Despite the hardships of WWII, fashion in the 1940s still ruled as women everywhere embraced a more utilitarian (yet chic) look, and Hollywood's Golden Age stars - from Rita Hayworth to Katharine Hepburn - dazzled in gorgeous gowns. We highlight the key looks of the decade in 40 stunning images and list our favourite vintage fashion shops so you can get the style yourself...
“Cut!
Before the 1940s, women simply did not wear pants as a normal part of their wardrobe. 1930s women's loungewear included Beach Pajamas, overalls, culottes and sailor pants, but these were were only acceptable for at home, sport or vacationing activities. Going into the 1940s, loungewear and workwear blended together to create the first decade of
The most iconic look of war-time was the 1940s women's two-piece suit. In the United States, it was patriotically called the victory suit. In Britain, it was the utility suit. The suit was practical and versatile, worn as often as dresses. The jacket and skirt could be mixed with other pieces, and a different blouse
1940s makeup is one of the most "vintage" looks, and is rather simple to recreate. There was a push for all things natural, unlike the 1930s and 1950s, which favored reshaping eyebrows and contouring the face. 1940s makeup enhanced natural beauty with just a few tools. During the war, European women dealt with huge cosmetics
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Simplicity 2580; ©1948; Misses Skirt and Scarf: The skirt, cut in four sections, joins to a waistband. Style 1 has an outside tuck which encircles the skirt. In Style 2, ruffling trims the lower edge. Style 3 is finished with belt carriers through which a purchased belt is inserted. In Styles 2 and 4, the scarf, cut in two sections, featured pockets on the inside under the tripe row of ruffling at each end. A hood may be formed of the scarf when the slide fastener at the center is secured. Note:
Inspired by glamorous Hollywood actress Katherine Hepburn, our 40s style wide-leg trousers are adapted from the original 1940s trouser pattern and then made to our modern shape for a comfortable and better fit. This style is crafted in beautiful heavy crepe fabric to hang gracefully and features practical pockets at the front, centre pressed line and belt loop to cinch the waist. The waist is cut slightly loose for comfort when tucking in blouses or sweaters. There is also a zip opening with an elegant tortoise-like button at the side. These trousers are perfect to wear with heels to nail a glamorous evening vintage-inspired look or sweater and flats for casual retro gals. This new collection is proudly made in the UK, supporting local businesses. Available in other colours * Made in the UK * Fabric provides a slight stretch. * Tortoise button and zip close at the side * Side pockets * Belt loops * Material: Polyester Viscose Crepe * Care: 30 degrees delicate machine or hand wash. Wash inside out.� - Size & Fit - * Mid-weight, stretchy crepe fabric. * Inside Leg: 31 inches * The model wearing our Janet Top is: 5ft 5/ 168cm, Bust 37.4 inch/ 95 cm, Waist 30 inch/ 77 cm, Hip 43 inch / 110 cm and wears a size M. * Fits true to size. Please see the size guide.
I love all of the pants, slacks, trousers, etc. from the 1940's. I especially love seeing the women wear those fantastic high waisted pants. I love the menswear feel, the nautical feel, they're the best! I have tried for a while to find a pair at the stores I frequent that look suitable. No luck. After driving almost everybody nuts, I finally decided to just attempt to make some, hoping to find a pattern that I liked. I am not a intermediate sewer, but I think I am out of the beginner stage... So, after months of dreaming, I am finally working on a pair of my own, using a repro pattern by Simplicity, pattern #3688. I made a pair out of muslin first, just to see how they fit, look and feel. I really like them, it's the look I want to go for. Thank goodness. I did have a few bumps in the road, but I was able to manage, my grandma helped me out. After procrastinating for a few weeks to make the 'permanent' pair, I got a little energy/confidence boost and decided to go for it. It was now or never. So far, I have to put in the zipper, waistband, and the hem. I'm so happy it's coming together. The biggest struggles I think I have are the zipper and waistband. I will post the finished product, hopefully they turn out! Ivy
Browse free vintage patterns, retro hair tutorials and affordable vintage clothing. Enjoy diy fashion crafts and classic style inspiration
Create a simple and easy 1940s style look using todays wardrobe. Plus what dress, hairstyle and makeup style to choose
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I love it when readers ask me for help with vintage outfits. One recent request was ideas for 1940s casual outfits. I have seen this topic come up a few times in some groups I follow as well. "Casual" and "vintage" usually do not belong in the same sentence. What was casual or informal in
While the ideal body type of the 1940s was the curvy hourglass, few women were naturally that shape. Stout, tall, thin, and short women all have their fashion challenges to achieve an ideal 1940s look. By following a set of fashion rules set forth by fashion and beauty experts, any woman could achieve an elegant
The term 'teenager' was coined in 1941, and Seventeen magazine printed its first issue in 1944, showing off young teenager-targeted clothing and interests. It was a new market, one that was somewhere between girls and college-age young women. Teenagers were obsessed with crooner Frank Sinatra, hung out at soda fountains, and danced all night to
Little is know about Nina Leen, the Russian born photographer that emigrated to the United States, and whose photos graced over 50 Life magazine covers. What is known is that she studied painting in Berlin, and that she also lived in Italy and Switzerland--but when she died in 1995, there wasn't even anybody who knew her exact age.
Victory rolls - one of the most copied pinup hair dos of the 1940's. Waves, pin curls, bumper bangs, pompadours, the 1940's was all about updos !
The term 'teenager' was coined in 1941, and Seventeen magazine printed its first issue in 1944, showing off young teenager-targeted clothing and interests. It was a new market, one that was somewhere between girls and college-age young women. Teenagers were obsessed with crooner Frank Sinatra, hung out at soda fountains, and danced all night to
Sears Catalog, Spring/Summer 1958 – Women’s Dresses
A typical teen wardrobe choice of 1949 -
Little is know about Nina Leen, the Russian born photographer that emigrated to the United States, and whose photos graced over 50 Life magazine covers. What is known is that she studied painting in Berlin, and that she also lived in Italy and Switzerland--but when she died in 1995, there wasn't even anybody who knew her exact age.
Her greatest hits, from coveralls in the '40s to '70s Gucci glamour.
Despite the hardships of WWII, fashion in the 1940s still ruled as women everywhere embraced a more utilitarian (yet chic) look, and Hollywood's Golden Age stars - from Rita Hayworth to Katharine Hepburn - dazzled in gorgeous gowns. We highlight the key looks of the decade in 40 stunning images and list our favourite vintage fashion shops so you can get the style yourself...
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Debbie Reynolds
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