This led to her receiving a commission to design film costumes for child actress Ann Todd, and to create outfits for children including the offspring of stars such as Gracie Allen and Jack Benny.

[2] Realizing that children grew quickly, she made garments that adjusted to accommodate changes in the adolescent figure, whilst maintaining an age-appropriate appearance.

[2] Wilken's designs were inspired by a wide range of sources, including Thomas Gainsborough's paintings, Russian folk dress, and nineteenth century fashion.

[3][4] Coty Award publicity at the time praised Wilkens for producing clothing that gave young girls what they wished for, whilst also pleasing their mothers.

[1] These included: During the 1960s and early 1970s Wilkens wrote an advice column on beauty and personal care, called "A New You" after her 1965 book, and distributed by King Features Syndicate.