These American models from 1940 know how to dress to impress. But how has women's work wear evolved over the last century? And who were some of the pioneering power dressers who helped shape it?
Working girls —
These American models from 1940 know how to dress to impress. But how has women's work wear evolved over the last century? And who were some of the pioneering power dressers who helped shape it?
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Casual, chic, Coco. The French designer's stylish suits -- pictured here in 1929 -- were part of a new era of comfortable fashion for women.
Coco Chanel —
Casual, chic, Coco. The French designer's stylish suits -- pictured here in 1929 -- were part of a new era of comfortable fashion for women.
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One of the world's first supermodels, American Dorian Leigh, wears a cinched-waist jacket from designer Vera Maxwell. In the 1930s Maxwell created the "weekend wardrobe" -- "It was for women who had busy lives, who might travel for their work, and needed ready-to-wear things," said fashion history professor, Rebecca Arnold.
Vera Maxwell —
One of the world's first supermodels, American Dorian Leigh, wears a cinched-waist jacket from designer Vera Maxwell. In the 1930s Maxwell created the "weekend wardrobe" -- "It was for women who had busy lives, who might travel for their work, and needed ready-to-wear things," said fashion history professor, Rebecca Arnold.
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Coco Chanel once dismissed her rival, Elsa Schiaparelli, as: "That Italian artist who makes clothes." Indeed, the designer (pictured right, wearing the "trousered skirt") was known for her whimsical, surrealist-inspired pieces, even collaborating with Salvador Dali.
Elsa Schiaparelli —
Coco Chanel once dismissed her rival, Elsa Schiaparelli, as: "That Italian artist who makes clothes." Indeed, the designer (pictured right, wearing the "trousered skirt") was known for her whimsical, surrealist-inspired pieces, even collaborating with Salvador Dali.
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The Second World War was an interesting time for women's work wear, with many taking on the jobs of men away in battle -- such as the London Underground cleaner pictured on the left, and the bus conductor on the right. Rations also meant luxuries like stockings were in short supply. The center image shows a make-up artist drawing lines on the backs of bare legs, to give the illusion of stocking seams.
Ration fashion —
The Second World War was an interesting time for women's work wear, with many taking on the jobs of men away in battle -- such as the London Underground cleaner pictured on the left, and the bus conductor on the right. Rations also meant luxuries like stockings were in short supply. The center image shows a make-up artist drawing lines on the backs of bare legs, to give the illusion of stocking seams.
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The 1950s saw a return to a more feminine style, with designer Anne Fogarty (pictured) leading the way. "Fogarty had the tiniest, tiniest waist, and made all these corseted dresses -- but also was a successful career woman herself," said Arnold. "It was a combination of being very 'housewifey' but also very powerful and dramatic."
Anne Fogarty —
The 1950s saw a return to a more feminine style, with designer Anne Fogarty (pictured) leading the way. "Fogarty had the tiniest, tiniest waist, and made all these corseted dresses -- but also was a successful career woman herself," said Arnold. "It was a combination of being very 'housewifey' but also very powerful and dramatic."
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It's hard not to think of 1960s office attire without conjuring images of the flawlessly tailored cast of "Mad Men." Here, actress Christina Hendricks' hourglass figure is emphasized with a streamlined dress fitted to perfection. "In the 1960s you have a continuation of the 1950s tailored look -- but breaking it up with more color," said Arnold.
The secretary —
It's hard not to think of 1960s office attire without conjuring images of the flawlessly tailored cast of "Mad Men." Here, actress Christina Hendricks' hourglass figure is emphasized with a streamlined dress fitted to perfection. "In the 1960s you have a continuation of the 1950s tailored look -- but breaking it up with more color," said Arnold.
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British Airways staff show off their new uniforms in 1977. Over the years, many airlines have commissioned outfits from top designers, such as Yves Saint Laurent for Qantas in the 1980s, Giorgio Armani for Alitalia in the 1990s, and Christian Lacroix for Air France in the 2000s.
Airline attire —
British Airways staff show off their new uniforms in 1977. Over the years, many airlines have commissioned outfits from top designers, such as Yves Saint Laurent for Qantas in the 1980s, Giorgio Armani for Alitalia in the 1990s, and Christian Lacroix for Air France in the 2000s.
Peter Cade/Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images/FIle
Big collars and bigger hair didn't get in the way of Charlie's Angels (Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith, and Kate Jackson) doing their job in the the 1970s TV series.
Angels at work —
Big collars and bigger hair didn't get in the way of Charlie's Angels (Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith, and Kate Jackson) doing their job in the the 1970s TV series.
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Investigative journalist Murphy Brown wore the pants (and the blazer) in 1980s TV series of the same name. This was the decade of the power suit, with everyone from Princess Diana to Margaret Thatcher donning the ubiquitous shoulder pads.
Power suit —
Investigative journalist Murphy Brown wore the pants (and the blazer) in 1980s TV series of the same name. This was the decade of the power suit, with everyone from Princess Diana to Margaret Thatcher donning the ubiquitous shoulder pads.
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The 1980s also saw a return of fussy ruffles and bows, as seen in this Christian Dior taffeta dress.
Fancy dress —
The 1980s also saw a return of fussy ruffles and bows, as seen in this Christian Dior taffeta dress.
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In the 1990s, the suit jacket took on a softer look. "It was very understated," said Arnold. "Phenomenally expensive and luxurious, but not really embellished. "
Slick style —
In the 1990s, the suit jacket took on a softer look. "It was very understated," said Arnold. "Phenomenally expensive and luxurious, but not really embellished. "
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