1940s summer day dresses
A woman’s daywear in the 1940s was usually a dress with a modest tailored neckline and an A-line skirt. Daytime was not the time to wear sexy pin up dresses or long evening gowns. Rather, 1940s tea dresses were worn while running errands, having tea with friends, or for casual afternoon parties. Dresses often came in fun small prints like florals and polka dots, or in solid colors accented with white piping or rickrack. Pockets were a must for the 1940s house dress, as was easy in and out access, which is why the shirtwaist dress was the most common 1940s house dress and tea dress. They were also the most popular style for mature women wearing Mrs. sizes. Solid colors, long sleeves and longer hemlines were ideal dresses for women over 30 (yes 30!)
These new 1940s dresses embrace the colors, prints, and fashions of vintage 1940s day dresses, tea dresses and mature women’s dresses but with modern fit and sizes — including plus sizes for many! We link to online retailers in the both the USA and UK to make your search easier.
Use the 1940s menu above to complete your 1940s daytime outfit with shoes, hats, gloves, stockings, and simple jewelry.
