I know the American Advertising Awards are about the work. The creative. The effectiveness. The cohesion. As athletes of marketing, our game day looks a little different than traditional competition. The ADDY’s is then considered our race or marathon, our event, match, game, or championship. We can say we’re not in it to win it, but we’d be liars. We’re still competitors. We still want to be the best, the cream, the victor.
And we want to look hella smashing when we do.
What An Ad Scout Looks Like
When I was a third grader I begged my parents to let me join Girl Scouts. I don’t remember the details surrounding why I felt the need to join a troop – if my friends were Brownies or I had heard there were snacks. Whatever the reason I joined, It was good while it lasted. You see, it was not in my future to advance through the ranks of the Girl Scouts association. I was a Brownie for a single year – I know there is fodder about my getting kicked out of the troop for talking so much, but my mom disagrees. Thanks for always having my back, Mom … and my widely-forever-and-ever-expressed verbal thoughts. So I joined Girl Scouts for one year in 1989. I got a sash. I got several pins and a big handful of patches. Proof I did more than talk. And now, nearly 30 years later, I get to revive that sash and all its colorful glory (after my Mom took said patches and pins out of their carefully preserved Ziploc and finally sewed them onto the sash) when I wear it to this year’s Olympics of Advertising on Saturday. If you were never a Brownie, Eagle, Cadet, Tenderfoot, Daisy, Star, Junior, Senior, or Ambassador, here’s what to wear to the 2017 American Advertising Awards.
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On My Honor I Will Try: Girl Ad Scouts Attire Do’s
When it comes to scouting, there’s a firm grasp on function over fashion for good reason. How will a Scout serve God and country, and help people at all times if they’re wearing too tight dungarees or boots that pinch? At ease, Ad Scouts. This is your year to dress casually. If you wish to pay homage to the first Girl Scouts who made their debut in 1912, consider a dark-colored middy skirt or blouse (a style that is totally having a 2017 moment) with a tied belt, a smart and sturdy hat, and black stockings or tights. A lace-up ankle boot will top off your look and prove to your troop you’re ready for anything.
By the 1930’s, the iconic Girl Scout Green was officially adopted as the mascot color of the organization, and the jaunty little beret donned the heads of most Girl Scouts. Wartime ’40s saw the distinction of Brownie Brown as a way to separate the Brownies from the Junior and Senior Scouts – and it likely had to do with the availability of wartime materials – green khaki after all was the color of the legitimate troops fighting for the U.S.A. At this point, Scouts were still dressed in feminine button-front dresses and added brightly colored neckerchiefs to soften the look. The 1960’s brought further dress distinction of four established levels of Scouts and it took until the ’70s to add separates to a Girl Scout’s wardrobe, meaning she could finally have options – five separate pieces made 12 different outfits. Can I get an amen?
The 1980’s. The decade of the bigger, the better. Hall of Fame fashion stylist Bill Blass got his hands on the Girl Scouts’ attire and ladies, things got real. We’re talking even brighter kelly green, blazers (oh, ’80s blazers!), pants, skirts, and the introduction of the green, white, and blue striped blouses. And absolutely zero shame. Look to AAA Co-Chair Sarah Forystek to mad rep the 1980’s Girl Scout Look. The 1990’s meant more freedom and options with the ever-prominent sash leading the way, and the 2000’s adopted The Vest. Leave it to the Millennials to need even moreroom for their Scouting accomplishments; a tiny sash meant too much restriction and parameters. For the past decade, Scouts are only required to wear one element — a tunic, sash, or vest — to display their pins and awards.
Always Be Prepared: Boy Ad Scouts Attire Do’s
Admittedly, Boy Scout fashion is … less fun to write about. But guys, I got you.
Find a button-up shirt, roll those cuffs, add a great bandana or handkerchief, pair with dark denim, and add a pair of brown leather boots. Go the extra mile and add a khaki jacket and simple-style hat for Boy Scout bonus points.
You’re welcome! Actually, I’ll tell the historical story of the Boy Scouts too, because if you think Bill Blass was a big deal, wait until you hear who dressed this organization. The Boy Scouts Association inception dates back to 1910, and just like its female counterpart, its founding was modeled after similar service groups from England. The first Scout uniforms included brown jackets with metal buttons, high colors, and lots of pockets – for all the stuff. Breeches-type pants and canvas leggings topped off the look. Early uniforms featured a broad-brimmed hat with the badge of rank prominently displayed at the crown. It took a few years, but the jackets were replaced and the high collars done away with, too. Shorts were made an option and neckerchiefs and knee socks were theaccessories to have. The wartime 1940’s saw the Boy Scout uniform modeling its design after military wear – likely in solidarity and as a way to mainstream manufacturing with limited resources. Red berets and baseball caps were options available in the 1970’s – though it seemed males (obviously) favored baseball hats and the beret trend quickly disappeared. In early 1980, the BSA realized a uniform refresher was in order and enlisted the help of fashion designer Oscar de la Renta … YES, that Oscar de la Renta. “We felt the uniform should meet several criteria,” de la Renta told Scouting Magazine in the 1980 September issue. “It should be equitable for strenuous activity; it should be made from an easy care fabric, and at the same time the wearer should still look like a Scout.”
There isn’t anything else to say on THAT topic.
See you at the Show!
Planning the American Advertising Awards begins at the very beginning of our club’s fiscal year at the end of June. It starts with a group of board members who go above and beyond their assigned board of directors duties to help plan the awards.