than we realized

https://www.metv.com/stories/barbara-billingsleys-costuming-choices-as-june-cleaver-were-much-more-strategic-than-we-realize

June Cleaver's high heels and pearls actually served a much bigger purpose than you might think.

Billingsley expressed that she made sure that June Cleaver’s skirts weren’t overly short, but also not overly long as well. Interestingly, the length of the skirts actually benefitted the show. Billingsley said, “It’s surprising. It was a good idea because it’s not dated.”

What ? does this make sense ?

Skirts that are too short or too long would be associated more with certain eras in fashion history. A skirt which is not too long or too short wouldn't make the show seem so dated. I don't know if that's true but that's the idea.

BUT the length of her Skirt IS WHAT MAKES IT DATED - no matter the length either way - it's dated as THAT ERA Fashion - and hers IS DATED late 50's to early 60's and nothing else

Well, I said I didn't know if it was right, just that that's what she meant. At least it's not a mini skirt which would scream Sixties.

I always thought June's wardrobe looked sharp. I thought she dressed well throughout the series.

Billingsley expressed that she made sure that June Cleaver’s skirts weren’t overly short, but also not overly long as well. Interestingly, the length of the skirts actually benefitted the show. Billingsley said, “It’s surprising. It was a good idea because it’s not dated.”

What ? does this make sense ?

What she meant to say was: It was a bad idea because I couldn't get a date." lol

Seriously, the newer episodes hold up better than the first season, which looks really old-fashioned.

Off the subject, the one thing that was really dated even at the time, was the fogies who were picking the music for school dance scenes in the early 60s. Kid were not dancing to elevator music at the time. The teens must have gotten a good laugh at those scenes.

ya the teen music (rock n roll) was ALL THE RAGE and they were ball room dancing - SO LAME

Even in the later years of Father Knows Best, a show that ended original episodes in 1960, teen dance scenes were using generic rock instrumentals.

With regards to wearing heels, was it wrong for growing boys to be taller than a petite and short mother?

All of my siblings grew taller than my short mother, and my mom didn't feel the need to be taller when cleaning the house or preparing meals. I

I think Billingsley wanted her legs to look better on TV :)

Here we go... and wearing her ever-present pearls too!!!

I didn't know that dark nail polish was popular back then:

295448

Not in the picture -- Ward panting in the background!