FIDM Museum's exhibition, From Clerical to Career..., provided a revealing glimpse into the working woman's wardrobe for the last six decades of the 20th Century.

World War II represented a turning point for women in the workplace. With the shortage of able-bodied men on the business homefront, women stepped into traditional male roles in industry. This shift in responsibility demanded a corresponding adjustment in female apparel.

In 1947 Christian Dior sent his "New Look" onto the runway and the working woman never looked back. Dior’s dramatic influence in the world of haute couture over the next decade marked a new beginning in high fashion. This change established a distinct movement away from the look of utility wardrobes seen during the war years.


Defense Factory File Clerk
1940's


High School Principal
1940's


Mining Co. Store Bookeeper
1950's


Bank Manager
1950's


FIDM Museum’s unique exhibit highlights the unprecedented changes in the American woman’s lifestyle as she traded her traditional role as homemaker for a job at the factory office. This transformation began in the 40’s and continues with her integration into the permanent workforce.

Fashion reflected these new values and lifestyles which included careers, as opposed to jobs. Women’s executive dress borrowed elements from the suits of male colleagues exemplified by the "power dressing" yuppies of the 80’s.


Music Store
Sales Clerk
1960's


Advertising
Agency Executive
1960's


The 90’s began with a relaxation in all areas of fashion. Tailored "9 to 5" clothing still remains a favorite, even though "every woman’s dress", "Friday clothes" and "week-end work-wear" became wardrobe staples for all women.


Executive Secretary
1970's


TV Anchorwoman
1970's


Para-legal
1980's


Attorney
1980's


The role of women in the workplace continues to evolve as more and more women are in the position of primary breadwinner. FIDM Museum’s collection highlights a woman’s transition From Clerical to Career as reflected through her wardrobe choices.


Career
1990's
Diane von Furstenburg
Every Woman's Dress