Marlene Dietrich style
April 4, 2015It’s rather hard to determine who invested more time into promoting trousers, usually the domain of men, as popular women’s wear in the 30s and 40s. Was it Hepburn, Bergman or Marlene Dietrich?
We’ve covered Hepburn and Bergman, but now it’s to Marlene Dietrich we come to with her opulent and glamorous look.
Marlene Dietrich style-falling in love again
Take a look at how Dietrich created her look and take some tips….
Androgyny, glamour and elegance
What Dietrich had in common with both Hepburn and Bergman was an androgynous liking for trousers and shirt and for creating a sharp, strong silhouette. However, that’s where the similarities end, for Dietrich loved to dress up and fur was a large staple of her wardrobe.
If, like me, you don’t care for real fur, her look can be created with faux fur as the quality of fake v real fur has improved immeasurably over the years.
Yes, Marlene Dietrich was sultry and mysterious, but not as isolating as Garbo. She one said that “Glamour is what I sell, it’s my stock and trade.” She argued that she dressed for herself and not for anyone else and her look was ultimately selfish, opulent and luxurious.
Fur – then and now
Of course Marlene Dietrich lived in an era when fur would have been more than acceptable and walking down the street with a fur stole or a full length coat was perfectly normal. However, times have changed and it doesn’t quite hold the glamour it once did.
Her looks were odd with the trademark thin eyebrows of the thirties, those high cheekbones and alluring eyes. Costumes would often come with beads, men’s suits with top hat and tails, and sequins.
Off set Dietrich dressed more casually in separates that still had that androgynous touch.Suits were a firm favourite, and 3 piece suits were often worn, sometimes with a tie.
Dresses were also popular, sometime with ubiquitous fur trimmings, close fitting and often with other embellishments such as bows, beads and beading. She wore both long and short, naturally with less glitz when out in public.
Hats for all occasions
Hats were with everything, although this was de rigeur during the 30s and 40s where accessories always included a hat and gloves. Regardless of what Marlene Dietrich wore, she always wore a hat to finish outfit off. It could be anything from a cloche, beret or top hat.
Want some Marlene Dietrich style of your own?
If you’re looking to adopt a little Dietrich style, then you need to invest in some well-fitting trousers, good quality blouses and stock up on accessories. Classy clutch bags and gloves if you really want to go all the way.
Go vintage and source the accessories, look for dresses from the 30s and 40s, smart short dresses as well as longer versions. Evening gowns from the 40s are always going to be somewhat glamorous. Large over coats over 2 piece suits, berets with dark knee length dresses.
Fur can be replaced with faux and there’s good quality faux fur out there that you can wear with Dietrich’s style completely intact.
marlene dietrich glamour
Marlene Dietrich-Tousled and glamorous
Hats and fur-Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich’s trademark top hat and tails
Glamorous dresses-Marlene Dietrich
A large brim and plenty of attitude
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