Dress Codes

By Richard Thompson Ford

How the Laws of Fashion Made History. Simon & Schuster, 2021.

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20 mins read

16 Key insights

A brief summary of Dress Codes

An entertaining and insightful look at centuries of fashion and the dress codes that have defined what people should wear—which isn’t always what they do wear—while also reflecting the social dynamics and political struggles of their time.

Key insights in Dress Codes

What do you get from this book? Fashion’s significant role in history and the many meanings clothing can convey

Dress codes are written or unwritten rules that define what we can wear and shape its significance

Clothing is a way to express ourselves and understand our place in the world

Fashion emerged during the Renaissance, as the art of tailoring and the value of individuality flourished

The Catholic Church tied sensuality, sin, and religious faith to clothing, while women like Joan of Arc subverted gender roles

The Great Masculine Renunciation was a turning point in men’s fashion, emphasizing simplicity and elegance over elaborate, ornate styles

In the early 20th century, American women’s fashion finally shifted from restrictive corsets and voluminous skirts to the sleek flapper style

Since the days of slavery, marginalized Americans have used fashion to assert their dignity and fight against oppression

African American activists have worn elegant styles as a way to confront stereotypes, while recent youth trends have sparked controversy

Women still face hypocrisy and impossible standards when it comes to their clothing—especially in the professional world

New interpretations of religious clothing cause emotional debates, while today’s young people are breaking down gender barriers

Contemporary fashion reflects both extravagance—like in the case of luxury goods—and the ethos of the Masculine Renunciation

Novel styles have been accused of cultural appropriation but can also be innovative and freeing, pointing to fashion’s unlimited potential

Summary of the key insights

Selected critiques in brief

Final word

Who should read Dress Codes

Fashionistas and trendsetters • designers and stylists • history buffs • political activists • anyone interested in changing styles and trends

About the author of Dress Codes

Richard Thompson Ford is a civil rights lawyer and cultural critic with degrees from Stanford University and Harvard Law School. He teaches at Stanford Law School and works with local government to improve problems surrounding housing segregation. Ford also wrote Rights Gone Wrong: How Law Corrupts the Struggle for Equality, among other acclaimed works.

Richard Thompson Ford

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