Garconne

The Garconne is a term that refers to a style of dressing and behaving that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, especially among women who wanted to challenge the traditional gender norms and express their independence and freedom.

The word Garconne is derived from the French word for "boy" (garçon) with the addition of a feminine suffix; its closest English translation is "tomboy".

People who adhere to this style look was characterized by short hair, loose-fitting clothes, flat shoes, and minimal accessories.

The Garconne also smoked, drank, danced, drove cars, and engaged in casual sex.

This style was seen as a symbol of modernity, rebellion, and emancipation, but also as a threat to the social order and morality.

Some famous examples of Garconnes are Coco Chanel, Josephine Baker, Marlene Dietrich, and Louise Brooks.

The Garconne was also the name of a German magazine for lesbians that was published from 1926 to 1932.

It was originally called Frauenliebe (Woman Love) and changed its name to Garconne in 1930.

The magazine featured articles, stories, poems, photographs, and illustrations that celebrated lesbian culture and identity.

Frauenliebe was banned by the Nazis in 1933 and its editor, Lotte Hahm, was arrested and sent to a concentration camp.

The Garconne is a fascinating phenomenon that reflects the social and cultural changes that occurred in the interwar period.

It is also a source of inspiration for many contemporary artists, designers, and activists who explore the themes of gender, sexuality, and identity.

Garconne, Garconne, you are the style
That makes me feel chic and confident
You mix the feminine and the masculine
With grace and sophistication

You are not afraid to wear trousers
Or a tailored jacket with a bow tie
You also love dresses and skirts
But with a twist of modernity

You are inspired by the past
But you live in the present
You are timeless and classic
But you also experiment

Garconne, Garconne, you are the style
That I admire and aspire
You are more than just clothes
You are an attitude and a desire

Garconne garments are chic and cool
They can make you look like a star or a fool
Depending on how you style and accessorize
You can be elegant, trendy or otherwise

Garconne garments are for anyone who dares
To mix and match with flair and care
You can wear them with heels or sneakers
With hats or scarves or chokers

Garconne garments are not for the faint of heart
They require confidence and a sense of art
But if you want to try something new and fun
You can find them at Paris Fashion Shops or La Garçonne

The Garconne fashion style is a way of dressing that combines masculine and feminine elements, creating a chic, confident, and rebellious look.

Some of the most famous examples of Garconne-style icons are Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart, and Coco Chanel.

You can mix and match different pieces, such as wide-leg pants, graphic tees, tailored trousers, ripped jeans, and vegan leather jackets, to create a variety of outfits for different occasions and themes.

The Garconne fashion style is not only a way of dressing, but also a way of being.

It reflects a sense of refinement, structure, and edge, as well as a sense of freedom, creativity, and individuality.

If you love blending androgynous and glamorous elements in your outfits, you might want to try the Garconne fashion style.

Garconne in fashion is a style that emerged in the 1920s as a way for women to express their independence and modernity.

The garconne style was influenced by the social and cultural changes that occurred after World War I, such as women's suffrage, the rise of urbanization, and the emergence of new art forms like jazz and cinema.

Women who embraced the garconne style wanted to break free from the traditional norms of femininity and sexuality, and to assert their individuality and autonomy.

Some of the iconic figures of the garconne style were Coco Chanel, Marlene Dietrich, Josephine Baker, and Louise Brooks.

They wore clothing that was simple, elegant, and comfortable, such as blouses, trousers, suits, hats, and trench coats.

The garconne style was not only a fashion trend, but also a social and political statement.

It challenged the stereotypes and expectations of women's roles and identities, and paved the way for more diverse and expressive forms of femininity in the future.

Garconne clothing is a style of fashion that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, inspired by the French term "la garçonne" which means "boyish girl" or "flapper".

This clothing is characterized by loose-fitting, androgynous, and minimalist garments that contrast with the traditional feminine and ornate fashion of the time.

Garconne clothing often includes elements such as trousers, blazers, vests, hats, short haircuts, and flat shoes.

It was initially worn by women who wanted to challenge the social norms and express their independence, freedom, and modernity.

Some of the famous icons of garconne style were Coco Chanel, Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, and Josephine Baker.

Garconne clothing also reflected the changing roles and opportunities for women in the post-World War I era, as they entered the workforce, gained the right to vote, and participated in various cultural and artistic movements.

Today, it is still popular among women who appreciate its simplicity, elegance, and versatility.

Garconne clothing can be adapted to different occasions, seasons, and personal tastes, as well as mixed and matched with other styles.

It is also influenced by contemporary trends and designers, such as La Garçonne, a luxury fashion retailer that offers a unique point of view in garconne style.

Garconne clothing is a timeless and chic way of dressing that celebrates the individuality and empowerment of women.

• The bob haircut: This was a radical change from the long, feminine hairstyles of the previous era.
  The bob was a short, sleek, and easy-to-manage haircut that symbolized the freedom and independence of the Garconne.
  Some of the most famous bobbed celebrities were Louise Brooks, Clara Bow, and Josephine Baker.

• The cloche hat: This was a fitted, bell-shaped hat that covered the forehead and ears.
  It was often worn with a bob haircut and accessorized with ribbons, flowers, or feathers.
  The cloche hat was a chic and modern accessory that added a touch of elegance to the Garconne's outfit.

• The drop-waist dress: This was a loose-fitting dress that hung straight from the shoulders and ended around the knee.
  It had no defined waistline and often featured pleats, fringes, or geometric patterns.
  The drop-waist dress was comfortable and practical for dancing and movement.
  It also flattered the slender, boyish figure of the Garconne.

• The tuxedo: This was a daring and provocative outfit that challenged the traditional gender norms.
  The tuxedo consisted of a black jacket, trousers, white shirt, bow tie, and sometimes a top hat and cane.
  The tuxedo was worn by Garconnes who wanted to express their masculinity and sophistication.
  Some of the most iconic tuxedo wearers were Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, and Coco Chanel.

• The sportswear: This was a casual and functional outfit that reflected the active and adventurous lifestyle of the Garconne.
  The sportswear included items such as sweaters, cardigans, skirts, trousers, caps, and scarves.
  The sportswear was inspired by the activities of the Garconne such as tennis, golf, cycling, skiing, and flying.

• Mix and match different fabrics and textures, such as wool, cotton, silk, and leather.
  For example, you can pair a woolen blazer with a silk blouse, or a leather jacket with a cotton dress.

• Add some feminine touches to balance the masculine elements, such as pearls, red lipstick, floral scents, or lace.
  For example, you can wear a long string of pearls with a button-up shirt and trousers, or a lace dress with a leather jacket and boots.

• Experiment with different accessories, such as hats, scarves, ties, suspenders, or brogues.
  For example, you can wear a beret with a graphic tee and jeans, or a scarf with a tailored suit and loafers.

• Play with different colors and patterns, such as pastels, neutrals, stripes, checks, or florals.
  For example, you can wear a pastel pink blazer with a striped shirt and black pants, or a floral dress with a neutral cardigan and shoes.

• A loose-fitting dress or skirt that falls below the knee and has a straight or slightly flared silhouette.
  The dress or skirt can be plain or patterned, but should avoid frills and ruffles.
  Garconne's style was influenced by the Art Deco movement, which favored geometric shapes and bold colors.

• A tailored jacket or coat that has a simple or double-breasted design and a lapel collar.
  The jacket or coat can be worn over the dress or skirt, or with trousers for a more masculine look.
  The Garconne style borrowed elements from men's clothing, such as tweed, wool, and leather.

• A comfortable and practical pair of flat-toe shoes, such as oxfords, brogues, or loafers, that are comfortable and practical.
  The Garconne style rejected the high heels and corsets that were common in women's fashion at the time.

• A hat, such as a cloche, a beret, or a fedora, that adds some flair and personality to the outfit.
  It can be plain or embellished with ribbons, feathers, or flowers.
  The Garconne style embraced accessories that expressed individuality and creativity.

• A scarf, a tie, or a neckerchief that adds some contrast and color to the outfit.
  These aceessories can be worn around the neck, tied into a bow, or draped over the shoulder.
  Garconne style combines women's and men's accessories to create a unique look.

• A cigarette holder, a monocle, or a pair of glasses that adds some sophistication and attitude to the outfit.
  They can be used as props or as functional items.
  Garconne style challenged the norms and expectations of women's behavior and appearance.

• Mix and match different fabrics and textures, such as leather, denim, wool, silk, and lace.
  This will add some contrast and interest to your outfit.

• Accessorize with statement pieces, such as hats, scarves, sunglasses, belts, watches, and jewelry.
  You can also play with different shapes and sizes of these accessories to create a unique look.

• Experiment with different patterns and colors, such as stripes, checks, florals, polka dots, and animal prints.
  You can also mix different shades of the same color or use complementary colors to create a harmonious effect.

• Add some feminine touches to balance out the masculine elements, such as ruffles, bows, fringes, embroidery, or lace.
  You can also wear some makeup or perfume to enhance your features and mood.

• Don't wear clothes that are too baggy or shapeless.
  The Garconne style is about creating a balance between masculine and feminine elements, not hiding your body.
  Choose clothes that fit well and flatter your figure, but avoid anything too tight or revealing.

• Don't overdo the accessories.
  The Garconne style is minimalist and elegant, so you don't need a lot of jewelry, hats, scarves, or belts to complete your outfit.
  A simple necklace, a pair of earrings, a watch, or a brooch can add some flair to your look, but don't wear them all at once.

• Don't mix too many patterns or colors.
  The Garconne style is based on neutral and muted tones, such as black, white, gray, navy, beige, and brown.
  You can add some pops of color with a red lipstick, a blue tie, or a yellow blouse, but keep it subtle and harmonious.
  Avoid clashing prints or bright hues that can make your outfit look busy or chaotic.

• Don't forget the details.
  The Garconne style is all about the details that make your outfit unique and sophisticated.
  For example, you can roll up your sleeves, tuck in your shirt, button up your collar, cuff your pants, or add a pocket square to your blazer.

The Garconne style is a fashion trend that originated in the 1920s and was characterized by a more androgynous and masculine look for women.

The Garconne style typically featured short hair, loose-fitting clothes, trousers, suits, ties, hats, and other accessories that were borrowed from men's fashion.

The Garconne style was not only a fashion statement, but also a political and social one.

It represented the desire of women to assert their independence, equality, and self-reliance in a changing world.

It also challenged the stereotypes and expectations of gender roles and sexuality, as some Garconne women were also associated with lesbianism, feminism, and pacifism.

The Garconne style faded away in the 1930s, as the economic crisis and the rise of fascism made women's fashion more conservative and feminine again.

However, the Garconne style has influenced many other fashion movements and icons throughout history, such as Coco Chanel, Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy, Annie Hall, and more.

• Choose simple and classic pieces that have a boyish charm, such as a trench coat, a blazer, a button-down shirt, or a sweater vest.

• Pair them with feminine items that contrast the masculine silhouette, such as a mini skirt, a pleated dress, or a silk scarf.

• Accessorize with statement jewelry, such as long necklaces, brooches, or earrings.
  You can also add a touch of glamour with a red lipstick or a smoky eye.

• Experiment with different patterns and textures, such as stripes, checks, tweeds, or leather.
  You can also mix and match different colors, such as black, white, beige, or navy.

• Don't be afraid to express your personality and attitude with your Garconne style.
  You can channel icons like Marlene Dietrich, Coco Chanel, or Frida Kahlo, who were pioneers of this style.

• Music: Jazz, blues, swing, or classical music could complement the Garconne style, as they reflect the cultural and musical trends of the 1920s and 1930s.
  Alternatively, rock, indie, or alternative music could also suit the Garconne style, as they express a rebellious and unconventional attitude.

• Art: Art deco, cubism, surrealism, or expressionism could match the Garconne style, as they represent the artistic movements and innovations of the early 20th century.
  Alternatively, modern, minimalist, or abstract art could also fit the Garconne style, as they convey a sense of simplicity and elegance.

• Hobbies: Reading, writing, painting, or photography could align with the Garconne style, as they demonstrate a creative and intellectual flair.
  Alternatively, sports, travel, or adventure could also go well with the Garconne style, as they show a daring and adventurous spirit.

• For a spring or summer look:

  • Choose a Garconne suit made of light and breathable fabrics such as linen, cotton, or silk.

  • Opt for pastel or bright colors to add some freshness and vibrancy to your outfit.

  • Accessorize with a straw hat, sunglasses, or a floral scarf.

  • Wear sandals, loafers, or ballet flats to keep your feet cool and comfortable.

• For a fall or winter look:

  • Choose a Garconne suit made of warm and cozy fabrics such as wool, tweed, or velvet.

  • Opt for dark or neutral colors to create a sophisticated and elegant outfit.

  • Accessorize with a beret, gloves, or a fur collar.

  • Wear boots, oxfords, or brogues to protect your feet from the cold and wet weather.

• For a casual or daytime look:

  • Choose a Garconne suit that is relaxed and comfortable.

  • Opt for a loose-fitting jacket and trousers that allow you to move freely.

  • Wear a simple shirt or a t-shirt underneath your jacket.

  • Accessorize with a belt, a watch, or a necklace.

  • Wear sneakers, flats, or slip-ons to complete your laid-back look.

• For a formal or evening look:

  • Choose a Garconne suit that is sleek and refined.

  • Opt for a fitted jacket and trousers that accentuate your silhouette.

  • Wear a blouse or a camisole underneath your jacket.

  • Accessorize with a tie, a brooch, or earrings.

  • Wear heels, pumps, or slingbacks to add some height and glamour to your look.

• The rejection of traditional feminine norms and the adoption of a more androgynous, boyish, or masculine look. This included wearing short hair, flat chests, trousers, suits, hats, and ties.

• The inspiration from Cubist art and its geometric forms, clean lines, and angular shapes. Some of the designers who created Garconne fashions were influenced by the paintings of Picasso, Braque, Leger, and others.

• The emphasis on sportswear and leisurewear that reflected the new activities and hobbies of women in the 1920s. Garconne fashion included knitwear, swimwear, tennis clothes, and sun-tan oil that were suitable for aviation, racing, boating, golfing, and other sports.

• The simplicity and elegance of the little black dress, the jersey knit, and the bias-cut dress that became classics of Garconne fashion. These garments were designed by Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, Jean Patou, and Madeleine Vionnet.

• Mixing patterns and textures: One way to add some flair to the Garconne style is to mix different patterns and textures, such as stripes, checks, tweeds, and knits.
  This creates a contrast and a dynamic look that is both elegant and playful.

• Adding accessories: Accessories can make a big difference in the Garconne style, as they can add some color, sparkle, or personality to the outfit.
  Some examples of accessories are ties, scarves, hats, belts, jewelry, and glasses.
  They can also help to balance the masculine and feminine aspects of the look.

• Experimenting with silhouettes: Another way to innovate the Garconne style is to experiment with different silhouettes, such as oversized, fitted, cropped, or asymmetrical.
  These can create different effects and moods, such as casual, formal, edgy, or romantic.
  They can also highlight different features of the body or create illusions of shape.

• Incorporating colors: Colors can also be a way to express oneself and add some variety to the Garconne style.
  While black, white, and gray are classic colors for this style, adding some pops of color can make the outfit more lively and fun.
  Some colors that work well with the Garconne style are red, blue, green, yellow, and pink.

• Mixing and matching different patterns and textures, such as tweed, satin, leather, and denim.

• Adding pops of color and sparkle to contrast with the neutral tones and sleek silhouette.

• Incorporating vintage elements, such as suspenders, brogues, and berets.

• Experimenting with different lengths and layers, such as cropped jackets, long skirts, and asymmetrical dresses.

• Accessorizing with statement pieces, such as graphic tees, scarves, belts, and jewelry.

• Coco Chanel: The iconic French designer was one of the pioneers of Garconne style, creating simple and elegant clothes that freed women from the constraints of corsets and frills.
  She popularized the little black dress, the tweed suit, and the Chanel No.
  5 perfume.

• Marlene Dietrich: The German-American actress and singer was known for her glamorous and androgynous look, often wearing suits, hats, and ties on and off screen.
  She challenged gender norms and stereotypes with her roles in films such as Morocco, Shanghai Express, and The Blue Angel.

• Louise Brooks: The American silent film star was a symbol of the flapper era, with her distinctive bob haircut and expressive eyes.
  She starred in films such as Pandora's Box, Diary of a Lost Girl, and Prix de Beauté, portraying complex and rebellious female characters.

• Frida Kahlo: The Mexican painter and activist was a pioneer of self-portraiture and a feminist icon.
  She experimented with Garconne style in her personal life and in her art, cutting her hair short and wearing suits to challenge gender expectations.
  She also expressed her bisexuality and her political views through her paintings.

• Audrey Hepburn: The British actress and humanitarian was one of the most influential fashion icons of the 20th century.
  She embodied Garconne style with her simple and elegant outfits, such as the black dress and pearls in Breakfast at Tiffany's, the trench coat and sunglasses in Charade, and the striped shirt and capri pants in Sabrina.