Changing world, changing fashion

Cynthia Lopinto Feature Article Leave a comment 2,951 Views

By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist

Each time our country went through drastic changes, so did our clothing. This was especially true during the late 1930s, a period reflected by the economic reality of the Great Depression (1929-1939). People fled to the movies as an escape and copied the fashions from the big screen. A woman dressed in either a clingy draped dress or suit with a full-length skirt and padded jacket. With high heels and a tilted hat, the look was always feminine. A man wore a tailored suit and tie, and wouldn’t dream of venturing out without wearing a hat. It was the days of Clarke Gable, Jean Harlow and Joan Crawford.

Then World War II came and everything changed. Fabric shortages and rationing led to government-imposed restrictions on the length and width of skirts. Long full skirts disappeared and were replaced by ones that hung above the calf. For women working in an office, jackets shrunk and took on a more masculine look. Evening gowns were no longer feasible and the short cocktail dress was born.

The war put women to work in factories and farms, which led them to wear dungarees. Hats, once an important fashion statement, became more functional in the form of kerchiefs and turbans. Even the high heel gave way to a flat loafer-like shoe when gas shortages began. People had to be able to walk long distances.

The few men who were not fighting in the war took on a more military style of clothing. The Navy pea jacket was popular. Some Army men wore the shorter, waist-length Eisenhower jacket, and sailors dressed in bell-bottom pants. In 1940, men’s casual wear was introduced, as baggy trousers, sweater vests and open jackets.

When the war ended, the fashion industry exploded. Women’s wear returned to femininity. Hats were flowery and flamboyant, and skirts were once again long and pleated. The zoot suit became a real new look for men. This was an oversized jacket, baggy trousers, tie and long key chain. Teen girls wore baggy jeans with their shirttails out.

It was definitely a time to have fun again. For the people who lived through the Depression and lived through war, it was a time for celebration.

A glance at today’s teens might yield feelings of bewilderment. Baggy jeans, large shirts and body piercing are common. Girls expose their midriffs, and are once again wearing platform shoes and bell-bottoms.

We are supposed to be annoyed by this. That is the plan. All parents say, “Are you going out like that?” All kids say, “Yeah, why?” We are not all that different. Today’s youth will also live through historical events that will greatly affect their world. Their fashion will be a reflection of their history.

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Cynthia Lopinto

Cyn LoPinto, M.A. is a gerontologist focusing on significant issues affecting older adults and their families. Her areas of interest include lifestyle enrichment, family dynamics, and caregiver support. Cyn has worked in both the recreational and healthcare industries.