However, regardless of men or women's styles, the clothing of the day was invariably produced in drab shades of blue and gray, and was baggy and simple in fit. There were no 'women's clothing' in the sense that we understand it now, as female curves were kept strictly covered up. Embellishments like lace, high heels and skirts were practically non-existent.
In that decade, where materials were scarce, the purchase of a piece of new clothing was an event in itself. Many people only bought one set of clothes, usually for their wedding, and then wore it for years and years after. Children looked forward to the Lunar New Year mostly for two reasons: they got to eat meat and wear new clothes. However, in many families, the 'new' clothes that younger children received were often altered hand-me-downs from an older brother or sister.
Under such straitened economic circumstances, people made do with whatever they had on hand, and paid no attention to extras like the color of clothing.