric versions for summer!
Next you just need a simple plain shirt or sweater to tuck in.
http://www.freddiesofpinewood.co.uk/product/368-1940%27s-saddle-sweater
This can be over laid with a short cardigan or a boxy blazer, like this one from H&M:
http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0331470001.html
For those of us who do a bit of sewing, the Hepburn trouser suit is a great project. Simplicity Pattern 3688 is perfect, all you need is some good wool fabric and you can make your own in any colour you like!
I’ll also be making a light weight version for wearing with wedge sandals and a loose blouse in the summer.
Available here:
http://www.jaycotts.co.uk/products/s3688#.VriKcfmLTcs
Hepburn also wore a lot of men’s style shoes, loafers and saddle shoes finish off the outfit with a clean smart edge.
Standard loafers by Dr Marten or Loakes would be a comfortable sturdy option or these by reproduction vintage shoe masters, Rocket Originals would be perfect.
http://www.rocketoriginals.co.uk/Saddle-Shoe-Blue-beige-
A little nod towards Hepburn’s love of golf!
But if you want to dress it up a bit, Hepburn often wore comfy wedges like these beauties also by Rocket Originals
http://www.rocketoriginals.co.uk/1940s-1950s-wedge-sandals-with-ankle-strap-5
Or my own personal favourite style shoe, Yuna by Fly London. They’re a great stand in for real vintage and available in so many colours:
http://www.flylondonshop.co.uk/womens/all-shoes/yuna
Whatever way you choose to style your Hepburn look, remember the whole point was cool comfort topped off with a hell of a lot of confidence!
