Why dont people dress up all the time like in the 40's and 50's??

Question

Now when you go to the store you see people half dressed or in there pj's, slippers, hair not brushed, it looks like they just rolled out of bed. I don't see why people dont take the time to get ready before they go out. In the 30's 40's an 50's they used to always get dressed up and look nice, take the time to iron there clothes and put on something that actually fits them. Even the low income people took the time to dress nice. What to the people?? Is it bcuz of laziness and excuses why they can't get ready anymore?

Answer 1

And in the '50s women were housewives and men were always at work. Things change.

So, why the change?

1) Change of culture - our ideas of professional do not all fit one image.

2) Lack of money; in the '50s one working person could pay all the bills. Now it takes two just to keep a house running, forget about adding raising kids and college if you're already in trouble.

Blame culture, hon.

Answer 2

I think so too. I would love to dress like that!I would guess it has alot to do with fabric, and quantity of clothes also. I know back then people would often wear the same thing 3 or 4 times before washing. As well as not washing hair everyday. I think I would rather wear my PJs than be a bit stinky.

Answer 3

I "dress up" when I go out somewhere like the moves, dinner, etc. If I need to drop into the store to grab something, i really don't care what my hair looks like or what I'm wearing. My schedule is so busy that I don't have time to care about what others think of me as I buy milk or something. It's just silly. People back then were SO obssesed with what others thought of them. I don't think we need to get that crazy again, but when you are going somewhere fancy or somewhere for the night, then at least put on jeans.

Answer 4

There's a few reasons that come to mind....

1. It costs money (that most people don't have to spare) to dress that nicely, and to take care of nicer garments. Considering a nice Dolce & Gabanna, Hugo Boss, and Armani suits costs upward of $2,500.00... And there's STILL the dry cleaning expenses to boot.

2. Fashion (in general) and particularly attitudes toward workplace dress codes have changed to be much more casual.

3. Impracticality - a soccer mom probably accomplishes quite a bit more in her jeans, a halter top, and sneakers than she would in a coordinated (dry clean only) ensemble with heels...

Besides, you have to take extra time, money, and gas just to drop off and pick up your dry cleaning - who has the time to deal with that in addition to everything else?

I agree that the way they dressed back then was the apex of style, subtlety, sophistication, and class, but, as Dylan once said "these times, they are a' changin'"...

Answer 5

Because society allows it. There is no fashion police roaming around and telling people that plaid pj pants clash with their yellow nike sweater, and for god sakes pull a comb through their hair. Unfortunatly, people believe it's okay to walk around looking slobbish, especially if they realize they have no one to impress. Back in older days, good looks=good impressions, but with the raving about PERSONALITY perhaps some believe clothing is simply for warmth, and what's inside matters.

In my own thought, I believe people should dress at least a little nice when out in public. If it's 2 AM and you have the flu, and you're out getting medicine, your PJ's are acceptable. But when out running errands at the mall, pull on a pair of jeans and lose the sweats.

Answer 6

It is too expensive. It is too hot. People have come to realize "The Clothes" really don't make the person.
__________________________

And realize this, back in the day, people didn't have 400 outfits to choose from in their closet like you probably do today. A woman would have 2 or 3 dresses and a Sunday outfit. A man would have a work suit and work shirt (yes singular) and a Sunday suit. All the men would do is change their underwear and t-shirt from day-to-day.

While the culture was more formal, they also didn't have the variety that you probably have sitting in your closet at this very moment.
_______________________________________

I don't think people are more lazy today, I just think we have simply evolved.

Answer 7

There is no way in hell I'm going to mop the floor with my best dress on and high heels. I just put my bandana on my head, sports T-shirt, and biking shorts around the house. Who am I trying to impress? However, I do take the time out to dress presentable when I go out public. I have seen people dress like they have no mirrors in their house.

Answer 8

The times has changed. People are more busy and don't like to dress up anymore. It has nothing to do with laziness and excuses. But the fact is that they are super busy and maybe people now days just do not like to dress up, anymore. Welcome to the 21st century!

Answer 9

Good question. I tend to blame the media and entertainment industry. In the 30s, 40s and 50s, movie stars and entertainers were glamorous and well-groomed -- you would NEVER see Rita Hayworth or Lauren Bacall or Katherine Hepburn out in public in their underwear with bra straps showing and letting it all hang out. Look what you see on TV and the movies now -- and that's what people think it's ok to emulate.

Answer 10

Different social values and norms or more appropriately values and norms have changed over time. I have mixed feelings, causal attire is a good thing in many situations but sometimes a little grooming and pride in one's appearance wouldn't hurt.