“Up to now, you’ve dressed with more haste than care for eight-o’clock classes, and with considerably more care for eight-o’clock dates. Now you’re looking for a job, or you have a job. Your clothes will help you, or let you down.”
The August 1950 issue of the Ladies’ Home Journal magazine contained an article full of stylish fashions for a young woman’s first job (or her job search). I am so impressed by the elegance of the clothing here; everything seems quite timeless and beautiful. The items suggested in the article were based not only on looks, however, but on price – after all, for a young girl just starting out, she most likely did not have a huge budget for clothing. That is why the author makes suggestions such as:
“Use your wits and save your well-earned dollars by having a plan that includes: a suit and a jersey dress in gray to wear with any known color; two or three velvet hats – they cost so little; cotton shirts in white or autumn colors; cotton gloves; a big gold-and-crystal stickpin that goes on beret, bag or collar.”
It’s hard for me to pick a favorite, but I really like the outfit in the top photo, the gray suit with yellow blouse and gloves and a smart red purse; the black two-piece dinner dress in the photo below is also stunning.
The article goes on to say:
“You’ll indicate your fashion knowledge by the cut of your suit – perhaps a box jacket, slim skirt, though walking ease in skirts is always permissible. You’ll remember, or learn, that a jersey dress is the easiest keeper, and a natural for old or new belts and scarves. August weather calls for a silk or rayon-crepe dress, summer weight, fallish color. A black dinner dress is forever the necessary jewel. Your coat for everything can be a bright color – red or bittersweet this year.”
It’s rare that I find a vintage fashion spread without one or two really bad outfits hidden among the others, but this is one of the cases where I actually do like every single choice. Good job, Ladies’ Home Journal!
{ 0 comments… add one }