continued Roddenberry’s thing about putting women in skimpy outfits
No. Female officers wearing short dresses was requested by the women on set at the time, not by Roddenberry.
Initially men and women were going to wear the same uniforms, which was criticised by feminists.
Remember that at this time, women were rebelling against having to cover up their bodies for modesty sake. It was at around the time of “free the nipple” and women burning their bras. Short skirts and dresses were popular at the time because it’s what women wanted to wear.
Women dressing “skimpy” on TOS was an act of female empowerment. Youre looking at this through a prudish 2024 lense and assuming seeing womens legs is down to sexism.
You’re correct about the uniforms, but outfits like this were the result of Roddenberry, according to others who worked on the show.
Bob Justman: I watched resignedly as Gene, up to his old tricks, kept costume designer Bill Theiss busy, taking a tuck here and a trim there… just before [Teri Garr]'s first scene on stage, Gene went to work on her costume again. He kneeled down, gathered up her already scant skirt, and told Bill Theiss, ‘It’s too long, Bill.’ Teri rolled her eyes.
