Emerging in 1950s Britain as a female counterpart to the Teddy Boys, the Teddy Girl style blends contemporary fashion with Edwardian attire adapted to a post-war, rebellious ethos.
In post-war Britain, Teddy Girls, also known as Judies, challenged traditional social norms and classic femininity views, wearing androgynous style outfits as statements of independence.
The generic Teddy Girl wardrobe includes single-breasted tailored blazers, high-waist Pedal Pusher jeans, button-up shirts, loafers or ballet flats, accessorized with silk scarves, brooches, and ornate handbags.
Nowadays, the Teddy Girl style, with a fusion of historical bravery and contemporary finesse, offers a narrative of female empowerment and a departure from traditional gender roles.
1. Classic Teddy Girl
Start with an Edwardian-style blazer with sharp shoulders to capture the Teddy Girl’s drive for feminine empowerment and a post-war tailored aesthetic shirt.
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Match it with high-waisted pedal pushers or cuffed jeans from CLOSED or RE/DONE as reminiscent of the tailored trousers of the Edwardian gentlemen but reinterpreted for the modern woman and a Hermes silk scarf to break the monochrome palette.
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Ground the look with classic black ballet flats and finish with a messy pixie cut for a carefree vibe channeling the rebellious undercurrent of the Teddy Girl aesthetic.
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2. Chic Teddy Girl
Start the Chic Teddy Girl outfit by layering a Max Mara herringbone coat over a white button-down for a fusion of classic weave and crisp tailoring.
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Pair with pleated cuffed pants, echoing Edwardian menswear, yet in a relaxed cut fit for today’s women’s fashion.
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Ground the ensemble with suede loafers and white crew socks for an unexpected androgynous twist.
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Complete the look with a styled long pompadour, marrying the outfit’s sophistication with the Teddy Girl’s signature rebellious spirit.
3. Preppy-inspired Teddy Girl
For a Preppy-inspired Teddy Girl look, layer a white schoolgirl blouse with a classic crewneck sweater by Acne Studios, bringing together collegiate chic with the Teddy Girl’s subversive edge.
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Tuck the blouse into sand-colored or denim cuffed Pedal Pushers, a modern take on traditional Teddy Boy trousers, and accessorize with a single pearl necklace or a prep scarf.
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Wear polished leather penny loafers from Church’s and white crew socks for prep-school nostalgia, and crown the ensemble with long curly quiff hair to infuse a touch of 50s rock ‘n’ roll glamour.
Similar Styles to Teddy Girl
Androgynous | Mod | Preppy
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After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London’s office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
