BizJournals Portfolio

How We Dressed for Success

Aug 24 2008
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
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1920s
In 1920, women made up less than one quarter of the workforce in the U.S. They had managed to shed corsets, thanks in large part to Coco Chanel, and clothing tended to be boxy.
1930s
Conservatism reigned post-Depression. Hemlines were low, shoulders were sharp, and hats, gloves, and handbags were standard.
1940s
With the war came more women in factories and the rationing of resources, including fabric and clothing. Workplace clothing was slimmer and more utilitarian than ever.
1950s
The formfitting tops with full skirts of the New Look worked their way into the workplace, as did Doris Day brights.
1960s
During the decade of contradiction, Jackie Kennedy made demure, structured suits fashionable, while Helen Gurley Brown's Sex and the Single Girl encouraged women to bring sexiness into the office.
1970s
Pantsuits come into play in the decade Ms. magazine debuted, and Mary Tyler Moore was a model for working women.
1980s
Power dressing was everything. Conservative suits in bold colors with oversize shoulders could be seen in offices across the country.
1990s
The start of the decade was more influenced by the grown-up styles of Murphy Brown and Donna Karan. But by the end of the 1990s, Ally McBeal's microskirts had human resources directors in a tizzy.
2000s
In 2000, the New York Times reported that the length of Ann Taylor's skirts had grown from 19 to 22 inches. Post casual Fridays, bare legs are acceptable in many offices—and post Sex and the City, so are stiletto heels.

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