1940s Fashion – Edith Head’s Winter Wardrobe Tree

1941 Winter Wardrobe info-graphic – Edith Head-

This October Edith Head, designer for Barbara Stanwyck, Claudette Colbert, Carole Lombard and Madeleine Carroll who shows you how to have a wonder 1940s wardrobe as distinctive as any Hollywood star’s.

Edith-Head---1941-winter-wardrobe-tree
Edith-Head—1941-winter-wardrobe-tree

I’ve often felt that most women make as many resolutions at the beginning of autumn as they do on December 31st.
All summer, we relax in the sun, when suddenly – a tang comes in the air and we find ourselves sitting up and taking notice – of a wholly inadequate wardrobe. The winter dress code for 1941 is in fact a simple enough affair in these times of war.
Anticipating this state of feminine affairs, we asked Edith Head – Paramount Studios fashion designer, to plan a wardrobe that would do things for a girl, see her through every possible occasion with a flourish and leave her enough money to meet her fixed expenses.

Edith Head has designed wardrobes for Paulette Goddard, Barbara Stanwyck, Carole Lombard, Claudette Colbert amongst others.
She’s noted for creating ultra-smart young clothes with imaginative touches – so you are in good hands girls!

The 1940’s Wardrobe Tree Skeleton

One glance at her wardrobe tree will show you – the first thing with which you must concern yourself is the “bare bones” of your wardrobe.

The wardrobe skeleton illustrated in this info-graphic consists of –
1. A three-piece beige suit, including topcoat.
2. A basic black dress.
3. A long black dress.

She manoeuvres these three items, plus whatever skirts, blouses, boleros, hats, shoes and other accessories as your purse will permit.
the aim – that the overworked phrase, ” I have nothing to wear,” will disappear from your speech entirely. Oh happy day!

basic-black-dresses---1941
basic-black-dresses—1941

1940s fashion – Colour combinations.

With the basic black dress – Edith says, “I would suggest a butter yellow bolero jacket or a wool trimmed jacket in chartreuse and black. This can also work with the black evening dress.

1941-bolero-jacket---photo-detective
1941-bolero-jacket—photo-detective

Suede belts in black and yellow will also do wonders for both the basic black dress and the beige suit.”

1941-black-hat-fashion
1941-black-hat-fashion

The appearance of a black hat can be improved by anchoring the hat with some gay jewelled hat-pins, attaching a scarlet quill in the hat band – depending of course upon the occasion and the accessories you are wearing with your basic black dress!

Sweaters worn with the ‘beige suit’ should be coral, lime green, or black. With the black sweater, shoes, bag and gloves also should be black.

three-piece-suit---tweed---1941-fashion
three-piece-suit—tweed—1941-fashion

Blouses to be worn with the suit should be washable white crepe or striped silk in combinations of black, coral and white, or scarlet and beige.

When wearing the beige suit, you can alter the appearance of the brown hat by wrapping a paisley scarf around the hat band and wear a matching paisley Ascot.

1941---Nylon-foundations-by-Formfit

Additional skirts for the suit should be beige and brown tweed or plaid!
If you are slim, you can choose brighter shades and patterns – if not, then avoid loud patterns and keep the colors dark or earthy.

A matching bolero and belt can be worn with both the basic black dress and the black evening dress.

1941-long-black-evening-dress1941--bolero-jacket-with-black-dress---bette-davis

Gloves, unless you can indulge in good suede, should be the best quality washable fabric gloves, handstitched.

In summation – Edith Head says: ” You’re well dressed when you’re attractive but not conspicuous. the colors you use can be outstanding but they should supplement you, not dominate you – have a well dressed winter girls!”

Original article – Photoplay – October 1941
Text ©Glamourdaze.com 2014

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