The Little Black Dress and Zoot Suits: Depression and Wartime Fashions from the 1930s to the 1950s (Dressing a Nation: The History of U.S. Fashion)

Alison Marie Behnke is a writer and editor. She has written about a wide range of topics, including immigration, world and cultural geography, ethnic cuisines, American and European history, biographies, and fashion. She lives in Minneapolis.

"This entry in the Dressing a Nation: The History of U.S. Fashion series covers a time of rapid change in the American fashion industry, from an era of frugal thriftiness necessary in the face of the Great Depression and WWII to one informed by a brand-new youth culture, movie stars, and post-war leisure time. The book has five sections: Women's Everyday wear, Women's Haute Couture, Men's Clothing, Hairstyles and Accessories, and finally, Designers, Photographers, and Models. There's plenty for fashion-savvy readers to digest. This is the time frame in which famous names―Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Lacoste―are sure to ring out to young fashionistas. The book's sharp, bold, rather tidy design features eye-catching art from the period. Zoot suits, poodle skirts, and bikinis as well as pervasive use of the zipper are explored as turning points in American ready-to-wear clothing. This engaging title is topped off by a lengthy bibliography and further reading section for true fashion devotees." --Booklist

"This series documents women's and men's clothing, hairstyles and accessories, designers, and inventions of the different periods. Well-researched texts provide clear explanations of the ways important historical events, people, and technology of the times influenced how clothes were designed, made, purchased, and worn. Numerous archival photos and entertaining sidebars contribute to a lively read." --The Horn Book Guide

"This series, a history of fashion in the United States, is more than a simple account of fashion during particular eras. A variety of interesting aspects are examined, such as the ever-present influence of Europe on American tastes and how wars affected fashions. Techniques and technology used in making clothes and accessories are included. Fashions for women, men, and children are all part of the story, as are hairstyles and facial hair. In addition to the vivid photographs and illustrations, primary sources such as journal entries, letters, and catalog pages are found. The volumes are interesting and easy to read, although the subject matter might limit use." --Library Media Connection

"These well-written and appealing books place clothing and fashion, from underwear to headgear, in the larger context of American history, emphasizing that for most of our past, clothing signified status and reinforced societal roles, especially for women. The series includes information about the clothing of many groups, notably Native Americans, African Americans, soldiers, and children. It also discusses regional and ethnic differences in dress and traces how clothing styles and forms reflected changes in society. Large, attractive period illustrations and color and archival photos and boxed quotes enhance the texts. This series is certain to draw both researchers and browsers." --School Library Journal, Series Made Simple