The appearance of many American’s is appalling for the simple reason that they no longer take pride in how they dress. They embrace a “norm” that is unappealing and unbecoming, as if they can’t make up their minds about their gender. Worse, it’s quickly becoming more pronounced, deliberate, and intentional. We should not cast this issue off with the old “dear me, what is this world coming to” statement. Whatever the world is coming to, its coming very quickly, and it needs to be stopped.
“Essential to self-respect”
There are many positive aspects to dressing nicely, the most obvious is that you will be treated better when you do so. Besides, it makes you look and feel respectable, and is respectful of others. It gives you more confidence; it makes the statement that you are happy, healthy, and polite. In addition, dressing well raises the standard and quality of life, not just for yourself, but for others.
Americans used to dress up because they took pride in representing their nation as being prosperous, respectful, and respectable. The way in which Americans dress projects the image of our nation. In the mid-twentieth century, clothing manufacturer William C. Browning stated:
And if it be true. . . that the condition of a people is indicated by its clothing, America’s place in the scale of civilized lands is a high one. We have provided not alone abundant clothing at a moderate cost for all classes and citizens but we have given them, at the same time the style and character in dress that is essential to the self-respect of a free, democratic people. [Emphasis added]
Ladies. . .
With women, there is a deplorable lack of feminineness in their grooming and apparel. Years ago, women and girls strived to look their best, to be attractive. Women enjoyed wearing pretty things; men appreciated and encouraged this. Tragically, gloves, hats, and dresses became lost in the shuffle as the feminists transformed the meaning of the female. It is imperative in our times that women restore the traditional ladylike image of the American woman by dressing, grooming, and acting with modest feminineness.
. . .And Gentlemen
On the other hand, men don’t seem to notice that they are beginning to take on a feminine look. In comparison to men from 80 years ago, the difference in the male appearance is both astounding and disgusting. Today we see long-haired, skinny-jean-clad males who can no longer be honored with the title of “man”, for they are an embarrassment to the real men of years gone by. The traditional masculine look of ruggedness and strength is fast diminishing.
What Used to Be
Clothing catalogs from the early- to mid-twentieth century stressed the differences between men’s and women’s wardrobes. For instance, men were offered “sturdy, masculine styles” that were “handsome and well-tailored”, as well as apparel that “commands respect.” A Sears catalog from the year 1949/1950 described a men’s coat as being as “masculine as a brier pipe, [as] good-looking as a hand-tooled saddle. . .tough and rugged.” In contrast, women were given dress choices “with lots of emphasis on the feminine!” In 1937, the Sears catalog showcased a hostess gown with the caption, “Look your loveliest at home!” Later on, in 1950, catalogs presented “fashions that feminine America loves.” Today, what clothing catalogs there are emphasize apparel that is easy to wear, versatile, comfortable, and casual.[i]
It is a strange era of “in-betweenness” in which we live. People hover between genders and embrace the “unisex” wardrobe, all the while eroding the traditional American culture that draws a clear line between men and women. Before long there will be no “men” and “women”—there will only be “people.” More than ever, men need to be masculine, and women need to be feminine.
[i] Catalog descriptions in this paragraph are taken from: Everyday Fashions of the Thirties as Pictured in Sears Catalogs ed. by Stella Blum,New York: Dover Publications, 1986; and Everyday Fashions of the Forties as Pictured in Sears Catalogs ed. by JoAnne Olian,New York: Dover Publications, 1992.
[1] Catalog descriptions in this paragraph are taken from: Everyday Fashions of the Thirties as Pictured in Sears Catalogs ed. by Stella Blum,New York: Dover Publications, 1986; and Everyday Fashions of the Forties as Pictured in Sears Catalogs ed. by JoAnne Olian,New York: Dover Publications, 1992.
