Pansies Toque for “The Woman Beyond Sixty”
The Ladies Home Journal recommended this draped toque for the elderly woman with a “well-rounded face and plenty of hair” because a toque is a bit larger than other styles and needs enough hair so that it neither swallows the head or completely covers it. They also seemed to like the toque because it doesn’t need strings to keep it on, although they did show other kinds models with ribbons around the chin, presumably for women with less hair, but would give a look of “dignity and repose.”
Drapery that harmonizes with the softness of older skin was in order as a taught and smooth surface would draw a harsh contrast. They liked this one on a woman who had little color in her skin, but with “silvery hair” that harmonizes with the lace that drapes the edge and whose bow is wired to keep its shape. The crown has a purplish blue tulle draped all over it for added softness and then that same color is echoed in the little faux pansy cluster which is “filling in” the space between the drape and the bow. Notice that that hat sits straight on her head, befitting an older woman of dignity. Younger women were encouraged to wear their hats at the tilted angle that mirrored their age and more playful attitude. We have gotten so used to the idea that only what is young is valuable, we never use a word like dignity in terms of fashion, but they presumed that old women possessed a lifetime of experience and wisdom which granted them a dignity than younger women could not yet claim. Age had its privileges.
