Prior to the mid-40s, it could be tough for a teenaged girl to be fashionable. The last thing they wanted to look like was a kid, and the second to last thing they wanted to look like was their mom. And yet, clothing options that didn’t look too youthful or too adult were few and far between. There was a niche to be filled and savvy clothing manufacturers came through with a new clothing called the “junior” line. Brightly colored to set themselves apart from the conservative adult fashions, but still adult enough to catch the eye of the opposite sex, Juniors were about the best thing to ever happen to a teenage girl.

Kline’s department stores in St. Louis were the first to introduce a line of clothing specifically targeting the teenage female market and their efforts were immediately embraced. Soon, many designers followed with labels such as Kerrybrook, Honeyland, Minx Modes and Francis Dexter. With a looser fit, higher neck, and slimmer cuts for the teenage torso, they focused more on comfort and style and less on fancy.

They would lead the way towards a plethora of sporty fashion items such as sailor suits and sundresses, especially from companies such as Angel Baby and Campus Star, and change the way teenage girls looked forever. Goodbye frumpy mom look, hello stylish teen of tomorrow.