Outdated Fashion Ads: What Were They Thinking?

Hey, fashion fam! Welcome back to TheFlexEdit. This week has been a whirlwind—between brainstorming content, keeping up with JoseWardrobeFlex on Instagram, and diving into some vintage fashion ads, I’ve had a lot on my mind. You ever look at an old advertisement and think, “Whoa, how did this even get approved?” That’s where we’re going today.

A Look Back: The Problematic Past

For this post, I found a vintage 1970s Van Heusen tie ad. Picture this— a man sitting comfortably, reading the newspaper, while a woman kneels on the floor serving him breakfast. The tagline? "Show her it's a man's world." Yikes.

Now, let’s break this down. The subliminal message here screams outdated gender roles. The ad isn’t just selling ties; it’s selling the idea that a man should be served by a woman. In 1970, this might have been seen as normal (which is still shocking), but today, an ad like this would spark outrage for promoting inequality. It’s wild to think about how marketing back then used social norms to push products without questioning if those norms were even right.

Today’s Shift: A Different Approach

Now let’s fast-forward to a recent tie advertisement. Take Gucci’s campaign featuring Harry Styles—he’s rocking a floral suit, carrying a purse, and embracing a more fluid approach to fashion. The message? Fashion has no gender.

Unlike the Van Heusen ad, which reinforced outdated masculinity, Gucci’s campaign challenges traditional norms. It’s selling more than just a tie—it’s selling confidence, self-expression, and breaking stereotypes. This is where we see the power of modern advertising: it reflects a shift in values, embracing inclusivity rather than exclusion.

Then vs. Now: The Impact on Society

Looking at these two ads side by side shows just how far we’ve come. The old ad reinforced limiting stereotypes, while the new ad opens doors for individuality. Advertising today isn’t perfect, but brands are learning that representation, sustainability, and inclusivity matter. If you ask me, today’s approach is a massive win for the fashion industry and society as a whole.

Final Thoughts & Your Turn!

Fashion is always evolving, and so are the messages we see in advertising. What’s an old fashion ad that shocked you? Did you notice something I missed in these ads? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s unpack this together.

Also, shoutout to three of my fellow bloggers this week:

• [MoreThanAFad]: They had a great take on how fashion affect our self-image and self identity.

• [SydneyTalksSustainable]: Loved their deep dive into how fashion influence sustainability.

• [Planet In Vogue]: A super cool breakdown of gender roles in fashion.