Discussion
The unofficial Smith College Historic Clothing Collection is home to three thousand dresses, suits, and accessories worn from the 1800s to today, showcasing a wide variety of women's clothing across a diverse range of economic backgrounds. Choose one of the following prompts.
1. Search online for photos, advertisements, and articles about everyday work attire, casual wear, or special occasion outfits from the last century or two, and write an essay that examines how the outfits differ from what you wear and see worn by others in the present day. What clues can you identify about the current culture and its standards-in terms of gender, workforce, or social class-from the clothing worn back then? How does that relate to what people wear today?
2. Search for photos, advertisements, and articles about everyday work attire, casual wear, or special occasion outfits from two distinct eras (you may go as far back in time as you'd like to), and write an essay that examines how the outfits differ. What clues can you identify about each culture and its standards-in terms of gender, workforce, or social class?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.