What’s the story, morning glory? This pic could spin a thousand tales!
Campus Fashion: Then And Now, Part I
This was how campus gentlemen dressed in 1941.
This is how they dress now:
You set yourself up for this, Andy; you didn’t just fall out of your dorm bed into this outfit. I give you that it’s creative: a buffalo shirt, a Nirvana-throwback cardigan, striped “statement” socks, moccasins…But it’s certainly no herringbone topcoat.
And what about this male?
Aside from the “supermodel, work” stride, these pieces might work separately. I can see that he spent some time putting this together, matching wrist bracelet to ankle bracelet. It is casual, but it’s forced; the scrunched-up sleeves are affected. Perhaps it’s clean and current, but it’s just no match for a corduroy trouser.
In fact, pretty much any trouser looks better than an overdone jean.
Horseshoe pockets? Good luck with that.
Early Predecessor To Nestea Plunge
Ladies were living large during the 1939 University of Kansas Rush Week. From driving seatbeltless in convertibles to box-stepping to Benny Goodman,a good time was had by all.
Vaya con Dios, commoners!
And when things got down to the nitty gritty, these gals knew how to get the job done. Gossip columns don’t write themselves. 
Of course, somebody had to clean up the mess left behind. After all, not everybody can pledge. So like Carol Burnett mopping the floors, this woman put her hair up, grabbed the broom, and got her hands dirty.
Same sentiment, Carol?
Making Flowers For a Float or How to Immediately Fall Into A Coma
The Bayonet & The Aqua Net
A smirking deputy, spent from hours of public service, stops at a booth to:
- rehydrate with three ounces of cool water (water)
- investigate the case of the bumpy brassiere, with help from the beehivey Fashion Police on his arm
- investigate the case of the home permanent gone awry
- inquire as to where he can purchase more wide-brimmed hats
So That’s What Happened To Baby Jane
Too Close For Comfort
Smug As A Bug In A Rug
Being beautiful in 1942 had more to do with how daintily you held your fingers to your chin than with the symmetry of your features. If, by chance, you had man hands, you could look off to the side wistfully. But it wasn’t nearly as effective.
Why They Called Him Penholder
Like Hardened Alaskans
Silly Does Somber And Serious
The caption tells me this was the staff of the 1955 Ranger. Journalists, I presume. Yearbook staff. But it doesn’t explain why a young Jay Leno looks so somber at the top, or why staff members are holding items on display, while laying hands on each other. Or why the fellow in the glasses looks like former SNL alumnus Andy Samberg doing his best Jerry Lewis impression.
Chitty Chitty Bad Bangs: The Scourge of 1982
You don’t see much of this style these days. Little wispy bangs curled and spiraled like a double helix. Those of you in your 40s may also recall the curse of the add-a-bead necklace back in the day: one was supposed to wear it UNDER the collar, but like Bad Bangs shows us here, it would often pop out from under the collar.
I’m pretty sure this is Pam Dawber during her Mork and Mindy days, but that has not been confirmed. In any event, she is distracting from her two bang pieces with this horizontal stripe (probably boatneck).
This next lady looks pretty self-satisfied, having shoved her curled partial bang off to the side of her forehead, where it will not interfere with activities of daily living.
Each of these lovely ladies can console themselves that they were not donning the Dorothy Hamill cut, so popular in 1976, a full SIX YEARS PRIOR. Poor Paula cannot say the same.
Way to keep the 70s in the 80s, Paula.
I Don't Get It 