What to Wear on a California Vacation, 1914

Special Collections, University of California Irvine. Click to enlarge.

Although this group had hiked up a small hill for the photograph, the chauffer-looking fellow in the background makes me think that they were probably traveling by car.  Some had dressed for exercise more than others.  The youngest woman, second from left, might have made it through some rough terrain with her short skirt, heavy socks, and saddle shoes.  The woman directly to her left, though, apparently had no intention of hiking. She looks like she had just left a lunch party in her hotel.

The oldest woman at the center was the most bundled up. My guess is that it was probably winter when the photo was taken.  When she heard she was making a winter trip, she brought along her warmest clothes, including a heavy coat, not imagining that a winter in California could be quite warm.

Note the array of hats, not one alike!  I think the simple, wide brimmed style in the far right was best suited for the winter sun.  But doesn’t her skirt look extremely narrow?

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3 Responses to What to Wear on a California Vacation, 1914

  1. Carol in Denver says:

    Some of those clothes (2nd from left and far right) make me think how they could be presented today on a runway. A taller, thinner model wearing spike heels and a bit of an arrogant facial expression could make these look current.

  2. It’s really interesting that in 1914, even the older women had shortened their skirts.

  3. Becky (History Librarian) says:

    Woo hoo! I love that you write about UCI Library’s Special Collections materials. Isn’t the lady on the far left fantastic? Her pose says, “Heck yeah, I’m in nature and I look fabulous, damn it.”

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