Claire McCardell

Claire McCardell (1905-1958) was an American fashion designer who revolutionized women's clothing in the mid-20th century. She is credited with creating the "American Look," characterized by functional, casual, and versatile clothing that prioritized comfort and practicality. McCardell's designs challenged the dominance of Parisian fashion by introducing distinctly American innovations like separates, wrap dresses, and ballet flats. Her most famous creations included the Monastic Dress, the Popover Dress, and the use of denim, jersey, and other humble materials in high fashion. During World War II, McCardell adapted her designs to address wartime material shortages and changing women's roles, introducing work clothes and innovative solutions like interchangeable pieces. Her influence extended beyond her death, with her design philosophy of combining style with utility continuing to shape American fashion throughout the latter half of the 20th century. The designer's work has been recognized by numerous institutions, including the Coty American Fashion Critics' Award, and her pieces are held in major museum collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. McCardell's 1955 book, "What Shall I Wear?", remains a significant text in fashion literature.

Claire McCardell wrote about American fashion design and included practical advice for women's wardrobes. Her 1956 book "What Shall I Wear?" resonates with many modern readers who say her guidance on building a functional wardrobe remains relevant decades later. Readers appreciate: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Timeless wardrobe tips that still apply today - Personal anecdotes about her design career - Emphasis on comfort and practicality Common critiques: - Some dated references and societal norms - Limited fashion illustrations - Book can be difficult to find in print On Goodreads, "What Shall I Wear?" has a 4.1/5 rating from 39 reviews. Multiple readers note it reads like "advice from a wise friend." Several reviewers mention successfully applying her capsule wardrobe concepts to their modern closets. Amazon reviews (4.5/5 from 11 ratings) specifically praise her focus on quality over quantity and building wardrobes around lifestyle needs rather than trends.

What Shall I Wear? The What, Where, When and How Much of Fashion (1956) A fashion guide and design philosophy book written by McCardell that outlines her practical approach to women's clothing, including advice on wardrobe building and style choices.