“The Today Show” just reported on gender inequality in fashion for the workplace. Men have been coasting along for years wearing the same few suits, some shirts, and several ties that they select from every day, mixing up the pairing for variety, while females in the workplace are expected to wear the latest colors, hem lengths, and styles. Hence the new trend—the women’s “workplace uniform.”
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According to the piece on “Today,” the women’s uniform consists of a very few classic, “core elements” such as suits, or jackets and coordinating dresses, skirts, or trousers, in neutral tones. Then, like men, they pair these with some blouses and accessories for the sought-after “pop of color”—kind of like men’s ties.
The “uniform” concept is said to help busy women save time in selecting outfits, especially during the incredibly busy morning rush. It sounds so innovative, but no, it’s not. The American fashion icon was owning the “uniform” 50 years ago!
Of course, it could only be the famous “working girl” who possessed incredible personal style, married a senator, became a first lady, and then went back to work in New York City, fashion capital of the country. Yes, it could only be Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis!
In their comprehensive study of her style, including in the workplace, What Would Jackie Do? An Inspired Guide to Distinctive Living (Gotham Books, div. of Penguin Group), authors Shelly Branch and Sue Callaway address how in the 1960s, this fashionista would “repeat” elements of outfits, as in the “uniform” concept,” receiving praise for her fashion sense.
“Jackie was known for reprising the same simple items … over and over again.” Her favorite item when living in Washington, D.C. was a simple black suit (Chanel, of course), which she wore with different accessories for over 7 years.
She would also repeat suits and dresses during her duties as first lady, but she would change out her jewelry from among family heirlooms, anniversary and birthday presents from her husband, and even gifts from foreign dignitaries.
When she got a job as an editor at Doubleday, she continued to repeat her outfits. She knew what necklines and trousers complimented her body and were in fashion, and if she found a sweater or shell with a boat or turtleneck or pants with the right cut (top quality, of course), she would “astutely” buy several versions in various colors, say the authors.
The authors also suggest the best way to “own” the uniform look is to adopt Jackie’s attitude, which was: “You mustn’t give a damn about what spiteful colleagues—or the fashion press—might say about you repeating your greatest hits.” In fact, reports the book, Jackie married Aristotle Onassis in a dress she had worn years before to a friend’s wedding!