EVOLVE 1

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 How Fashion
Reflected
the Role Of
Women from
1940 to 1970
in Britain
2

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 Images on front page:
Left: 1940s fashion icon Ingrid Bergman (Ingrid Bergman Circa 1940).
Centre: 1950s fashion icon Audrey Hepburn (Bibel).
Right: 1960s fashion icon Twiggy (Block).

e v o l v e
HI! I'm Emma - the author and editor of this magazine, Evolve. At the school I attend, International School Hilversum, all students
finishing ninth grade and heading into tenth grade are assigned a project - the PERSONAL PROJECT. In this project students are asked
to pursue their interests by formulating a goal and later producing a product as well as a report at the end of the process. When
brainstrorming my interests and goals, it became obvious that I wanted to focus on fashion and women's role in society. These two
concepts evolved lots between 1940 and
1970
in Britain. I then formulated the following goal and used the global context
below.

Goal: To examine how fashion reflects the changing role of women from 1940 to 1970
in Britain.
Global Context: Orientation in Space + Time.

All information collected and images are cited and the original sources can be reached by visiting the bibliography at
the back of the magazine. I hope you enjoy reading this magazine just as much as I did writing and creating it.

Emma Rutimann, age fifteen.

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 Contents

48 Women were assigned and expected to be

1950s role of women
married and care for their children during
the 50s. This was their main role within the
family.

56 1950s fashion
Fashion during the 50s was designed to
accentuate womenly features. A certain
silhouette started to become popular
amongst women. Women were expected to
wear dresses and skirts whilst at home
caring for their husbands and children.

64 1950s how fashion reflects

role of women
As fashion became more feminine for
women, they were expected to taken
on "feminine" roles such as caring for
children and cleaning up the house.

Model advertising the New Look in 76 1960s role of women

This was the decade that women began
1948 (New Look by Dior). to regan their power and freedom that
they had earned during the war years.
1940s role of women
8 Read about how women's importance
Women's role within the family changed
for many women.
during the war differed greatly from
after the war.
82 1960s fashion
The largest fashion trend during the 60s
was the miniskirt, designed by Mary
Quant. In addition to this fashion
1940s fashion became more modern by involving

24
Fashion during the war for most women geometric shapes and colour.
was not their priority. Functionality was
most important in clothes during the

88 1960s how fashion reflects

war. After the war Dior tried to relight
women's feminine side.
role of women
The mini skirt in particular was a symbol
1940s how fashion reflects of liberation for women. They were able

36 The clothes women war during the war

to show off their legs and have a
role of women feminine side as well as prove that they
were more than that.
and after the war certainly reflected their
role in society. Read more on page _.

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 In This Issue
39 1940s fashion icon Ingrid
95 1960s Fashion Designers
Fashion designers, Mary Quant and Yves
Bergman
Ingrid Bergmann was a well known Saint Laurent flourished during the 60s. Mary
Swedish actress during the 40s who posed Quant was extremely famous during the 60s
as a fashion inspiration to the British for her miniskirt.
public.

41 1940s Film Millions Like 99 Interview with Patricia

Finch
Us In this interview I ask my
A film which portrays fashion of the grandma, Patricia Finch, about
decade and helped women mentally.
fashion and the role of women
during the 60s.
1940s Fashion Designers
43 Madame Gres and Christian Dior
were two of the main impactful
bibliography
100 Find all sources for images and
fashion designers of the decade. information here.

67 1950s fashion icon Audrey

Hepburn
The very elegant famous British actress,
Audrey Hepburn was and still is a fashion
inspiration.

69
1950s film grease
Grease gives a good overview of 50s
fashion.

71 1950s Fashion Designers

Hubert Givenchy and Pierre Balmain were
two of the high end fashion designers who
encouraged the hourglass silhouette.

91 1960s fashion icon Twiggy

The young and skinny twiggy was a
very influential model who could easily
be identified by wearing her mini skirt.

93 1960s Film/series mad men

Mad Men is a modern TV series which is set
during the 60s. Women appear in the office
wearing what a working woman would wear Five women wearing identical mini
at the office. dresses during the 1960s (Parks).
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 194
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40s
7

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 ROLE O
Life within the family - status &
perception

Life during the war years for most British women was made even more
difficult than before the 1940s when women were already in poverty since
they now had two major roles to play (Maggie). Their first duty, which they
had more experience with, was to care for the family, the house, rations and
their coupons (“Women’s Role on the Home Front”). Their second, and new
duty, was to serve their nation (“Women’s Role on the Home Front”). Unlike in
World War I, women were now called upon by the government to work in We Can Do It poster
industry, agriculture and civil defence or to improve community welfare. This (Miller).
proves that women had to make strenuous efforts during the Second World
War but they thankfully never gave up!

Whilst at home caring for their children, women spent a lot of their time
cleaning. Methods used to clean clothes contrast greatly with those of the 21st
century, since technology 70 years ago was nowhere near as advanced as it is
today.

As there were no machines, all washing had to be done by hand. However, the
method of washing differed depending on what was being washed. If women Boiler used to clean
were cleaning simple things such as linen or towels, women used a “copper” or towels (Science &
“boiler” (“World War 2: Wartime Homes”). These are illustrated alongside and Society Picture Library)
worked by heating the metal container with gas.

Nonetheless, not all cleaning was as simple as throwing some towels into a
metal container! Washing clothes was a much more complicated and laborious
process. There were a number of stages adhered to which are listed below.

1. Soak the clothes in warm water with soap.
2. Squeeze the clothes so that water is released.
3. Use a mangle to squeeze out any excess water. A mangle had two rollers,
which the clothes were forced through as the rollers turned whilst one
turned the handle (“World War 2: Wartime Homes”).
4. Hang clothes above a fire or outside to dry (“World War 2: Wartime Children using a
Homes”). mangle to flatten
5. Hang the clothes on a clothes horse to air out (“World War 2: Wartime clothes (A Mangle)
Homes”).
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OF WOMEN

The need for women to work was not only needed in

Britain but in America too (Propaganda Posters
Encouraged Women to Aid the War Effort)
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 1 2

3 6

7
8

Women’s efforts at
home and at work
proved to society that
they were capable of
anything 7

10
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T he process was made even more difficult when people lived in
small homes or apartments (“World War 2: Wartime Homes”).
The small amount of space to complete the process made things more cluttered
and claustrophobic. The average house only had a living room, kitchen and two
to three bedrooms. Bathrooms were often located outdoors, which was very
inconvenient (“World War 2: Wartime Homes”).

Women always had to keep the living room looking good (“World War 2:
Wartime Homes”). It was a room where women and their families could finally
relax and disconnect from their war efforts. Here, families were able to read,
chat, listen to the radio or perhaps have a nice warm cup of tea (“World War 2:
Wartime Homes”). In English homes, people often had small coal fires in their
living rooms, which women could sit by when temperatures plunged to sub-zero
levels (“World War 2: Wartime Homes”). 1 Housing estate England
(Wheeler)
For some women, their children were taken away from them and evacuated to
the relative safety of the countryside (Maggie). This movement, which was 2 A woman sets the table. The
conducted by the government, was called Operation Pied Piper (Maggie). In clothes are hung above her to dry
some cases, women would never see their children again. They had to stay (Mealtime Check).
mentally strong and believe that their children were in good hands, whilst they
contributed to the war effort. 3 A woman working in the kitchen
with the boiler in the centre below
and the tin bath the store water in
Women’s efforts at home and at work proved to society that they were capable
Northampton (Saving Water)
of anything. After Germany surrendered, the press went wild and promoted the
fact that women were independent, glamorous and capable people in magazines
and newspapers. Unfortunately for women, this hype did not last long and soon
4 A typical clean and relaxing living
room during wartime (Evans,
life for many of them returned to the ways of the 1930s (Harris). Peter).

Once again, women were perceived as being inferior to men. Society expected 5 Women say goodbye to their
that women’s number one priority was to look after their family and their children due to Operation Pied
children (“The Role and Status of Women in Britain in the Late 1940s and Piper (Operation Pied Piper by
50s”). This resulted in a baby boom. Paul Easthmam)

Women began to return to their old ways of feeling restricted, trapped and often 6 Women are praised in America for
unhappy because they were told by their husbands and society to stay at home their hard work (Mai).
and look after their children (“The Role and Status of Women in Britain in the
Late 1940s and 50s”). 7 Women return home after the war
(Woman working in the kitchen).
Luckily their war efforts did produce some positive results. The Welfare State
soon emerged after the war had ended (“The Role and Status of Women in 8 Welfare State promotion poster
Britain in the Late 1940s and 50s”). This committee’s mission was to ensure that (Web Team).
all people were cared for. It meant that in 1948 women were given money
directly by the government rather than having to rely on their husbands’
generosity (“The Role and Status of Women in Britain in the Late 1940s and
50s”). Women started to feel some independence, which they had lost after the
war. However, the majority of women still stayed at home as it was believed that
women knew how to nurture children best.
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 12 Operation Pied Piper poster encouraging children to evacuate from big
cities (Zimmerman).

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 Working Woman

As previously mentioned, women were called upon by the government to contribute to the
war effort. Winston Churchill, Britain’s prime minister at the time, suspected beforehand
that this would be a more difficult war to win and it was therefore mandatory that as many
people as possible contributed.
Winston Churchill portrait
(PA Wire) There was a myriad of different jobs available to women. Generally, they were not placed in
the army since this was thought to be too demanding for many women who were entering
their first jobs. Women were now entering a traditionally male dominated territory, which
had been completely unknown to them before (Maggie). During the 1930s hardly any
women worked. If they were working they were certainly paid much less than men and
would only be expected to work until they married and had children (Harris).

The main occupations for women during the war are shown below:

1. AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS (ARP) (Harris)
Badge earned for This was a very important job. Women had to be alert at all times and make
being part of the ARP
sure that all children and other women were safe in their shelters. Peoples’
(Insigne de revers en
argent de l’Air Raid lives depended on the women who conducted these precautions!
Precautions de 1936).
2. FIRE SERVICE (Harris)
Because of the German attacks, fires were a daily occurrence for many. Some
women were in control of extinguishing the fires. One of the most famous fires
was known as the London Blitz which happened on the 7th of September
1940 (“WW2 – The Blitz Hits London”).

Women practice putting 3. WOMEN’S VOLUNTARY SERVICES (WVS) (Harris)
out a fire (Women in fire
Here women would organize evacuations, shelters, clothing exchanges and
service during war)
mobile canteens (these were canteens which could be transported elsewhere) (Harris).

Woman hands iron into

Women practice taking out Women at war putting Women organise gatherings the Women’s Voluntary
fire extinguishers (Women in out a fire (Women in fire (Women organise some kind of Service (A WVS Collection
fire service during war) service during war) meal) Point for Much Needed
Iron) 13

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Advertisements

Promotional poster for work wanted (Air Raid Wardens wanted).

14

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 Women are needed in the workforce (Women are wanted by the
government to work).
15

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 Promotional poster to join the ARP (This Is Your Air Raid Precaution)

16

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 People are desperately needed to help evacuate children (Evacuation
Poster).
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Other jobs included:
· Ambulance drivers (Lambert)
· Wardens (Lambert)
· Nurses (Lambert)
· Jobs in factories (Lambert)
· The Navy (Lambert)
· Air force (Lambert)
· Jobs on farms (Lambert). On these farms both
men and members of the Women’s Land Army
worked. On the farms wireless radios and ration
books could be found (Evans). Women provided
agricultural labour (Evans). By 1943 there were
approximately 80,000 women working for the
Women’s Land Army (Evans).
· Working at a nursery (this way women could
stay with children if they had any) (Harris)
· Women’s Land Army (WLA). Here women
produced food for the nation. Women who did this
worked in safer environments; the countryside
where crops could be grown (“Women’s Role on
the Home Front”).
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 What a typical farm could look like for farm Women working on a tractor harvesting beetroot
workers (1940s Farm). (Members of the British Women's Land Army
Harvesting Beetroot)

Advertisment for WLA (Australian Four proud women who are part of the Air Force (Women in Air Force).
Women's Land Army Was Formed in
Australia)
19

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After the war women returned to their
life at home looking after their family
and the house. The title, “A Man’s Job,”
soon returned (Harris). Men returned
from fighting abroad and reappeared in
their previous jobs. Women no longer
had to work and it was not encouraged
by the government (“The Role and
Status of Women in Britain in the Late
1940’s and 50’s”). Statistics have shown
that during the war 51% of women were
paid workers and after the war in 1951
this figure plummeted to only 35% of
women (“The Role and Status of
Women in Britain in the Late 1940’s and
50’s”). This considerable difference in
numbers proves that after the war many
women returned to their normal, daily
lives.

Thankfully though, their war efforts did
give rise to new opportunities. Towards
the end of the decade institutes such as
the Women’s Forces (Women’s Royal
Air Force and Women’s Auxiliary Air
Force) emerged particularly in 1949
(Harris). Women realised that during Poster promoting fact that women are just how they
the war new skills had been acquired used to be (Levanacentre).
and that they could now be used
elsewhere.

Skills learned during their war careers
were applied in light industries such as
manufacturing of electronics, service
industries like banks and women who
cared for the sick during the war joined
the new and important service, the
National Health Service (NHS), which
was founded in 1948 and is still going
today (“Women and Work after World
War Two”).

Thankfully
though, their war
efforts did give rise
20
to new Some women who returned to work after the war
opportunities. as bus drivers (London Metropolitan University).
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 21
Women’s Auxiliary air force poster (WAAF Recruitment Poster)

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 Family listens to the radio in their
family home (Family listening to
wartime radio).

Leisure
Some may think that due to the busyness of the wartime, women had no time for leisure. In fact, nothing could be
further from the truth and families participated in several forms of entertainment in a bid to mentally escape the war.

The most popular form of entertainment for children and their mothers was listening to the radio, which nearly all
households owned (Mason). They were very useful during wartime because they not only kept people informed
about the latest war events but they also entertained people. Singers would feature on the BBC radio station such
as Vera Lynn (Mason).

Another superb form of entertainment was a visit to the cinema (Mason). Since there were no televisions, cinemas
were extremely popular during the 1940s. People were able to disconnect from their own lives and enjoy a fictional
story on a screen, which was a form of escapism. Sometimes the subjects were more realistic and told the stories of
ordinary people in the war. Cinema goers could identify with these films and they made them feel less lonely. People
felt united together and therefore stronger. Some famous films of the time include Millions Like Us, Gone With
The Wind and In Which We Serve (Mason). Actually, 25-30 million cinema tickets were sold weekly across Britain
(Mason).

A more exclusive type of entertainment was a visit to the CEMA or the Council for the Encouragement of Music
and the Arts (Mason). This was only for wealthier families. Since theatres were closed during the wartime it was
councils like these which hosted opera and comedy concerts and ballets (Mason).

Sport was not very popular during World War II (Mason). This was because sports grounds were often damaged
due to German bombing (Mason) and also because most of the professional sports teams were split up as many men
were asked to join the army.

Britain was, and still is, known for its famous pubs! However, during the war years the pubs found it difficult to
serve their punters because of the rationing of alcohol (Mason). The importation of alcohol was even stopped in 1941
(Mason).

Some women enjoyed knitting during the war which was beneficial as clothes could be made without the use of
rations or coupons (Harris).

Other than this, women socialised more. Since there were less rules and social standards were relatively relaxed
during the war, people mingled more with those of the opposite gender (Harris).
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 The very famous British singer, People were desperate for a visit to the cinema, even during late hours
Vera Lynn (Vera Lynn portrait). (Dixon).

Famous film: In Which We Serve which was thoroughly Famous film: In Which We Serve
enjoyed at cinemas (In Which We Serve) which was thoroughly enjoyed at
cinemas (In Which We Serve)

Some women sit side by

side knitting jumpers etc.
(Women knit clothes).

23
What a stage would typically look like. This
particular ballet was held in a factory (Stage
for CEMA).
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 Fas
Rationing
Rationing of clothes was first introduced on the 1st of June
1941 and only ended in 1949 (Lambert)! During this period,
both the quantity and quality of women’s clothing was greatly
impacted and forced ladies to make practical decisions
(Moss). Just like the rationing of sugar, bacon and ham,
clothes were rationed because there was a limited supply of
material available to the public because it was needed for
soldiers’ uniforms (Lambert). Fabrics like nylon and wool
were rationed so the alternative rayon was used (Monet).
Families used coupons to buy new clothes. Usually, a family
would receive 66 coupons per year (Monet). Women had to
follow schemes and mottos to keep themselves looking good,
which they were still expected to do (Clouting). Clothing books people owned Mother m
which contained all the children w
One of the popular mottos or catchphrases was, “Make Do coupons for the year (Kelley). pamphlet also
and Mend!”. This motto encouraged the public to look after
again for tho
or repair their clothes so that they would last longer
how to knit
(Clouting). Clothes which were durable were often more
Me
expensive or required more coupons. Therefore, many
women opted for cheaper clothes and repaired them if they
became torn or damaged (Clouting). The different ways of
renovating and improving clothes resulted in creativity and
individuality, which brought some fun and gaiety to the lives
of their wearers (Clouting). For example, some women who
were very creative could change one piece of clothing into
something else (like a vest into a shirt) (Moss). This is how
style first started to emerge. Fashion for housewives could
now be perceived as being frugal and stylish at the same time
(Moss)! By creating their own styles with old clothes women Mother at a clothing exchange
were really starting to prove that they could adapt to trying to find clothes for her
anything; working and now basic fashion design. children (WOMEN'S
VOLUNTARY SERVICE
The resourcefulness and desire of women to wear different RUN CHILDREN'S
clothes without using coupons was also evident when they CLOTHING EXCHANGE,
found a solution by exchanging items with other women NORWOOD, LONDON,
(Clouting). This was organised by the Women’s Voluntary 1943.) Woma
Service (WVS), which itself was run by women (Harris). This make-u
shows that women felt a strong desire and need to change appear d
and develop their own individual style. usual

24

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shion
The Utility Scheme, which arose around the time
when clothes rationing started, ensured that good
quality clothes could be bought for reasonable
prices (Moss). This helped women who were not
so creative to continue buying clothes.
Unfortunately though, the government was quite
strict and made detailed rules for the creation of
clothes. Some of these are listed below:

· No extra buttons (“1940s Fashions Including
Prices”)
· No extra stitching (“1940s Fashions Including
Prices”)
mends clothes whilst Recreated: a dress that would · No unnecessary trimmings on clothes since this
watch curiously. The have been offer by the Utility small amount of material which results cannot be
o includes instructions Scheme (Molyneux). reused (“1940s Fashions Including Prices”)
ose who do not know · Limited amount of wool from 1942 onwards
t/sew (Make Do and (“1940s Fashions Including Prices”)
end Poster). · No girdles because rubber is off limits (Moss)
· No nylon (Moss)

FUN FACT: The disappearance of nylon meant
that women could no longer wear stockings to
keep them warm. Since women thought that
stockings looked nice, they applied make up to
their legs and then drew a line up the back of their
legs to resemble stockings (Moss).

FUN FACT: Since women were still expected to
look attractive by society in general, the
Woman draws up the back of manufacturing of cosmetics continued (Clouting).
her leg to make it look like she is
wearing stockings (Spivack). FUN FACT: The manufacturing of clothes
during the war impacted how clothes are
produced now. Since there was such a high
an applying leg demand for clothes during the war, they started to
up to make them be mass-produced just as they are today
darker than their (Clouting)! Mass production also led to reliable
colour (Ward) and higher quality standards (Clouting).

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 26

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 Image on previous
page:
A poster promoting
the concept of
maintaining
clothes. It also
includes
instructions on
how to mend
clothes (Make Do
and Mend)

Image on current
page:
Poster which
advises women to
look through their
wardrobe and
mend/maintain
their clothes
(Barrow, Mandy)

27

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Working Woman

if a woman worked during the

war years her clothes had to
be functional and comfortable

During the war years there were some funky handbags
designed for functional uses. Firstly, there was the,
“Gas Mask Handbag” (Moss). This allowed women to
transport their gas masks easily. Also, women carried
around exceptionally large handbags so that the
transport of ration books and other necessities could all
Gasmask handbag with a special
be easily transported if a family had to evacuate to a
compartment (Handbag with a Gas Mask
shelter (Harris).
Compartment).

However, women were able to maintain their feminine
flare by keeping their hair long but wearing it swept
back (Harris).

Functional clothing was key during the war years.
Some examples of functional clothing designed for a
specific purpose are listed below.

1 Kangaroo Cloak (“1940s Fashions Including
Prices”). Women wore these since they had many
pockets to hold household items if they had to run for
shelter.
2 Siren Suit (Harris). A siren suit was a one piece
which women in the fire service wore. These were very
comfortable and allowed for order and uniformity
amongst workers (Dirix). Winston Churchill Woman wearing her hair down but long
sometimes wore a siren suit (Moss). and swept back (H&MUA).
3 Headgear was often worn for safety reasons
(Harris).
4 Uniforms made people feel united and together as a
nation (Clouting).

Women who served in the Armed Forces wore outfits
which were more stylish. This
underlined their importance and bravery since working
in the Armed Forces was more demanding and
difficult. Their uniform was doubled breasted sturdy
black jackets worn with long skirts (Moss).
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 Women in the armed forces wearing sturdy
jackets with hats (Caribbean Women in WW2
Britain)

Women lined up in the armed forces in uniform Winston Churchill wears a siren suit (Winston Churchill
(Women armed forces dressed in uniform). Models a Siren Suit).

Citation for image on previous page Women were

(siren suit advertisement):
Woman wearing a siren suit (Woman in
able to maintain
siren suit poster). their feminine
flare .
29

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 Leisure

If a woman was going out she would dress a little more ladylike and wear pretty rather than functional clothing. For
example, women wore decorative scarves and sometimes incorporated them into their hair to make turbans (“1940s
Fashions Including Prices”). Also, instead of wearing practical flats, women sometimes wore wedged heel shoes (“1940s
Fashions Including Prices”). For a more formal event, such as a visit to the Council for the Encouragement of Music
and the Arts, and with a little more money to spend, makeup would be added as this was not essential to the war effort
and therefore not rationed (Clouting). A popular makeup brand was Coty (Clouting).

The bikini was introduced in 1946 and became very popular in the heat of the summer because they used less material
(Moss). Remember rationing continued even after the war ended!

FUN FACT: Since mascara and lipstick were some of the only rationed makeup products, some women used more
creative methods for a similar effect. For mascara they used boot polish and for lipstick beetroot juice (Clouting).

Woman posing with a headscarf in her hair (Woman wearing

headscarf).

30
Some popular wedged shoes during the 40s (Summer
Wedges in Peep Toe Slingback and Ankle Strap Styles).
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 31
Coty makeup advertisement (Coty makeup).

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 32

Michelle Bernardini showing the bikini on the 5th of July 1946 (Micheline
Bernardini Modeling Réard's Bikini)
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What were the Clothes Like?

Although trousers were more popular during the war,

women still wore skirts to remind others that they were
still feminine and ladylike. At the beginning of the war
skirts below the knee were worn with boxy jackets
thereby creating a strong masculine look (“History of
Fashion 1900-1970”) (Monet). However, as the war
progressed hem lines rose because of rationing and
material restrictions (Monet).

To add to the plain and functional outfits women would
sometimes add accessories. Below are some common
accessories which women added to their outfits.
Practicality, however, was still maintained.
The expensive and elegant silk
· Luminous buttons worn during a blackout (Moss) Jacqmar scarves (Moss)
· Pin on brooches (Moss)
· Luminous handbags held during a blackout (Moss)
· White coloured coats so people can easily be identified
during a blackout (Moss)
· Jacqmar scarves but only available to the rich. These
were silk scarves with an intricate design on them (Moss).
· Hand knitted gloves (“1940s Fashions Including
Prices”)

Above all else shoes had to be comfortable, safe and

practical since most working and non-working women
were on their feet all day. So most opted for the flat
A typical shoe during watime
heeled variety (Monet). The shoes were often made from
(BE1022 Women's Leather ATS
cork since leather was in limited supply (“1940s Fashions
Shoes)
Including Prices”). Shoes with T bar straps were worn to
more fancy events (Monet).

Against this backdrop of amateurish fashion and
the dull, rather drab, wartime clothes entered Christian
Dior with his “New Look,” in 1947 (Wetson). This New
Look was composed of a jacket with a very tight waist,
paired with a full calf length skirt (Wetson). When this
was first introduced to the public they were shocked at
the amount of fabric used (Dirix). This is what women
had been waiting for; frivolity and femininity (Wetson)!
This look continued to flourish well into the 1950s.

33
A model wearing the New Look,
introduced in 1947. Tight waist and full
skirt is shown (Jenniferrose3261959)
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 34
Famous photo advertising the New Look by Christian Dior (New Look by Dior)

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After the war new trends began to emerge in Britain and Europe
which were inspired by, the then, far flung countries of America,
Mexico and Latin America (Monet). Floral designs were
incorporated into many fashion items and brightness and fun was the
mood which resulted from it (Monet). Frida Kahlo, who was a
Mexican artist of the time was an inspiration for many of these pieces
(Monet).

In addition to this, New York became the new fashion powerhouse
rivalling the traditional fashion capital of the world – Paris (Monet).
American designers had access to a variety of materials, which were
not rationed and the American Style was emerging, which featured a
proliferation of patriotic colours (Monet).

Two women wearing floral prints in New

York City (Two Ladies).

Glamourous woman in New York 1949 (Parks,

Gordon).

New York became the

new fashion
powerhouse rivalling
the traditional
fashion capital of the
world – Paris.
A lady wears a floral skirt with a nipped in waist
(Girl posing)

35

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 How did the Fashion
women's ro
Compared to the previous decades the
1940s was undeniably a period of great
suffering, desperation and scarcity,
which affected all members of society.
Whilst the men went off to fight it was
the women who were to provide the
steely backbone of Britain supporting
their menfolk and children in a myriad of
different ways.

For the first half of the decade, in
particular, practicality, functionality and
durability was what was required from
most items of clothing worn by the
majority of women whether they were in
employment or remaining at home
caring for family. Most people’s mindset
was about pulling together, helping your
fellow man and above all conquering the
terrible Mr Hitler rather than about
what fashions were current at the time. It
was a period when fashion was really on
the back burner and very low down on
most women’s priority lists.

For those caring for family at home daily
life was extremely labour-intensive and
household chores were both time-
consuming and often messy. These
women’s clothes needed to be functional
rather than adorning. Simple modest
skirts and tops or dresses which could be
easily washed would be worn to perform
the daily task of cleaning, cooking, Good depiction of what the fash
washing and caring for children. These key (Women Walk down a Londo
War in
clothes were almost always protected
with a pinny as see below:

Woman in the kitchen preparing a meal

36 wearing a floral pinny (Woman wearing pinny
in kitchen)

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ns of the 1940s reflect
ole in society?

Women’s ability to adapt their roles during
wartime from stay-at-home housewife to
key contributors to the war effort is
mirrored in the way they used their limited
resources to bring variety and style to their
way of dressing. Transforming one item of
clothing into another and swapping
clothes with other women showed again
their adaptability and strength in difficult
circumstances.

As we have seen women’s leisure time in
the 1940s was mainly filled with rather
passive activities: listening to the radio,
visiting the cinema, attending arts councils
and socialising. None of these required
any particular dress code but it was an
opportunity for women be more feminine
and less functional looking. Accessories
such as scarves and wedge heeled shoes
were added and of course make up was
applied. The overall image was more
relaxed and feminine.

For the first half of the

decade, in particular,
practicality, functionality
hions were like. Conformity was and durability was what
on Street during the Second World was required from most
n 1941).
items of clothing worn by
the majority of women
whether they were in
employment or remaining
at home caring for family.37

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 Ingrid Bergmann (Notorious)
38

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 Fashion Icon:

INGRID BERGMAN

Ingrid Bergman was a Swedish girl who unfortunately lost

her parents at a very young age (Theresa). Since she did not
have a lot of family, she was dependent on her uncle to raise
her. She soon entered the Hollywood world of acting as it
was a lifelong passion of hers (Theresa). She was often
perceived as a fashion icon as her style in the films she
appeared in was chic and smart yet very elegant. She featured
in the ever so famous film – Casablanca, which was released in
1942 (Theresa). In this film, in particular, Ingrid wears skirt
suits and wide brimmed hats (Theresa). She rarely wore
outfits which were outrageous or extravagant but instead
wore simple, elegant and classic pieces (Theresa). Ingrid did
originate from a wealthy family in Sweden. This could be the
reason why she was able to wear such beautiful pieces. For
the majority of Europeans, whose countries were invaded by
the Germans (Sweden was not invaded because they were
neutral) (Hall), Ingrid Bergman’s style was iconic and
something many women of the time aspired. It gave them
hope and the opportunity to believe that after the war had
ended they could perhaps dress similarly to the elegant Ingrid
Bergman.

39

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 40

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 Representative Film:

MILLIONS LIKE US

Cecilia is a young woman with a sister and a father (“Millions Like Us”).
Her father joins the home guard whilst her sister joins the ATS
(“Millions Like Us”). Now, Cecilia must choose between joining the
ATS or the WAAF (“Millions Like Us”). However, her call-up papers
arrive and she has been asked to work in a factory and help with the
manufacture of airplane components (“Millions Like Us”). She meets
and falls in love with someone at the factory dance (“Millions Like Us”).
They get married (“Millions Like Us”). Unfortunately, her husband dies
during a German bombing campaign (“Millions Like Us”). Her fellow
workers comfort her. We see Cecilia wearing a scarf in her hair in the
form of a turban (“Millions Like Us”). This was a trend previously
discussed. She also wears her long curly hair back so that it is
appropriate for factory work. The factory workers wear dark heavy
clothing to keep them warm. They wear their shirts fastened to the neck
and aprons. These clothes reflect how Cecilia had to adapt to working
in the factory. It was heavy work and a depressing and scary time for
most people. The clothes and how they wore their hair was very
functional.

41

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 42 Madame Gres – known for her simple Grecian style dresses
(Madame Grès by Crespi)

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 Fashion Designer No. 1:

MADAME GRES

Madame Grés was a French fashion designer whose original name was
Germaine Emilie but changed to Alix Barton (Dirix). She was,
however, known as Madame Grés. Madame Grés was famous for her
Grecian style dresses which were made of silk, taffeta and jersey (Dirix).
These materials flattered the female form perfectly. These draped
dresses were inspired by togas, wraps and sometimes capes from Asia
which added a foreign twist to her brand (Dirix). Madame Grés had
had good a education in clothing design and thus used her artistic skills
and knowledge to create the perfect and flattering fit (Dirix). Madame
Grés, also known as the Sphinx of fashion, used lots of fabric and
pleating to create this fit which eventually cost her her shops. These
were shut down in Germany because they were no longer commercially
viable due to the huge expense of using excessive amounts of fabric
(Dirix).

Grecian style dress which flows

flaterringly (Grecian style dress)

43

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 Christian Dior portrait (Portrait of French fashion designer –
Christian Dior).

44

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 Fashion Designer No. 2:

CHRISTIAN DIOR

Christian Dior, a luxury brand which is still popular to this day, first
emerged towards the end of the 1940s. Dior was notorious for his simple
and elegant yet mature and feminine designs (Dirix). He introduced a
very specific silhouette in 1947 known as the New Look. This look
consisted of a small waist and wide hips which was to become known as
the hourglass figure (Dirix). Some members of the public were appalled
by the amount of fabric used to create the extravagant designs (Dirix)
especially after the scarcity and hardship of the war years. Full skirts,
which were part of the New Look, used layers and layers of nylon
petticoats (Dirix). Also, hip padding and corsets were worn by women
to accentuate the silhouette (Dirix). By designing such an exaggerated
and eye catching look Dior was trying to ensure that women’s status in
society remained as important as it had been during the war years. He
wanted women to continue to be noticed even if their role had returned
to housewife and mother. It could be said that in this respect he failed
because dresses and skirts were considered very feminine items. During
the war, women wore trousers and could show that they were just as
capable as men. By reintroducing the skirts and dresses it was indirectly
saying that women could now return to their ways before the war had
begun.

Woman wearing Christian Dior Woman posing in Christian

style dress and jacket (Lady Dior’s New Look style (Post
posing for Chistian Dior). War New Look) 45

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 195
46

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50s
47

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 ROLE O
Marrying young also became the norm
Life within the family - and according to Rhiannon Lucy
Cosslett, who is a London based writer
status & perception and starter of the Vagenda blog, the
average age to get married was 21 and the
average age to have a child was 22 (The
Living in the 1950s for women was very different from that of the
Guardian) (Cosslett). Abortion was
previous decade. At the beginning of the decade women went
illegal in Britain at the time and there was
back to being housewives and tending to their top priorities of
no contraception (Hodgkinson). Also 75%
caring for children, husbands and their houses (Castelow). Some
of women were married in Britain since
women thought this was perfectly acceptable and correct as
unmarried mothers were a disgrace
working women were perceived as “stealing” men’s jobs
(Cosslett) (Hodgkinson). Considering
(Hodgkinson).
that women no longer worked after
marriage, men had full control in more
ways than one (Castelow).

Husbands were perceived as the heads of

the family and superior to women since
they were the breadwinners (Castelow).
Men expected their dinners ready and on
the table when they returned from a long
day at work, women to obey the daily or
weekly allowance when doing any kind of
shopping, the children fed, their clothes
ready and laid out for the next day, a clean
and tidy house as well as a glamorous
wife (Castelow). Women were very
My grandma and dependent on their husbands who were
Woman reverts to being at
granddad in a funny pop holding the purse strings (Hodgkinson
home in the kitchen
out thing. It was
(Ameehan@[Link]).
obviously believed that
women should be the ones
pushing the pram
(Grandma and Granddad
pram)

48 Images like these initiate the

Woman is ready for when her husband stereotype of the housewife in a
returns from work with the dinner ready to happy relationship (Jean).
serve poster (Stoneham)
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OF WOMEN
In time, however, this pressure to be “all things to
all men” inevitably led to many marriages failing as
women gradually stood up for themselves and
rebelled. If a woman was married to someone she
did not love, she was headed for a very difficult life.
Statistics have shown that in 1937 1/60 marriages
ended in divorce whereas in 1955 this increased
considerably to 1/15 (“The Role and Status of
Women in Britain in the Late 1940’s and 50’s”).

Similarly, within education females’ academic
careers were somewhat limited in the early 50s.
Although it was compulsory for girls to attend
school where skills such as sewing, ironing and
cooking were taught, women never considered
progressing on to university (Castelow). After
school, girls would find a job and work until they
found a husband (Castelow).

Whilst the daily domestic scene had improved
when compared to the 1940s certain tasks such as
grocery shopping were still laborious and time-
consuming despite new appliances like Pie chart illustrating reasons for divorce during the 50s
refrigerators becoming available (Castelow). (Keenan).
Women were still obliged to do food shopping on
a daily basis as there were no freezers for longer
food preservation (Castelow). Shopping also took
much longer as there were no supermarkets or
shopping under one roof (Castelow). Visits to the
butcher, greengrocer, baker and grocer were
necessary (Castelow). Walking or using public
transport was often the only means of getting
home.

When compared to the 1940s washday, usually a

1950s poster woman Twin tub originating from
Sunday or Monday, was definitely less labour
advertising a fridge the 1950s (Chestermikeuk).
intensive (Castelow). This was a direct result of the
wearing a pinny
introduction of the “twin tub” which comprised a
(CREATIVELYDIFFE
washing section and a spinner section (Castelow).
[Link])
Clothes were pulled out of the washing machine
with large wooden tongs and then placed in the
Left: Grocery shop
spinner section which would, at the flick of a
1957 Southampton
switch, remove excess water efficiently and more 49
(Woolworths Museum)
quickly than with the old mangle method
(Castelow).
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Other high tech appliances which
made life easier were vacuum
cleaners and cookers (Castelow).
Water could be heated by a back
boiler or an electric immersion
heater (Castelow). These
inventions together with other
public services such as dustbin
men, the milkman and newspaper
boys all conspired to make women’s
lives easier and more relaxed so that
they could spend more time with
their children and/or husbands
(Castelow). Where before women A type of vacuum cleaner from the 1950s ([Link])
had been proud of their successful
participation in the war effort, they
were now proud and took pleasure
in looking after their home and
family. As a result of this during the
early 50s women were not
ambitious and rather inward
looking.

Towards the end of the
decade, women started to gain
more independence. Firstly, birth
control was introduced (“The Role
and Status of Women in Britain in
the Late 1940’s and 50’s”). This
advance in medicine allowed
women to make own decisions for
themselves. They could now
control and choose when they were Some of the first contraceptive pills
ready to have a baby, which was introduced to the public (Townsend).
usually not at 22.

Education for girls started to
improve and was perceived as
important and mandatory up to the
age of 15 (“The Role and Status of
Women in Britain in the Late
1940’s and 50’s”). Women used this
education to break free from roles
they had become stuck in. They
were able to prove that they were
more intelligent and that they were
capable of more than just looking
after children and a house.

50 Stella Isaacs, otherwise known as
Baroness Swanborough. She was the first
women to be part of the House of Lords
(Baroness Swanborough portrait).
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Women were given more rights. Below
are some that were created towards the

Working Woman page fifty four

end of the 1950s:

· Sexual Offences Act to strengthen
rules for women (“The Women’s
Timeline”). Teachers and civil servants
received equal pay to men for these same
jobs (1956) (“The Women’s Timeline”).
Prior to this, and for most jobs, women
had a challenge to achieve equal
pay amongst women and men (Anitha).
Some women’s wages only reached £5 a
week (Cosslett).

· Women were allowed to work in the

House of Lords. Baroness
Swanbourough was the first woman to
occupy such a position (“The Women’s
Timeline”).

Towards the end of

the decade, women
started to gain
more
independence.

51

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 Working Woman

Work for women in the 50s contrasted greatly with that of
the second half of the 40s. From the mid-50s onwards education
improved and the government considered it mandatory for girls to
attend school up to the age of fifteen and education for women
advanced even further in the 50s. Now, women started to be
accepted into some of the top universities like Cambridge
University (“The Role and Status of Women in Britain in the Late
1940’s and 50’s”).

This improvement resulted in higher employment rates.
Women started to return to the status they had earned during the
war. Women took on jobs such as senior barristers (type of lawyer),
secretaries and typists (“The Role and Status of Women in Britain
in the Late 1940’s and 50’s”). In fact, in Britain approximately 1.5
million women worked in clerical positions (“Facts about Britain at
Work in the Fifties”). My grandma was one of these women. Soon
the term, “Women’s jobs,” was a common term similar to the
catchphrase, “Men’s jobs,” from 1945-1950 (“The Role and Status of
Women in Britain in the Late 1940’s and 50’s”). Little did women
know that employment rates would increase from 49.9% in 1955 to
51% in 1965 (Anitha).

Some lucky and attractive women worked as models and not only
earned a considerable income (Wetson) but also wore luxurious
clothes bearing high-end expensive brand names.

Despite all of this, the decade still proved to be tough for
women who continued to strive to regain their deserved and
rightful place in society, which they had earned during the war.
However, it was becoming increasingly clear that feminism was a
growing concept, which would thrive during the 60s as we will see
later (Cosslett).

52 Woman working as a typist (Hammond).

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 Woman working as a secretary (Marlie1997)

53

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 Family enjoys watching the television together My grandma (in green bathing suit) in Jersey
(Martin). with family in 1957 (Family holiday).

A family travelled to Essex for a

holiday (Calvin). Original BBC Logo (BBC Television
Service 1946-1953)

Left: Johnny Cash portrait (Johnny Cash

Discography).

54

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 Leisure
During the 50s, the radio started to become less popular as technology advanced and the
television was launched into society (Castelow). The TV, although nowhere near as advanced
as it is today, allowed people to see moving pictures instead of listening only to a voice.
Suddenly people had both simultaneous audio and visual entertainment in their living rooms.
Transmission was of course only in black and white (Castelow) and the selection of
programmes was quite limited as there was only the BBC and The Commercial Channel in
Britain (Castelow) but people’s lives were changed forever.

For holidays, families saved all year and then travelled by train or with their caravans to
other parts of Britain on their holidays (Anitha) (“Your 1950s: Fashion and Leisure”). Popular
destinations were seaside resorts like Goodrington (“Your 1950s: Fashion and Leisure”).

Music was becoming a popular past time, especially the genre of rock and roll, which
was initiated by Elvis Presley in America (“The Role and Status of Women in Britain in the
Late 1940’s and 50’s”). People were able to listen to the vibrant rhythms and dance to them.
Johnny Cash was also a legendary singer of the 50s. This is what kick started pop culture. The
first pop chart was in 1952 (Lane).

More wealthy families were able to attend musical performances such as Guys and Dolls
(“The Role and Status of Women in Britain in the Late 1940’s and 50’s”).

Apart from holidays and the occasional outings women’s lives were rather tedious and
boring. The majority did not have much time for leisure since a woman’s priority was always
her family. Women ran errands and had to be constantly at the beck and call of their husbands
when they were home (Cosslett). If women had a spare moment they would perhaps go on a
walk with a friend, groom themselves or bake a cake (Cosslett) (Hodgkinson). More regular
outings were attending church on Sundays (Hodgkinson). Evening activities included playing
board games such as Monopoly with the family (Hodgkinson).

Women were restricted in many ways. Below are some activities which women rarely
participated in:

· Drink alcohol (Hodgkinson)
· Attend restaurants (Hodgkinson)
· Stay at hotels (Hodgkinson)
· Visit pubs or bars (Cosslett)
· Play sport (Castelow)

55

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 Fash
Fashion at
home - life
within the
family
People of the 21st century often
perceive 1950s style as being very
glamorous, genteel and feminine.
People have this perception because
of fashion icons such as Audrey
Hepburn and Grace Kelly who
graced the press with long red
fingernails, fur coats and Chanel
No. 5 perfume (Hodgkinson). This,
of course, was not a very accurate
representation of what fashion was Grace Kelly, a fashion inspiration (Macro,
really like because not everybody Dr.)
could afford this look. However,
this look was created and promoted
by key designers of the time like
Hubert Givenchy and was only
possible because of the large variety
of material available to the public.
Such high end designs would be the
inspiration for high street shops
who sold copycat versions at
affordable prices. There was a
certain group of people in Britain
who did this. They named
themselves the Fashion House
Group of London (Emma). They
would compile clothes to sell on the
high street (Emma). Susan Small
was one of the high street shops
known for party dresses and evening
wear (“Susan Small (fashion)”).

Susan Small poster (Jane).
56

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hion
A popular shop on the high street during
the 50s was Marks & Spencer, which of
course, still exists today. Although its
clothes were not the cheapest, they were
very durable and perfect for everyday life
(Wetson). Marks & Spencer was actually
originally inspired by the clothes of Audrey
Hepburn (Dudbridge).
Women shopping in Marks & Spencers
Women were first introduced to the new era
Plymouth (Tricsli).
of luxury at the Festival of Britain
Exhibition which took place in 1951
(Wetson). Here, designers showed some of
their luxurious collections as a preview to
what the decade would bring (Wetson). It
contrasted greatly with the fashion of the
40s in three key areas: there was lots of
colour, detailed designs and new fabrics
(Wetson).

Some popular fabrics used during the
manufacturing of clothing were nylon,
polyester and orlon (acrylic) (Wetson).
These fabrics were very useful since they
were very easy to wash and did not have to
be ironed (Emma). Polyester granted
women the freedom of wearing light
coloured clothes with the colour remaining
Women wearing clothes of different
even after washing (Wetson). Both
patterns, lengths, etc at the Festival of
polyester and nylon were excellent fabrics
Britain 1951 (Women at Festival of Britain
for trousers or even ski trousers (Wetson).
1951).

These new fabrics and the sheer amount of

fabric available allowed for lots of
gatherings, pleats, petticoats and collars
which made clothes look more feminine
(“Fashion And Accessories Of The 1950’S”).
More material allowed for more detail
which in turn led to the creation of a more
feminine appearance.

Two girls in large

57
petticoated and pleated
dresses (MacNevin).
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 Coco Chanel, a prestigious and world renowned
fashion designer, did not agree with the silhouettes
Christian Dior was designing at the time (Wetson).
Dior was creating dresses with very tight bodices
(Wetson). Chanel thought that this was a trend of the
past and that women should feel more comfortable.

A certain figure started to emerge during the 50s,
which became a huge trend. This body shape consisted
of a thin waist, defined hips and a big shapely bust
(“Fashion And Accessories Of The 1950’S”). Not
everybody had this womanly figure and had to use other
means to achieve the effect by wearing undergarments
such as corsets/waspies (made from stretchy material
rather than boning), bustier tops, padding and padded
bras (“Fashion And Accessories Of The 1950’S”)
(Emma). Women felt they had to dress well, not
necessarily for themselves, but for their husbands. The
average woman was not able to show off her clothes to
others since she did not enjoy a very busy social life.

Bra advert from the 1950s (Bra advert).

A certain figure
started to emerge
during the 50s,
which became a
huge trend.

58

Right: Silhouette of the 1950s (Wetson).

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 The three words which captured the fashion trends of
the 50s was Code, Conformity and Consumerism,
known as the three c’s (The Vintage Fashion Guild).

Designers of the 50s had cleverly thought out their
designs so that they would suit women’s lives and they
were categorized as follows:

1. Housework (“Fashion And
Accessories Of The 1950’S”)
2. Errands/business (“Fashion
And Accessories Of The 1950’S”)
3. Maternity (“Fashion And
Accessories Of The 1950’S”)
4. Party wear (“Fashion And
Accessories Of The 1950’S”)

Fashion did not concern women’s identity but the
people who surrounded them,
which included husbands, friends and employers
(“Fashion And Accessories Of The 1950’S”). Many
women wore stilettos and bras in the second half of the
At home women dress more comfortably. Sill decade to impress their husbands (The Vintage
tight waists but the skirts are not as big Fashion Guild).
(Gertie).
Everyday wear for most women consisted of skirts and
jackets or dresses (“History of Fashion 1900-1970”).
Cardigans were paired with lots of items to keep
women warm (“History of Fashion 1900-1970”).
Practical yet attractive housedresses were a big hit
with women (The Vintage Fashion Guild). Tight
waists were also very common.

Day dress for grandma (left) (Grandma with

friend). 59

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Working Woman
If a woman worked during the 50s
her clothing would be as
functional as in the 40s (Emma).
However, it was also different in
that it became more cheery,
uplifting and feminine and this
was achieved by making shoulders
more rounded, less square and
boxy and using thinner fabrics
(Emma).

Women with more senior and
important responsibilities would
wear a peplum skirt teamed with a
matching jacket or peplum dress.
These were skirts or dresses with
a frill at the waist and a pencil
skirt to the knee below.
Sketch of women wearing peplum dresses during the
50s (Anne).

Grandma wears a dress which uses a lot of material (Grandma

sitting on field)

Grandma also wears a pencil skirt (Grandma

wears pencil skirt).

60

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 Left: Something women could wear out
shopping or to run errands (At Left, Two Ladies
Perhaps off to Shop or to Lunch)

Below: Women spend a day out wearing

playsuits and bikinis (Leen).

Leisure
When women did have a moment to spare and engage in leisure
activities they would typically wear a playsuit, which could be worn
with tights and fun shoes (Emma). Alternatively, a lady could wear a
tent dress, which was almost triangular and was a fun shape and loose
fit (Wetson). If women were attending a more formal event with their
husbands they might decide on a tight fitting cocktail dress, which
would show off their figure (Dirix). In addition to this, hats and
gloves were necessities when leaving the house (The Vintage Fashion
Guild). Hats were either very wide or very narrow (“History of
Fashion 1900 – 1970”).
Woman wears hat and gloves
Other new popular fashion pieces included the bikini, drain (Woman wearing necessities).
pipe trousers and pedal pushers which were all worn during holidays
61
or at weekend social gatherings.

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 What were the Clothes like?
During the 50s a woman’s silhouette fell into one of two categories. Either a small waist and large full skirt
or a small waist and pencil skirt to reveal a good figure (Wetson). The full skirt style was often criticised
due to the fact that it used an abundance of fabric. Numerous nylon petticoats were used to create the
appearance of the full skirt (Emma). In fact, approximately twelve metres of nylon were used per skirt
(Emma)! Both silhouettes accentuated the waist to give women a curvy figure. Although these were the
two basic prominent shapes throughout the decade, there were many variations on the themes using
different colours, designs and/or fabrics (“Fashion And Accessories Of The 1950’S”). Another popular
silhouette of the decade was the A Line style (Dudbridge).

Christian Dior was the first to introduce the full skirt back in 1947. This design truly flourished in the 50s.
The majority of full skirts stopped at the calf so that they were comfortable and easy to get around in
(Wetson)! Skirts usually stopped thirty centimetres from the ground (Emma). Dior paired this look with a
waist length jacket (Wetson) and this look dominated the fashion world for ten years because it
represented femininity and frivolity (Wetson).

To cover up these full skirts, Jacques Faith designed the Swing Coat which was large and comfortable
(Wetson).

Chanel approached the 50s differently and in complete contrast designed straight high quality suits,
which were extremely expensive and made out of high quality fabrics (Wetson). Pearls and cardigans were
often added to this look to add a feminine touch (Dirix). This look was easily replicated and sold in high
street shops such as Marks & Spencer who sold their versions at far more affordable prices (Wetson).

Amongst poorer families in Britain, sweater dresses were a huge success (Wetson). They were often worn
in the cold winter weather when there was no central heating. The sack dress was also a popular item
because it was loose, comfortable and easy to wear (Dudbridge). Although it was originally designed by
Givenchy, Mary Quant later modified it to her own specifications (Wetson).

Playing with hair was something women enjoyed doing. During the 50s many women experimented with
their hair, trying ponytails, French pleats, poodle cuts, beehives, perms and backcombed bouffants
(Wetson). Actually in Britain alone there were approximately 30,000 hair salons in 1955 (Wetson).

Accessories were no longer functional but more aesthetic and fun. For example, women tried wearing
butterfly glasses as well as popper beads and stockings (Wetson). In 1952 seamless stockings were
invented, which created a more natural look (Emma). Red lips became a big trend too. They made a
statement and were rather flirtatious (“Fashion And Accessories Of The 1950’S”). Other women
accessorised with large belts (to help accentuate the waist) and costume or larger jewellery (Dudbridge).

Shoes had become more fashionable and high heels were becoming trendy. Peep toes were considered
very stylish (Wetson). Women also wore round toed high heels. Designers started to experiment with
different materials and designs included crocodile skins and velvet (Dudbridge).

62

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The figure of petticoats and small waists A-Line style. Woman wears a coats which Large swing coats to cover up
(Full-skirted Silhouette of the 1950s) flares out and a pleated skirt underneath (A-line large petticoats worn in winter
Ensemble. Introduced by Designer Christian Dior advertisement in Vogue (Vogue
in the Mid-1950s, A-line Garments Flared swing coat advertisement).
Outwards toward the Hem and De-emphasized
the Waist, Creating a Silhouette Similar in
Appearanceto to the Letter "A.")

Chanel suits worn by two women (Chanel Two women pose in their comfortable sweater Audrey Hepburn in loose
Suits 1950s). dresses (Love). ponytail (H&MUA Team.
Audrey Hepburn with her
hair in a ponytail).
63

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 How did the Fashio
women's r
The 1950s was a decade when fashi
women. It provided a surprisingly a
women’s role in society. Throughou
undoubtedly femininity which replace
This move was as a result of women’s
side and because there was a much gr
the war ha

At the beginning of the decade wome
housewife and child carer. Fashion d
large extent, on Christian Dior’s 194
nipped-in waist and close fitting bod
woman’s modesty was preserved rath
mid-calf and necklines were certainly n
which women were generally perceived
presentable and pretty but not ove
domestic ba

As the decade progressed women
individuals in their own right and we
birth control and working roles such a
sole domain of men. Women were bec
confident in their own skin and chose
liberation through the clothes they w
functional but not to the same degree
and more rounded and thinner, more c
pencil skirts were also a feature, some
The straight skirt was of course laun
Dior. This was a very clear example o
by fashion. Chanel spotted a need fo
some practicality but combined it with
the mass market where cheap
Women keep it very elegant (The classic nipped in waist
look). Leisure activities were more frequent a
annual holidays, although for the hug
Britain. The influence of the new rock
had a huge influence on how women
expressed themselves though their clot
Women started to wear trousers and
holidays or at weekends. This more c
64 beginning of the huge changes which
60

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 ons of the 1950s reflect
role in society?
ion developed alongside the role of
accurate and visual interpretation of
ut, however, the principal theme was
ed the previous austere functionality.
s desperate need to show their female
reater variety of fabrics available once
ad ended.

en’s role was very much one of devoted

during this period was still based, to a
47 legendary look with the full shirt,
dice. Whilst the look was feminine a
her than flaunted. Skirt lengths were
not plunging. This echoed the way in
d by men who wanted their wives to be
erly so and, of course, remain in the
ackground.

n were starting to be recognized as

ere given access to further education,
as barristers which were previously the
coming increasingly independent and
e to express this newfound feeling of
wore. Working women’ clothing was
as in the 1940s. Shoulders were softer
colourful fabrics were used. Straighter
etimes with the addition of a peplum.
nched by Chanel in direct contrast to
Lady wears large earrings, an off the shoulder knitted top and a skirt with
of how the role of women was reflected
a small waist (A very feminie look).
or the working women who required
h style. This of course trickled down to
per versions became available.

and active than in the 40s. People took

ge majority this was almost always in
k n roll music imported from America
n perceived themselves and how they
thes especially when attending dances.
d pedal pushers in the late 50s during
confident relaxed attitude was just the
h were to take Britain by storm in the 65
0s!

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 66

Audrey Hepburn portrait (Bibel).

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 Fashion Icon:

AUDREY HEPBURN

The honoured Audrey Hepburn was not only known for her
acting success but also for her gracious style. Audrey Hepburn
was,, and remains a style icon and role model to many people.
Though born in Brussels in 1929 (“[Link] Editors.
“Audrey Hepburn Biography”), Audrey attended boarding
school in England and spent several of the war years in the
Netherlands. In addition to her interest in dance, she also had
a great passion for acting. She made her film debut in One
Wild Oat (1951), which made her famous. Her style started to
become evident In films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and My Fair
Lady(Rigg). Keeping it simple, Audrey wore lots of plain black
elegant cuts combined with large sunglasses and her hair
twisted back in a French twist (“Audrey Hepburn Style”). She
also kept herself groomed and neat. This represents the woman
during the 50s who stayed at home and kept the house and
herself looking good.

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 Sandy and Danny (Portrait Sandy and Danny).

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 Representative Film:

GREASE

Grease is one of the most popular and well known musical films. It tells
the story of Sandy and Danny (Olivia Newton John and John Travolta)
who fall in love over the summer. Since the film is set at the end of the
decade lots of iconic fashion pieces are recognised. Danny is often seen
wearing a leather jacket and resembles trends of the 60s whereas
Sandy’s style can be more closely linked with the 50s fashion (Grease).
For the majority of the film Sandy is seen wearing full skirts and
cardigans (Grease). These styles were key to 50s fashion. She seems very
innocent and preppy and probably wears clothes similar to her mother.
Again, we recognise tight, nipped in waists, which were a popular trend
during the 50s (Grease). She is also seen wearing a coral coloured shirt
dress when sitting on the hill watching Danny race (Grease). In the
school dance Sandy wears white high heels with a peep toe which are
another 50s trend (Grease). All these clothing items make Sandy seem
like a young, naïve and innocent girl which is an entirely feasible
perception of women who did not work and played a ‘wifey’ role at
home.

69

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 Hubert Givenchy (Hubert Givenchy Designing)

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 Fashion Designer No. 1:

HUBERT GIVENCHY

Givenchy recognised that Dior’s feminine designs which he was

introducing towards the end of the 40s could cause women’s role
in society to revert to how it used to be before the war had begun
(Dirix). Givenchy tried to drive trends away from that look by
using straighter lines (Dirix). Givenchy thought that straighter
lines resembled a more manly figure and would help maintain
women’s new and more respectable role in society after the war. In
addition to this, Givenchy designed the sack dress which,
although still a feminine dress did not follow Dior’s hourglass
silhouette (Dirix). The sack dress was very loose with boxy
shoulders and no nipped in waist (Dirix). Givenchy was
universally adored, especially after he designed Audrey Hepburn’s
dress in Breakfast At Tiffany’s (Dirix). Unfortunately, however,
Givenchy’s attempt to steer women’s role in society towards
increased confidence and independence failed because Dior’s
designs were more popular.

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 72
Pierre Balmain (Pierre Balmain walking).

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 Fashion Designer No. 2:

PIERRE BALMAIN

Pierre Balmain, otherwise known as the King of

French Fashion, was a designer who worked closely
with Dior and thus encouraged the hourglass
silhouette Dior was creating (Dirix). Balmain
designed elegant, wearable daytime classics, which
brought him his success but also luxurious evening
gowns (Dirix). These gowns, which were often made
out of soft silk brocades with lace detailing, were able
to reshape silhouettes into very feminine figures
(Dirix). To do this, Balmain used corsets and
petticoats of nylon to create his renowned cloche skirts
which could now be recognised as ball gown skirts
(Dirix). Balmain’s continuation and encouragement of
Dior’s designs made women feel restricted and
trapped within the hourglass figure. Women were
expected to be glamourous housewives who were
feminine and elegant but who alsocared for the family
and the home.

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 196
74

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60s
75

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 ROLE O
Life within the
family - status &
perception
As the sixth decade opened, women’s
mindset began to change. They became
more ambitious and open-minded. This
was only possible because of improved
education standards, which women were
granted towards the latter part of the
1950s. More women of the 60s attended
university (“The changing Role of
Women in the 1960s”). This boosted
their self-confidence and independence
An iron during the 1960s (Vintage 1960's Ohio
to live on their own and gain financial
Art Westinghouse Toy Iron Model No. 218
independence. In fact, in 1962 26,000
Turquoise Blue)
women attended universities across
Britain (“The changing Role of Women
in the 1960s”).

Women started to become more

independent in more ways than one.
Abortion was made legal during the 60s
(“The Rising Women’s Liberation
Movement in the Radical 1960s”). This
advance in medicine allowed women to
terminate a pregnancy if they felt that
they were not ready to have a child. The
contraceptive pill also improved
women’s independence (Watson). This
gave women more control over their
futures and opened more doors. They
could aspire to being more than just a Tesco shop during the sixties Washing
mother or wife. In addition to this, the (Dell9300). 1961 (Was
government made the process of divorce 1
easier and this liberated women from
husbands who were too demanding and
Right:
stuck in their ways (“The Rising
the
Women’s Liberation Movement in the
grandm
Radical 1960s”).
midd
76 right) (G

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OF WOMEN
In the 60s there was a more equal balance
between working women and housewives. For
those at home looking after their family,
domestic life became easier and more practical.
Technology started to improve once again and
fridges, irons, cookers, washing machines,
vacuum cleaners and electricity and microwaves
were present in most households (Barrow)
(Watson) (“Average Family 1961”). These
appliances facilitated the cooking and cleaning
processes and freed women up to participate in
other less mundane activities.

Many families were housed in tower block

apartments (Barrow). These accommodated
many people in a relatively small surface area
thereby solving the housing shortage, which had
Sitting room featuring bright coloured furniture in been created by the war (Barrow). The interior
geometric shapes (Guest Writer). design of houses was often inspired by pop
culture and entertainment because this was a
feature of the 1960s which really changed and
influenced lifestyle forever. For example,
wallpaper often featured brightly coloured
flowers and abstract designs which emerged
from the Flower Power hippie movement
(Cannon).

Supermarkets began to emerge and these were a

big hit with many women since it meant that
they could do all their shopping under one roof
instead of traipsing from one shop to the next
(Barrow). The whole process was more
practical and quicker. Some of the first which
Red mini 1960s (Smith). My family owned were introduced in Britain were Tesco’s and
many minis Sainsbury’s (Braggs).

machine from Cars were also gaining popularity in Britain
shing Machine, even for women. Some of the most common
1961) ones were Minis, Capri, Consul Cortina and the
Ford Escort (Barrow) (Watson). Some women
: A typical family during owned cars like these. Another main mode of
e late 60s (my mum left, transport during the 60s was trains (Barrow).
ma middle left, granddad These were very efficient and quick unlike today
dle right and uncle Peter it must be said!
Grandma family photo). 77

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Working Woman

By 1960 approximately 50% of women
were in paid employment (“Average
Family 1961”). Also, 38% of married
women had an occupation, which is
in stark contrast to the 50s when most
married woman was expected to
remain at home and care for their
family (Anitha).

Despite the increase in employment
for women, there was a huge
imbalance between their wages and
those of men. Although teachers
gained equal pay in 1962, women
struggled to obtain equal pay with
men in nearly all other occupations
(Anitha). The fight for equal pay only
really began towards the end of the
decade in 1968 when the Women’s
Liberty Movement began (Watson).
One of the earliest strikes began in a
Ford car factory in Dagenham where
women were paid 13% less than men
(Anitha). Whilst on strike the women
demanded that the government rank Party (“The Rising Women’s almost impossible before
women’s jobs at the same skill level as Liberation Movement in in the Barbara Castle’s appointme
men’s jobs (Anitha). By the end of the Radical 1960s”). The first female Without her first step perha
strike women’s wages had improved face of politics in Britain was other women like Margaret
and they were now only paid 8% less Barbara Castle (Watson). She Thatcher and Theresa May
than the men (Anitha). was the first woman to be would never have come to
appointed First Secretary of State power.
Because of the strike in Dagenham, in 1968 (Watson). Later, she
society started to realise that women became a British Labour Party A famous quote which typifi
were actually quite intelligent and politician (“Barbara Castle”). the strong spirit women
very capable human beings. This gave Women all around Britain started possessed at the time was:
rise to new job opportunities for to believe that they were capable
women. It was only towards the end of bigger and better things.
of the 60s that women were Women being involved in the
introduced into the world of politics running of the country had
because of the Labour previously seemed
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ent.
aps
t
y
“IN POLITICS, GUTS IS
ALL,” – BARBARA
fies
CASTLE (“Barbara Castle
Quote”)
Portrait Barbara Castle (Perkins)

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 One may ask what happened to the beloved cinemas of Gerry and the
Leisure the 40s and 50s? These were not as popular because
people could stay at home and watch films for free on Much of socie
their televisions. Many families chose to save the money which was bei
Technology and electronics truly started to thrive and use it for holidays abroad in order to experience women, starte
and become popular during the 60s. Some popular different cultures and warmer climates instead of and stand up f
electronic devices included audio cassettes, pocket remaining in boring old Britain (Braggs). However, feminism were
transistor radios, radios, televisions, record players, people did still visit the cinema when they wanted to see swept along o
radiograms and mini computers (Barrow) the latest blockbusters such as, “James Bond: optimism whi
(Watson) (Braggs). Television became the nation’s Goldfinger,” “The Sound of Music,” and, “The Italian
favoured form of entertainment and almost 75% of Job” (Braggs). Visiting the pu
the population owned a television at the beginning practice for w
of the decade. This figure rose to 100% by the end Probably the greatest influence on society and women in were no longe
of the decade (Braggs). The quality of television the 1960s was music. It was very different from any favourite tippl
was improving too. BBC 2 had emerged and previous genre and had developed from Elvis Presley, Babycham, sn
transmission in colour was available which the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Artists rebelled against contrast, eatin
shocked but delighted people (Barrow). authority and expressed their beliefs and desires through did have some
Televisions did, however, make people lazy and their music and lyrics. The Hippie movement was borne foreign restau
enjoy passive entertainment. Mums and dads could out of this. Popular artists of the time were The Beatles (Cannon). Th
return home from work and watch the television (Barrow), The Rolling Stones (Watson), The Beach very different c
instead of getting active or participating in sport. Boys (Watson), The Shadows (Braggs) and

Joan Collins using her Family watch television together (Fiorazo)

record player
(CherryBomb)

Left: The Beatles, a

very popular and
famous band during
the 1960s
(Hutchins).

80 Grandma in a one piece

on the beach in 1969
Spain (Grandma Spain 1).
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e Pacemakers (Braggs). Other enjoyable activities
which women participated
ety was mesmerized by the idealism
ing sung about and people, particularly
in were dancing (five million Technology and
went dancing every week),
ed to express themselves more strongly visiting art galleries or electronics truly
for their beliefs. Individuality and taking drugs (hippie
e gaining momentum. Many were movement) (“Average started to thrive and
on the wave of positivity, happiness and
ich was sweeping the country.
Family 1961”) (Watson). become popular
during the 60s. Some
ub and drinking alcohol became regular
women as well as men in the 60s and they popular electronic
er frowned upon for doing so. Women’s
les were port & lemon, gin & orange,
devices included
nowball and cherry brandy (Braggs). In audio casse es,
ng out was not as popular. If a family
e money to spare they would visit a pocket transistor
urant like a Chinese or Indian (Braggs)
his allowed women to unwind, sample
radios, radios,
cuisines and be waited on. televisions, record
players, radiograms
and mini computers

Woman smoking at a pub

(Walker)

Fun dancing during the 60s (State University

College at Cortland).
Grandma wears a shirt and bathing suit on 81
the beach in Spain (Grandma Spain 2).

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 Fas
Fashion at home - life
within the family
60s fashion was generally less elegant and more casual
than that of the 50s. Women were no longer expected
to wear hats or gloves when leaving the house. They
were no longer restricted or expected to have the
hourglass figure and other silhouettes started to
emerge. For example, the shift dress, designed by
Mary Quant, incorporated the mini skirt with a
simple/loose top half. This was very different to the
tight nipped in waists of the 50s. Quant’s desire to give
women what they wanted in this new liberated decade
is echoed in her quote :

“I want Relaxed
Clothes, Suited to the
Actions of Normal
Life,” – Mary Quant
(Roth) Shift dresses designed by Mary Quant (West).

In addition fashion became available to all classes in
society and the snobbery which had once plagued the
fashion world was on its way out.

Working Woman Right: Grandma wears

shift dress whilst sat
with granddad
(Grandma shift dress)
When attending their jobs, their outfit would usually
consist of two pieces, separates or suits, rather than
dresses, which were more characteristic of the 50s.
There was more emphasis on comfort rather than stiff
formality.

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shion
Leisure
When attending any type of musical performance, or indeed any leisure activity, the mini skirt was the
most popular choice for many young women. This short skirt, designed by Mary Quant, was liberating
for ladies. Femininity was emphasised, legs were shown and they were fun and comfortable to wear
(Dirix). The mini skirt is actually sometimes linked to the emergence of the contraceptive pill because it
sent the message that women were in control of their own bodies (Dirix).

Shops and smaller boutiques improved their marketing by playing loud popular music, dimming the
lights and ensuring that sales staff were wearing the stylish clothes they were offering. The extravagant
window displays of the 60s would draw people into the boutique where cheap clothing items could be
bought. These different elements increased profits and encouraged the further production of clothes.

The music of the time had an enormous impact on clothing. If a woman was visiting a concert hosted by
her favourite band with her friends, her clothing would be fun or perhaps closely resembling those of the
singers. For example, fans of The Rolling Stones liked to imitate their style by wearing materials
including suede, satin and lace.

Five women wearing identical mini dresses Grandma (centre) wears mini dress with her
(Parks) friends alongside (Grandma mini dress)

83

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 Women laying on a wall showing off their legs in mini skirts (Parks).

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 The tea committee at the local cricket club. All the women wear mini skirts above the knee. My grandma is
in the top row third from the left (Grandma on tea committee).

The idea of what many shops and boutiques looked like – bright, fun and
busy (Mitchell)

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 What the Clothes were Like
Unlike the 50s, there were many fashion trends in the 60s, which
were relatively inexpensive! Some of the common trends included
Doctor Martins, Teddy Boy suits, mop top hair, wigs, the “Twiggy
look”, paisley, body art and beading (Barrow). If a women was
attending a more formal event or wanted to appear more refined
and ladylike, A-Line dresses were a popular choice since they were
flattering as well as cheap (“History of 1960s Fashion and Textiles”).

Some women enjoyed experimenting with fashion and preferred the
hippie look. This meant lots of long layers of colourful loose
clothing. Tie-dye shirts confused people with their excessive
amounts of colour and intriguing abstract designs (“Fashion in the
1960s). Long hair was commonly worn by both women and men
(“Fashion in the 1960s”).

1960s fashion was dominated by a kaleidoscope of colours and
shapes. Floral prints and geometric shapes were often incorporated
into skirts, dresses and even furniture! More rare colours such as
gold and silver were used to enhance certain looks.

The Hippie Look. A woman Grandma wears floral printed dress in

wears a heavily printed dress France (Grandma flower dress in
86
with gladiator shoes and France).
sunglasses (The Beginning of
the Hippie Movement)
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 Top: Grandma in
mini dress 2
(Grandma mini dress
2)

Bo om: The Twig y

Look – big eyes and
long lashes (Hix)

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 How did the Fashio
women's ro
In contrast to the previous two decades the 1960s
was a period of great change in Britain particularly
for women. The austere dark bleak days of WWII
were long gone and the rather stiff conservative
conformism of the 50s were being brushed aside.
The 60s was a decade in which freedom, hope,
promise and optimism were emerging (Watson). It
was a decade during which women would shake off
the shackles which tied them to the kitchen sink and
become who they wanted to be. Women’s self-
expression was clearly visible through the fashions
that they wore.

As we have seen the mini skirt was the most obvious
item of clothing, which really showed how women’s
attitudes were changing, how they perceived
themselves and their position in society. Their
confidence and liberated lifestyle was reflected in
the huge popularity of the mini shirt. Women were
not afraid of showing their legs.

The hippie look was another way in which women
were able to express their own individualism and
liberation by combining whatever layers they
Bright colours represent their proud,
wanted to create their own unique look in the hippie independent and feminine role in society (Three
theme. Many women welcomed whole heartedly the women in shirt dresses).
idea that “anything goes”. It gave them the freedom
to express themselves whichever way they wanted.

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ons of the 1960s reflect
ole in society?

The Mini Skirt - the staple piece of the decade (Seven women in mini skirts).

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 90
Twiggy modelling showing off her stick thin legs (Twiggy)

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 Fashion Icon:

TWIGGY

Twiggy, whose real name was Lesley Hornby, was a very

young talented girl who could sing and act but she was best
known for her modelling. Twiggy, who is British and born in
1949, started her modelling career at the young age of 15-16
(“Twiggy Fashion!”). She suited the new fashion era in
London’s Swinging 60s, with her thin, almost skeletal stick-like
body structure,, hence the name Twiggy . She also had huge
eyes and a boyish gamine like haircut ([Link] Editors.
“Twiggy Biography.”). Her waif like figure was a result of her
being so young. At the beginning of her modelling career she
had not yet fully developed. Fashion designers loved this! She
modelled for some of the world’s most famous magazines
including Vogue and Tatler (“Twiggy Fashion!”). She was the
clothes horse on which designers could show off their
collections. Today’s obsession with stick thin models began
with Twiggy.

Twiggy portrait staring at the

camera with her huge eyes
(Block)

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 92

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Three of the main actresses from Mad Men. They were shift dresses above the knee
(Lemonhead).
 Representative Series:

MAD MEN

Mad Men is a TV series made in 2007 but set in 1960s

America. It tells the story of Don Draper who works in
the advertising industry (Mad Men). The series focuses
on life within the company and all the different
characters in the office and at home (Mad Men). There
are many women in the series. They tend to wear tight
dresses with tiny waists and pencil skirts (Le Tellier).
Low cut tops and dresses and skirts with daring patterns
on them with clashing colours also feature (Le Tellier).
The series portrays women as important characters who
are able to occupy high positions in the business world
even attending board meetings, and giving high profile
client presentations. There are of course the more
humble secretarial positions but the series’ message is
clear: if a woman wants to climb the business ladder it is
entirely possible.

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 94

Mary Quant, a Welsh designer who designed the mini skirt which
liberated women (Dame Mary Quant)
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 Fashion Designer No. 1:

MARY QUANT

Mary Quant, most famous for her iconic mini skirt, brought fun,
comfort and boldness to 60s fashion. Her style tended to be less
elegant and more girly. Being inspired by dance, Quant loved
bold colours which were incorporated into simple shapes like her
famous mini skirt (“Mary Quant”). Her business was initially run
from her shop “Bazaar” in the Kings Road where she welcomed all
social classes not just the wealthy elite. Her clothes were more
affordable than previous designers’ offerings which made them
more appealing to a wider audience and therefore made her more
profit. She was also the first to introduce leggings which are an
item worn the world over today (“Mary Quant Biography”).
Ripped jumpers, high boots and white plastic collars were also
her trademarks (“Mary Quant Biography”). In conclusion, Mary
Quant liberated women since they were no longer restricted by
tight and uncomfortable clothes. Women were now allowed to
wear fun shapes, colours and silhouettes – whatever they felt the
most confident in.

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 96 Yves Saint Laurent (De Lacey)

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 Fashion Designer No. 2:

YVES SAINT LAURENT

Saint Laurent, who was first noticed by French Vogue,

replaced Dior after he died in 1957 (Dirix). In his new
role he introduced the trapeze dress which was a much
plainer and neutral interpretation of the Dior’s 1947 New
Look (Dirix). By 1960, Saint Laurent was conscripted to
serve in the French army in the war against Algeria
(Dirix). He was soon dismissed from the army after
twenty days because he had been suffering from stress
(Dirix). When he returned to France he had been told
that he was fired and thus set up his own brand Yves
Saint Laurent (Dirix). He was first known for the ready-
to-wear collection which appealed to the public and to
himself because he could use his design skills (Dirix).
Since Saint Laurent’s main inspiration was modern art,
many of his pieces incorporated frivolous accessories like
sequins and feathers, as well as bold and colourful and
prints and shapes (Dirix). Saint Laurent designed high
quality suits similar to those Chanel had designed and
these were worn during the day and evening thereby
creating less distinction between men’s and women’s
suits (Dirix). Yves Saint Laurent, which is still a famous
brand to this day, introduced fun, boldness and comfort
into women’s clothes and also brought the style of men’s
and women’s fashion closer.

FINAL P 27 PICS 60S P 8

97

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 98 A recent image of grandma (Grandma recent)

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 An interview with:

PATRICIA FINCH
Patricia Finch, aged 77, is my grandma. She was aged 22 to 33 during the 60s. I
asked her to give me some insight into what life and fashion were like for her
during this decade.
1. What were you doing during the 60s? 5. Did women like the change in clothes?
In the 60s I was raising two children. Married with two
children and that’s what I did in the decade of the 60s I liked the 50s fashion better because it was longer
because in those days girls married younger than they do and it was more feminine and it was prettier. With
today. the miniskirt you had to have good legs to show it
off. If you were a big girl, you know legs… well they
2. Was this different to what your friends were did show the legs but it was for girls really with
doing? curvy figures - slimmer girls. Generally, women
preferred 60s fashion. It was the miniskirt’s decade.
It was pretty similar with my friends. All the girls went to
work if they didn’t have families obviously and got 6. How did fashions of the 60s reflect
dressed up. But when you were at home you didn’t do women’s role in society at the time?
that. You just had your family and you catered for all your
family’s needs. Well in the 60s women’s role in society – they were
just the workers. They didn’t rise to management
3. How was the 60s different from the 50s for standards in the work place. They were usually
women? office workers, shop workers, factory workers or in
marketing. Fashion reflected this work force
For most women they were completely different times. because they had to dress smart for the office and
There were big changes. In the 60s there was more of an they had to dress smart for anything working with
openness and girls were just fashion plates in short the public. There was a lot of shop work done by
miniskirts. They were more demure in the 50s and then women then and if you worked in a factory of course
they sort of seemed to rise up and wear very short you would have a uniform. So in a lot of jobs,
miniskirts in the 60s. women wore uniforms to work.

For me I worked in the 50s. I worked in the 50s as a
single girl. I worked as a secretary and I did a short hand
and typing course and then eventually got a job as a
secretary in the 50s.

4. What were the fashions like in the 60s for life
at home, in work and in leisure activities?

At home not many women wore trousers in those days. It (Grandma portrait)
was usually skirts and dresses and skirts and blouses, you
know? At work women used to wear little suits. Little
straight skirts with block jackets. If you were to go out Source for interview: Finch, Patricia. "Patricia 99
you would just wear a dress or you could probably wear Finch's View on the 60s." Personal interview.
trousers and a top. Trousers weren’t that popular then. 26 July 2016.
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