Figure 1.--We are not sure about the gender conventions here. We think the dress on the left might have been seen as suitable for a boy, but the dress on the right more likely was for a girl. The Best ad copy, however, does not offer many clues.
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Figure 1.--We are not sure about the gender conventions here. We think the dress on the left might have been seen as suitable for a boy, but the dress on the right more likely was for a girl. The Best ad copy, however, does not offer many clues. |
The model here suggests a girl to us, especially the treatment of the hair. We do note, however, a blue/pink option. The ad copy provides no indication about gender appropriatness. The styling is not particularly girlish, but seems a bit fancy for a boy. The ad copy read, "DAINTY LAWN hand smocking and stitching of pink, blue or corn. A large tuck is set in above the deep hem. 2 and 3 years ... $2.00"
This looks to us like a dress that would have been seen as suitable for a boy. There are, however, no clues in the ad copy other than the blue/pink option. The ad copy read, "FRENCH DOTS in pink or blue, fine tucks trim this smart belted Empire dress of fine lawn. 1 to 3 years ... $2.75." Other than the high waistline, we are not sured why this was referred to as an Empire dress."
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