Dress Codes: Meanings and Messages in American Culture [Paperback]

Ruth P. Rubinstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2001

Rich with illustrations, this revised and updated second edition of Dress Codes systematically analyzes the meaning and relevance of clothing in American culture. Presented here is an up-to-date analysis of images of power and authority, gender, seduction (the sexy look, the alluring look, the glamorous look, the vulnerable look), wealth and beauty, youth and health, and leisure and political hierarchy. Taken together, the chapters offer to the student and the general reader a complete "semiotics of clothing" in a form that is highly readable, very entertaining, and thoroughly informative. The illustrations provide fascinating glimpses into the history of American fashion and clothing-along with their antecedents in Europe-as well as a fine collection of images from the more familiar world of contemporary America.Rubinstein has identified six distinct categories of dress in American society, upon which Dress Codes is based. "Clothing signs" were instituted by those in authority, have one meaning, indicate behavior, and are required attire (police uniforms, or the clothing of ministers and priests); “clothing symbols," on the other hand, reflect the achievement of cultural values—wealth, beauty, you and health. The wearing of clothing symbols—designer clothing or jewelry—may have several meanings; ‘clothing tie-signs,” which are specific types of clothing that indicate membership in a community outside mainstream culture (Hasidic, Amish, or Hare Krishna attire). They were instituted by those in authority, have one meaning, they indicate expected behavior, and are required attire; “clothing tie symbols” emanate from hopes, fears, and dreams of particular groups. They include trendy styles such as hip-hop, hippie, and gothic. Another category, “contemporary fashion,” reflects consumer sentiments and the political and economic forces of the period. “Personal dress,” refers to the "I" component we bring in when dressing the public self (bowtie, dramatic, or artistic attire). Many of these images have their roots in the “collective memory” of western society. Written in a lively and entertaining style,Dress Codes will fascinate both general readers and students interested in the history of fashion and costume, fashion design, human development, and gender studies.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Fascinating, well-written, and well-illustrated.... Clear prose and eye-catching illustrations. This book increases my awareness of the importance of clothing in social interaction." -- Contemporary Psychology

"Ruth Rubinstein's Dress Codes represents scholarship of the first order, showing in substantive detail how clothing is not merely a reflection of society but instead is intrinsic to its institutions. There is a great deal to learn from this book, and its choreography of historic, cultural, and sociological analyses makes it a joy to read." -- David R. Maines, Wayne State University

"Using Rubinstein's historical and contemporary examples, one realizes that apparel-our most socializing visual art and our most socialized art-reveals self, set, and society with a remarkable clarity. Rubinstein's sociologically framed looking glass shows many trenchant examples from court attire to codpieces to sansculottes in dress history as well as more recent examples of red ribbons for AIDS awareness, gym shoes of heroic associations, and modern tattoos. Rubinstein's reflections on demeanor and dress are fascinating." -- Richard Martin, Curator, The Costume Institute, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

About the Author

Ruth P. Rubinstein is professor of sociology at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Ruth P. Rubinstein is professor of sociology at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Westview Press; 2nd edition (January 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813367956
• ISBN-13: 978-0813367958
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #454,857 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for research about the "why" of fashion trends, April 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dress Codes: Meanings And Messages In American Culture (Paperback)

For a class project, I decided to make a website discussing how various fashions throughout time have reflected the social status of women. This book was a great resource. It makes one realize that people don't always wear clothes just because they like them. Looking at fashion gives wonderful insite into a culture.