1940’s in fashion for women in WW2. Trends, utility dresses, seamed stockings, peplum’s, shoulder pads, and the post war New Look.
Women in World War 2 left us an iconic and beguiling style which is forever celebrated in movies, books and magazines. Rationing encouraged women to “make do and mend”. With all resources going to the war effort, Fabric shortage meant longer skirts and less revealing evening dresses. Austerity was reflected by a more austere fashion in the early 1940’s. Makeup and hairstyles however never looked better.
Browse the 1940’s fashion trends as worn by women in that troubled decade. Find inspiration for your next 1940’s style dress, victory rolls hairstyle.
Now you know the highlights, dive in to our archive of 1940’s fashion history. Find out how women in WW2 lived, worked, served in the forces and of course dressed.
Necessity drives the future of Style – “There’s never a new fashion but it’s old” Geoffrey Chaucer What came before .. In 1902, a series of French postcards entitled “Les Femmes de l’Avenir” or Women of the Future, proved conclusively that – trapped as we are, in a linear dimension, few among us possess gifted …
1940s Style advice from Busts to Hips – Some 1940s fashion highlights from Color and Line in Dress by Laurene Hempstead. Sketches by Sara Whitney Olds. The advice is brilliant, with pointers that apply just as effectively in the modern era. Correct 1940s Style for your Face Type Correct 1940s Style for your Figure Type …
The Nylon Stockings sensation of 1940 The story of how Nylon stockings shook the fashion world. Who created Nylons and the seismic impact they had on women. Up to 1940, the most a woman could expect of a three threaded silk stocking was about 150 hours of wear. A glamorous two-thread stocking might, with luck, …
Bette Davis and friends model the latest – 1940s fashion report by Gwenn Walters. A fresh and spirited fashion song is echoed by Bette Davis ( above), whose newest summer costume is previewed for you. A trim dressmaker suit of navy rayon faille conceals a white button-on crocheted lace blouse ‘neath its ribbon hugging jacket. …
New York Worlds Fair 1939 – Our final look through the collection of fashion photos taken in the Fall of 1939 at the New York Worlds Fair.The 1930s was now paving the way to a 1940’s style of shorter hems, pleated skirts, boxy suits, updo hairstyles, and a more pronounced and confident make-up look. That’s …
New York Worlds Fair 1939 predicts 1940s look – Continuing our look at the collection of 1940’s fashion photographs ( albeit a precursor of the 1940’s held from April 1939 to October 1939) from the New York World’s Fair of 1939, digitized by The New York Public Library.This post features coats – fur coats mostly …
Secret to Correct 1940s Make-up – Part two of the classic Vintage 1940’s makeup tutorial film Enjoy ! See The Full 1940’s Makeup Guide
The 1939 New York Worlds Fair predicts 1940’s fashion – Collection of 1940’s fashion photographs digitized by The New York Public Library.The models featured are unknown.The styles however herald the look of the 1940’s, with some boxy shoulders and hairdos full of waves and hair rolls. In this post we feature some pretty frocks and …
How to guide to vintage 40’s waves Basic Hair Waves Most 1940’s hairstyles are created by using waves and curls. Here we look at the three basic hair waves.When setting a wave, do NOT force the hair. DO follow the natural wave tendencies of your hair, and the finished result will not appear artificial, will …
Actress Ann Rutherfords Spring Wardrobe – 1940s Fashion Report by Gwenn Walters – Vivacious Ann Rutherford gives you an exclusive preview of her spring dresses for this season. A parchment beige wool jersey sports frock is Ann’s first choice. Designed by LA’s Louella Ballerino, it is a two piece eye-catcher. The blouse, which features soft …