Fashion Topic of the day: The Teddy Girl - 'Judies'

Having spent many hours of my day listening to BBC Radio 2 'The people's songs', which is (if you are not aware) a series about the significance of music and song within the Modern history of Britain. After listening to a few of these fantastic episodes not only have I learnt a lot about the significance of music within the endless lists of sub cultural movements within our history but the significance of fashion is clearly unmissable within each episode.

I have learnt a lot about subcultures and fashion over the years as a sociologist and therefore I aim to make room to share my love of fashion and subculture with you guys.

Starting with 'Judies' - Female Teddy girls - after being inspired by BBC Radio 2's Episode 'Move It - The British Take on Rock n Roll.

So who are the 'Teddy Girls'?

Teddy girls grew out of the desire to reject post-war austerity which was expressed through their clothes, appearance and attitude.The girls were often school drop outs that came from working class backgrounds.They spent most of their free-time buying and making their own clothes.

What did they wear?

The dress code of the teddy girls much reflected that of the teddy boys. 'Teddy' fashion was inspired by 'dandies' of the Edwardian period.

Here is your very own Dandy: 

This Edwardian style was originally adopted by wealthy young men and post-war tailors attempted to reintroduce them on the market in the 1950's.The Teddy Boy/Girl style was not at all cheap to maintain, often tailor made and were costs were paid via weekly installments.But this was the first time these post war-torn youths were able to express themselves through dress as affluence began to increase.

So here is what they wore.....

* Drape Jackets *Pencil Skirts *Hobble Skirts *Long Plaits * Rolled Up Jeans *Flat shoes *Straw Boater hats *Coolie Hats *Espadrilles *Elegant Clutch Bag

Heres a few tips on how you can become your very own 'Judie' straight off the High Street or if you enjoy a good old bargain hunt,  root Ebay, Vintage shops and Carboots!

The Drape Jacket

1: Notch Neck Throw on Coat - Grey - £85.00

2: Wool Stripe Coat by Boutique - Navy - Topshop - £120.00

The Hobble/Pencil Skirt

1. ASOS Pencil Skirt with Flippy Hem - Red - £30.00

2. ASOS Wrap Pencil Skirt in Crepe - Pink - £32.00

3 New Look Bi-Stretch Tailored Pencil Skirt - Black - £12.99

The Hat:

1. ASOS Straw Boater Hat £15.00

The Shoes:

1. Black Canvas Espadrille Plimsolls – New Look – £7.99

2. ASOS Jessie Espadrille – £8.00

3. New Look Luna Black Patent Loafer Shoes – £17.99

AND TA DA BE YOUR VERY OWN JUDIE

bye bye for now x