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.
What’s new for fashion in 1940 ? Well …the silhouette for one thing !The advice from this writer in the spring of 1940 was to face up to reality and to your real body shape. Some of the problem areas being hilariously referred to as “the matron’s bulge,” “the heavy calf,” and “the thickened waistline.”“Off …
Winter fashion wardrobe in 1948 – Following on from the earlier 1940’s Fashion – A Young Woman’s Wardrobe Plan from 1947. Now see the lavishly illustrated concise history of 1940’s fashion. Is your seasonal 1940s wardrobe just a haphazard collection of outfits thrown together, or a complete and harmonious set of carefully chosen garments that …
1940’s Fashion – Vintage evening dress show ” You look so desirable in your new dress !” Yes, it was all about impressing the men those days! Funny how all the men were called Charlie. Still, this film displays some lovely evening dress examples of the 1940’s.We see a waltz time skirt with black lace …
1940’s Fashion – Vintage Summer Dress show When a woman went on holiday in the summer during the 1940’s, her wardrobe consisted of morning, afternoon and evening wear. Featured in this film are typical rayon afternoon dresses snoods and hats of the period. Bodices and wide brim hats were everywhere ! Of course there’s an …
Cute 1940’s Playsuits for the Beach 1940’s playsuits were just the thing for sports.” Her gaudy stocking cap is a pet !”. Boleros and belts were common to the beach fashion ensemble. Wedge shoes were a must for the hot days. Cool, comfortable and extremely smart.They were the most popular sports shoe of the summer …
Vintage 1940’s Wedding fashionLingerie fit for a bride This charming film, originally a promo for Newform wedding Lingerie made from rayon silk – the synthetic fabric rage of the 1940’s, is a unique example of the vintage wedding trousseau on film.Narrated by Miss Ratherly Stern.The traditional trousseau, included bridal accessories,lingerie, toiletries, jewelry, and makeup.Up until …
What Makeup did women really wear in the 1940’s ? Gabriela Hernandez Time for a short retrospective. One of the main cosmetic products pushed now is foundation. The obsession for a smooth skin, no matter what your age. Back in the 1940’s, very few women wore foundation at all. Just lots of creamy colored powder …
Lindy Hop – The original Swing Dance – New York 1939 No one can really experience the feel of the 1940’s and not try the Lindy Hop dance. The original swing dance. The Lindy Hop was inspired from headlines like Lindy Hops Atlantic after Charles Lindbergh’s flight to Paris back in 1927 . It’s also …
Street Fashion 1940’s in New York Continuing in the theme of vintage street fashion, here are some great photos from LIFE MAGAZINE A fabulous site to browse for a window into the past. When it comes to glamour, nothing much has changed in Manhattan. But these women in the 1940’s really raised the bar when …
Its interesting to remember that Pilates, now a hugely popular guide to good posture was developed in the 1940’s and named after Joseph Pilates. Women of the 1940’s simply had to master correct posture. There was no option. Corset makers like Spencer did their bit to help, but there is no better alternative than simply …