Medium: Black and white checkered wool and silver-gray printed silk charmeuse

Date: Fall 1983

Country: France

Credit: Gift of Roz Gersten Jacobs

During the 1980s, businesswomen sought to dress in a manner that was both authoritative and feminine, but not overtly sexual. John T. Molloy, author of the Dress for Success guides, advised professional women never to mimic menswear, but to wear a business “uniform” of skirted suit and blouse. He characterized this type of blouse as an “acceptable nonfrilly style.”

Object Number: 2004.14.2