How To Dress Fashionably While Working in a Factory

Many women since the war years had to take up tough jobs in factories under-not-so-pleasant and even dangerous conditions. Most of these jobs that were once done by men now were given to women. Since then women switched their aprons for the unattractive manly looking overalls. But then came Miss Leser and made things better.

Stripe overalls push-up pants with elastic belt and patch pocket

In 1953 LIFE magazine had the article Factory Fashionistas which featured fashion designer Tina Leser, who showed that dressing for work — even if that work was on a factory floor — didn’t necessarily mean sacrificing a sense of style. The designer who was known for designing fashion worn in resorts, came up with Fashions For Industry, a stylish work clothes for women working in factories.

Miss Leser changed the boxy shapeless overalls to a more fitted and stylish design. The coveralls that she designed was so that it could be worn during other activities like for instance gardening, painting, shopping and even sailing,


Here is the lowdown on how to be comfortable and still be fashionable in the workplace:

1. Fitted Clothes. Not too baggy, nor tight. But just right.
2. Choose clothes that emphasize a waist. Add a belt.
3. Wear Fun, vibrant, bold colors.
4. Fashionable pattern and designs. Stripe, plaid, twill.
5. Comfortable breathable fabric. Cotton keeps body cool. Flannel is warm and soft. Merino Wool Socks keeps tootsie dry.
6. Stylish Accessories. Newsboy cap. Straw basket instead of lunch box. Colorful scarf, gloves.
7. Makeup, why not. And hand and body lotion keeps skin from chaffing. 

Places where to buy stylish work clothes:

Overalls:

• Freddies of Pinewood: Grease Monkey, Dungaree Dolls, 1940 Work Pants, 1950's Indigo Button Jeans, Indigo Pleated Pants, Home Companion  Dungarees, 
• Duluth Trading Co: Striped Railroad Overalls. 

Tops:

• Tops from Freddies of Pinewood: Red And Navy Plaid 1940's Blouse, Red And Cream Plaid 1940's Blouse, Red Stripe Button Top, Red 1950's Top, Trio Toplet In Navy, Pink Plaid 1940 Blouse.
• Tops from Duluth Trading Co: Long Sleeve Plaid Shirt, Sidewinder Shirt, 

Front: Striped ticking and tan twill. Back: Plaid denim and blue denim.

Straw Basket:

• Bonjour Rattan Straw Picnic Basket from Amazon. Moroccan Straw Picnic Basket, Picnic Basket with Red White Plaid Lining. Chipwood Picnic Basket with Folding Handles. 

Shoes: 

• Shoes from Zappos: Dansko Deidra, Alegria Kaitlyn, Clarks Kessa Agnes, Hush Puppies Epic Mary Jane.

Replace standard lunch boxes with a straw basket

Hats: 

• Newsboy Caps from Village Hat Shop: Tropic Spitfire Newsboy Cap, Boy Meets Girl Newsy Hat, Lydia Newsboy Cap, Big Apple Cap-Linen. 

Newsboy Cap keeps hair in place 

A little fun fashion with overalls by Bananarama from their 80's hit song Cruel Summer. Enjoy!




Source: Photos and research information taken by the April 1953 Life Magazine. Youtube video Cruel Summer by Bananarama.