Reminding you that casual never means careless and that the appropriate is always the aim of the woman with a true sense of Fashion and the taste that goes with it.
– Claire McCardell, celebrated American women’s fashion designer of the 1940s and 50s.
This quote is taken from Ms. McCardell’s 1955 book, What Shall I Wear?: The What, Where, When and How Much of Fashion, which was recently reprinted by Overlook Press.
Ms. McCardell’s designs helped put America on the fashion map after World War II. While Paris was getting back on its feet, America launched ahead in fashion and Ms. McCardell was among the leaders. Designing for the new active woman, she favored mix-and-match separates and was the first to make denim a chic option.
OverDressed for Life 
I have a wonderful Claire McCardell dress of my mother’s — strangely, I never even noticed the label until recently, but always loved the dress. It is both glamorous and comfortable (even has pockets!).