Life — September 13, 1923 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Artful Modes for the Woman of Limited Intelligence" This satirical piece mocks women of modest intellect through fashion advice. The title itself is the joke—it's deliberately insulting, suggesting certain women lack intelligence. The satire works by offering practical budgeting tips (don't spend more than half your clothing budget relative to husband's earnings) and modest wardrobe suggestions while framing them as necessary because these women supposedly can't manage sophistication. The accompanying illustrations show unflattering female figures in various outfits. The lower section on "Sensible Shoes" continues the mockery with crude drawings of footwear. This reflects 1920s-era sexist attitudes presenting women—particularly those of limited means or education—as dim-witted yet vain, needing paternalistic guidance on how to dress appropriately within their station.