First published in 1956, What Shall I Wear? is revolutionary fashion designer Claire McCardell's collection of fashion wisdom and philosophy, and a vivacious guide to looking effortlessly stylish.
Claire McCardell was one of the most influential fashion designers of the twentieth century, credited with pioneering "The American Look" in response to the emerging active lifestyle of women in the 1940s and '50s. McCardell advocated for the independent woman and sought to create clothing that promised her freedom, power, and functional beauty. She invented mix-and-match separates, wrap dresses, and ballet flats, and was the first designer to use zippers, pockets, and menswear fabrics in women's clothing. Her designs achieved cult status as they were embraced by working women, the suburban set, and high society alike.
“What Shall I Wear?” provides a glimpse into the sources of McCardell's inspirations-travel, sports, leisure, and her own needs-and how she transformed them into wearable fashion. This book is a tribute to America's design legacy and the woman who shaped its unique spirit.
