Common Elements:
* Dress: A simple, knee-length dress with a fitted bodice and a full skirt.
* Apron: Often white, with a bib front and tie strings. This was considered essential for protection against spills and stains.
* Cap: A small, white cap worn on the head, either tied under the chin or held in place with bobby pins.
* White Gloves: Gloves were typically worn, often made of cotton or a similar lightweight material.
* White Shoes: Oxfords or other closed-toe shoes, usually white, were the standard footwear.
Variations:
* Color: While white was the most common color, some maids might wear dresses in other colors like blue, green, or black.
* Collar: Some dresses had collars, sometimes with lace or trim, while others were collarless.
* Sleeves: Sleeves could be short, ¾-length, or long.
* Details: Some dresses might feature buttons, zippers, or other decorative touches.
Note: The specific attire worn by maids could vary depending on the individual employer's preferences and the type of household they worked in. For example, a maid working in a more formal setting might wear a more elaborate dress with more frills and lace.
It's important to remember: The early 1960s was a time of transition. While the traditional maid's uniform was still prevalent, the rise of the "mod" look and the changing roles of women were beginning to influence fashion trends, including for domestic workers.