Inger on Fashion

In 1963, during the first season of The Farmer's Daughter, reporter Lydia Lane interviewed Inger about fashion. Inger had suggested that Katy's wardrobe be limited to a budget of $250 so that she looked realistic. Inger spoke of that decision and her fashion sense and rules in general. During her life, Inger talked about living simply and frugally quite a lot and took pride in finding quality, long-lasting items for a good price. She was skilled at accentuating her beauty while building up her savings account. Inger always looked both completely on trend and timeless. What follows are the words Inger said to Lydia Lane:

It was a challenge to plan a fall wardrobe on $250. It had to include everything—shoes, dresses, coats and accessories. Along with economy, I had to be sure what I had chosen would be becoming and photograph well. The whole idea was my own, but I felt I would strike a level of reality if my wardrobe was confined to the limited salary of the heroine of the story.

When I was first starting out in my career, I found that the most economical way to dress well was to find a good dressmaker because you don't often find good fabrics in inexpensive, ready-made clothes. Although they are cleverly designed, you can't expect them to hold their shape.

I decided on blouses and skirts as my basic outfits. You can make a few things look different by changing them around or sometimes wearing them with a vest. I chose one dark dress that was simple enough to serve double duty for Sundays, luncheon dates or for evening wear. I had one raincoat and a double-duty cloth coat. I limited by colors so I could use the same shoes and bag for everything. I didn't try to economize on these accessories because it proves more expensive in the long run to use cheap leather goods. 

You have to be methodical about dressing yourself. The people who are not never look well dressed. They lack harmony in their ensemble. There are a few basic rules that can't be ignored. The foundation of a dress depends on fit and fabric. Everything else is secondary—color, design and trimming. In order for me to feel and look well in a dress I must be comfortable and it must be appropriate for the occasion. I like freedom of movement.

I don't like to see clothes too informal after dark or too dressy early in the day. That is why, if you can afford only one good dress, you should get one that you can change accessories for day or evening wear.

I am lucky because ever since I can remember I have had a flair for knowing what was right for me. If you don't have confidence in your taste, it can be learned through trial and error, although that can be expensive. Reading fashion magazines, attending fashion shows, looking through pattern books are some of the ways to learn the trends in current styles.

Sources:

All photos on this post are scans of originals from my collection.

Lane, Lydia. "Inger Stevens Learns How to Plan Wardrobe without Great Expense." The South Bend Tribune. October 20, 1963.