The Suffragettes

March, 2013 

We realise we are going back a few years from the forties and fifties but March is the month of International Women's Day, so why not celebrate by stealing the style of the Suffragettes? 

  Women's Suffrage is a cause close to our hearts, as it should be to every woman's. Mrs Pankhurst, the leader of the British Suffrage movement, was born and raised in our hometown, practically around the corner, and her fight and struggle to help women win the vote is an inspirational and courageous tale. 

  Suffering all seasons at once this week, so today it's an outfit that looks lovely in rain, shine, and snow. I've taken my inspiration from the ever heroic, marvellous Suffragettes, whose elegant and practical outfits always stand out as an emblem of Edwardian fashion. Though they were famous for their white dresses and stand-out sashes, I can't help but love the image of an everyday woman in her everyday clothes, campaigning and supporting the cause.

I've chosen to combine the straight, black skirt and white blouse to capture the look of the Suffragettes. These fabulously sturdy, leather lace-up boots just scream Edwardian, and give the outfit an antique twist. As you can tell, they are on their last legs after many years of trekking through northern snow/rain/sleet/puddles. Not only a weather-defying look, but there's something about looking like an early anarchist that makes you ready to face the day. 

  Women's fashion moved away from the wide skirts and corsets of the Victorian era- the straight skirts and plain blouses of the women echoed a more androgynous look; it appears solemn, but really, the decline of the frivolous, frilly and overtly feminine frocks is so symbolic to the rising role of the woman. 

  Every woman knows to look her best at all times, but fashion isn't the only way to express yourself. Women were finding their voices and making themselves heard loud and clear without the need of fancy dress.

 I find a cameo brooch, pinned to a lapel or collar, adds a wonderful Edwardian or Victorian twist to an outfit.