1940s Style Prom Dresses, Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns

1946 ball dress - black off the shoulder gown with white collar and bustle bow

1946 black off the shoulder gown with white collar and bustle bow

These 1940s style prom dresses, formal dresses, and evening gowns are new dresses with plenty of elegant 1940s fashion inspiration. They’re perfect for special occasions with a vintage theme such as a 1940s ball, WWII dance, or Old Hollywood gala.

Authentic 1940s evening dresses were long with layers of chiffon hanging down from an empire waist. A matching bolero jacket was sometimes worn over formal dresses. Teenage Prom goers preferred pastel and jewel tone colors. Sequins and beads added a bit of sparkle around the waist, bodice, and straps. Many modern formal dresses embrace the classic A-line silhouette made popular in the 1940s. By the late ’40s, the strapless ballgown came into fashion. Read more about the history of formal gowns in the 1940s here.

These 1940s evening dresses, formal gowns, and long party dresses are new but have a classic vintage 1940s style. Add gloves, heels, jewelry, and hair accessories for a complete style. For an old Hollywood or cocktail party ’40s outfit, consider the shorter cocktail dress.