Do you ever have those split personality style days where you want to look cute and feminine, but tough at the same time? I definitely have style schizophrenia because sometimes I'll wear floral skirts with combat boots. But, don't judge me just yet. Designers and other style-conscious ladies do it too. I call it simply the tough-girly look, but I guess you could dub it the gurly-burly or the delicate biker look too. Whatever you choose to call it, this look is a mix of sweet, girly pieces with harder, more tough looking items. Some popular blends are flowy dresses with leather jackets, tall motorcycle boots with skirts, and Doc Martens with basically anything. 
This look has long since been popular with female lead singers. Courtney Love's days in Hole come to my mind. But now the look is being sent down the fall runways by designers like Luella Bartley and Erin Fetherston, both known for having lovely, feminine styles. Trends, of course, come and go. But the prominence of this trend on the runway and in the streets makes me think it may have some staying power. So, will the tough-girly trend remain until next season or will it melt away with the snow?
Pictured left, Luella Bartley's tough-girly depiction looks like she was commissioned to design a
fashionable solder's uniform. Fabrics really are the foundation of this trend, so the mix of the thick fabric of the skirt and the light, transparent toulle on the sleeves makes for a beautiful execution. Erin Fetherston's look, pictured right, portrays the leather jacket and the flowy dress mix. It's a the clashing of different structures that makes for a flattering look. It allows for freedom and control at the same time.
I have to mention, Doc Martens have typified the tough girly into one shoe. Behold the shoes in the DM's in Bloom line. Docs covered in flowers couldn't personify the tough-girly more. Plus, Doc Martens are always coming and going in and out of style, so I say go for it.
Not only is the tough girly look showcased on the runway, but it's one trend that has translated well to the streets. I see girls wearing tall leather boots with dresses all the time. What I take away from this trend is that as women gain more and more power in society, it allows girls to portray their strong side while being feminine at the same time and I'm right there with them.
Have you tried the tough-girly trend?
Tags: Fashion PR
Comments (4)
I still have the black Doc Martens I bought myself when I turned 21. Slap on some new laces and I will be back in business with this trend!
Posted by Shannon Nelson | March 6, 2009 6:55 AM
Posted on March 6, 2009 06:55
I love this look...love it. The leather jackets, the motorcycle boots, everything. Thanks for the post
Posted by Leann | March 6, 2009 7:31 AM
Posted on March 6, 2009 07:31
Shannon - I'm jealous you have a pair!
Leann - I love it too. So chic.
Posted by Leah | March 9, 2009 5:10 PM
Posted on March 9, 2009 17:10
I think the tough-girl look won't be just a trend. I relate to this 'trend' really well and I have for a long time. So I think it's part of me and I'll keep wearing that as long as possible.
And I agree with the explanation about women gaining more power, that will motivate most of us to look feminine and tough at the same time, as I said: wearing this 'trend'.
Posted by Amandha | March 20, 2009 12:37 PM
Posted on March 20, 2009 12:37