Life — February 8, 1906 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Life's Fashion Page" - Children's Clothing Commentary This is a fashion advice column by Mrs. Wilson Woodrow addressing children's clothing trends. The page features two illustrations of children's outfits: 1. **"Boy's Play Suit"** - depicts a child in casual play clothes 2. **"Little Girl's School Suit"** - shows a girl in an elaborate dress The text critiques excessive ornamentation in children's fashion, particularly the "Nature Study" trend. Woodrow advocates for practical, simple children's clothing over elaborate decorative styles then fashionable. She argues that overly fancy dress restricts children's movement and natural play, warning mothers against prioritizing appearance over comfort and functionality. The column uses gentle satire to mock the era's tendency toward over-dressing children in impractical finery, advocating instead for sensible, age-appropriate garments suited to actual childhood activities.