By Mack Becka
Mack Becka - 2023
This volume offers an unprecedented look at the everyday clothing of American women across two centuries, spanning from Girl Scout uniforms to psychedelic microminis, business suits, and fast-food worker attire. It highlights how women from diverse backgrounds have lived, worked, and dressed, focusing on a subject often neglected in fashion histories. Featuring over 300 garments and accessories from the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection, the book traces the evolution of women's roles through the lens of dress. Each piece tells stories of the women who wore, made, or bought them, providing context within their time and place. The collection includes both modest, inexpensive items and unique examples of resourceful making-do, reflecting popular styles and the changing social landscape.