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Vintage Dancer | 1940s Fashion | 1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History

1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History

1940s Fashion History

19 Jun 2016
1940s formal dress

1946 Formal Ballgown

In 1939, Gone with the Wind came to theaters with amazing success. Suddenly, fashion turned back in time to the Victorian age, especially formal gowns and dresses, which embraced fitted bodices, puffed sleeves (or sleevelessness), and large full skirts. The economy still wasn’t very good, so the 1940s compromised and blended Victorian style with budget-friendly design. The result is classic, pretty, and simple 1940s formal gowns and evening dresses that teens wore to prom and women wore out to a fancy dinner with dancing.

1940s formal dresses

Grecian Style 1940s Formal Dress

Eveningwear was one thing that still had glamour in the ’40s. Sequins and beads were not rationed or restricted and were put on everything. Dresses and gowns were simple but shiny and did tend to be more on the casual side than anything in the decades before or after. 1930s formal gowns were long, sleek, and sexy – the basis for most modern formal wear today. 1940s formal dresses were usually made from rayon taking the form of jersey, taffeta, or crepe and fastened with metal zippers or small buttons in the back. Black was the most popular color, but pinks, reds, and blues were often used as well.

1940's cocktail dresses

Girls out for a night with their sailor men wearing long dresses

Early 40s evening dresses

1939 ballgowns
1939 ballgowns
1941 black and white gown
1941 black and white gown
Joan Fontaine for Suspicion, 1941 black velvet evening gown
Joan Fontaine for Suspicion, 1941 black velvet evening gown

1940s Old Hollywood gowns
1940s Hollywood gowns
1941 evening top and skirt
1941 evening top and skirt
Early 1940s dress by Lange for Hildegarde

The Princess Ballgown

1948 Ballerina party dress, prom dress, ball gown

1948 Ballerina party dress

The princess ballgown was inspired by Gone with the Wind. The very full skirt of the Victorian age was reduced to long, semi full A-line skirts in the 1940s. A petticoat was worn underneath to add fullness, otherwise skirts were simply cut wide, pleated at the waist, or layered in tulle. Later in the 1950s, skirts shortened and expanded even wider with the use of multiple petticoats and hoop skirts.

1940s formal dresses

Princess Ballgowns- 1947 dresses inspired by Victorian Ballgowns

The princess bodice revealed more upper chest, neck, and shoulders than most 1930s gowns. These required women to wear strapless bras and bra/girdle combinations with low backs.  Many dresses featured drop sleeves hung around the shoulders, which was a common style among Victorian ballgowns. Most modest designs had short cap sleeves or fuller puff sleeves that were common on 1940s day dresses, too.

Late 40s prom dress, 1940s ball gown

Late 40s prom dress

The princess ballgown was the most popular style for teens attending a prom. The prom dance was a relatively new invention in the late ’30s and ’40s, and teens made extra effort to wear their best dresses to the dance.

1940 prom dresses

1948 Girls Getting Ready for Prom

For many brides, the princess gown was perfect for a wedding (and still is!).

1940s formal prom or wedding dress

Prom or Wedding. The Ballgown was versatile.

 

Here’s a video showing 1940s teen fashion at a prom or party (and dating tips too):

The 1940s Formal Gown and Jacket

1940s formal dress and jacket vogue

1940s Vogue Magazine Gown with Bolero Jacket

One evening look during the ’40s was the long gown and dinner jacket. It was a more grown up look than the princess gown. The gown was a column shape, long to the floor and straight or lightly gathered. It was usually plain or had beading or sequins at the neckline. A dinner jacket, fitted and usually short (to the waist), was worn on top of the dress. The dinner jacket was decorated with sequins and beads, either all over or down the front, and had square shoulder pads. Buttons on dinner jackets were often decorated themselves with beads or rhinestones. A bolero jacket was also worn a lot as a dinner jacket. These were short, coming only to the waist, with rounded edges at the front. They would have similar decorations and would close with a button at the top or middle or could be left open.

1940s formal dress white

A long sleeve, long skirt, version of a classic 1940s dress

1940 formal dress tuxedo

Formal couple- She is wearing a two piece top and skirt 

1946 ball gown, formal evening dress

1946 formal gown

1940s video about 1940s formal gowns:

1940s Cocktail Dresses

1940s cocktail dress

1946 Ruched Cocktail Dress suitable for day or evening

Because of the War, wearing a long expensive ballgown wasn’t an affordable option for many. Instead, semi-formal dresses, based on day and afternoon dress and suit styles, were upgraded with material and style. The overall look was clean and sophisticated. Every woman had one of these “going out” dresses in her wardrobe, even if she didn’t have a fancy gown.

1940s cocktail dress

1946 Long, tiered cocktail dress

Semi-formal evening dresses, also called cocktail dresses, were worn shorter, just below the knee, with a similar flowing skirt. Skirts were often draped, ruched, wrapped, and gathered. They could have thin straps, but often also had short or ¾ length sleeves with wide shoulders. If the dress had sleeves, it most likely had the ever-present sharp ’40s shoulder pads. These dresses often had shirring in the waist, one panel on either side or in the bust. They also often had a cross-wrapped bodice with draping that took on the look of Grecian goddesses. Evening dresses were usually modest and high-cut in the neck, similar to day dresses of the time.

Cocktail party attire for the Christmas broadcast on Oct 30 1944 in Hollywood The group from left includes Virginia O'Brien, Frances Langford, Judy Garland, Dorothy Lamour, Ginny Simms, and Dinah Shore

Cocktail party attire for the Christmas broadcast on Oct 30 1944 in Hollywood The group from left includes Virginia O’Brien, Frances Langford, Judy Garland, Dorothy Lamour, Ginny Simms, and Dinah Shore

Early 40s skirt and blouse cocktail dresses
1946 Cocktail dress
1949 wrap skirt cocktail dresses

1940s Formal Accessories

1946, rhinestone and pearl choker necklace and large bracelet

1946, rhinestone and pearl choker necklace and large bracelet

The beauty of 1940s formal dresses was all that was needed for a night out. Many women did choose to accessorize their gowns with long black or white gloves.  To keep warm, a fur stole was frequently seen on movie stars and in high-end fashion magazines. A shawl of the same material as the dress was a less costly alternative to furs. Jewelry was minimal as well, if worn at all. A high neck beaded or rhinestone necklace in single or multiple stands was the most popular. A pair of sparkling earrings was a must, although the design should not overpower the dress. Some semi formal or cocktail dresses may have had a fancy brooch worn instead of a necklace. Learn more here.

My 1940s evening accessories: fur wrap, peep toe ankle strap heels, black stockings, long gloves, clutch bag, and pearl jewelry.

My 1940s evening accessories: fur wrap, peep-toe ankle strap heels, black stockings, long gloves, clutch bag, and pearl jewelry.

Shoes were usually simple pumps, without straps or ornamentation of the toe box. Black was the standard color, although a light color dress would need lighter shoes. Heels were a bit thinner than daytime shoes which featured sturdy Cuban or military heels. Long dresses usually touched the floor hiding any evidence of shoes altogether. Shorter cocktail dresses revealed more of the foot so shoes tended to have a bit more style such as an ankle strap. Shop 1940s style shoes here.

1940s Shoes

Ankle strap 1940’s Style Shoes made by Miz Mooz

Patterns for a 1940s Formal Dresses

  • Vintage Knitting Pattern to Make a 1940s Lace Evening Gown (Amazon.com)
  • Simplicity 1940s Evening Dress pattern
  • Eva Dress –  1944 dinner dress with jacket
  • Vintage Vogue – Cocktail dress in satin. You can lengthen it for a long evening gown style

More 1940s patterns here.

1940s Style Formal Dresses

1940s inspired party and evening gowns

1940s inspired party and evening gowns

Prom season each year brings vintage lovin’ gals out shopping for a 1940s vintage or vintage inspired prom dress. Other than big puffy ballgowns that look more ’50s than ’40s to me, the selection is a bit limited. Most ’40s formal dresses had sleeves, while most modern gowns are sleeveless. Often, the best 1940s prom dress selection is either grouped with “modest” prom dresses or with “mother of the bride” formal dresses. As I am browsing for new gowns to add to the 1940s formal/prom dress shopping page, I find myself adding the same ones to the 1910/Titanic era shopping page. The reason goes back to the Victorian style being an inspiration to ’40s gowns. The crossover between these two eras is very similar.

Another popular option for mature women who want an easy sophisticated formal dress is the two-piece ballgown skirt with a coordinating blouse or jacket.  These styles are timeless. I also favor long sleeved velvet dresses or illusion top (see-through) gowns which provide modest coverage.  Add gloves, jewelry and heels for a complete outfit.

1940s cocktail dress with heels and small hat at Modcloth

1940s cocktail dress with heels and small hat

For semi-casual affairs and cocktail parties, the short cocktail dress is much more affordable and easier to find. I look for black or dark colored knee length dresses with a slender fit (not tight) in rich fabrics like taffeta, velvet, or heavy cotton blends. Sleeves are a must in any length. Modesty up top is also critical.

See some ’40s outfits I have put together here, including cocktail and formal dresses.

Shop 1940s style formalwear:

1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History AISIZE Women 1940s Vintage Cute Golden Bow Bodycon Wiggle Dress $34.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$34.99
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Ava Gown      Old Holywood $99.00 AT vintagedancer.com
SecretsinLace
$99.00
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Ababalaya Womens 90s Retro Velvet Long Bodycon Side Slit Formal Evening Gown $41.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$41.99
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Adrianna Papell Womens Metallic Lace Long Dress $222.59 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$222.59
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Long Sleeve Flapper Maxi Wrap Dress for Cocktail Party Holiday Midi Formal Dresses $45.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$45.99
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Womens Tadashi Shoji Plunge Neck Long Sleeve Velvet Evening Gown $398.00 AT vintagedancer.com
NORDSTROMcom
$398.00
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Womens La Femme Floral Lace  Tulle Mermaid Gown $598.00 AT vintagedancer.com
NORDSTROMcom
$598.00
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Damsel in a Dress Lulu Lace Maxi Dress Black Occasion Dress £220.00 AT vintagedancer.com
PhaseEight
£220.00
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Womens Tadashi Shoji Portrait Collar Crepe Gown $468.00 AT vintagedancer.com
NORDSTROMcom
$468.00
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History conail Coco Women Ruched Waist Rhinestone Casual Formal Long Wedding Bridesmaid Dress 6002 $49.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$49.95
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Womens La Femme Ruched Sequin Trumpet Gown $438.00 AT vintagedancer.com
NORDSTROMcom
$438.00
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Slate Velvet Gown Small $29.99 AT vintagedancer.com
VictorianTradingCo
$29.99
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Womens Xscape Side Ruched Ruffle Details Scuba Crepe Gown $124.80 AT vintagedancer.com
NORDSTROMcom
$124.80
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Sachin & Babi Linna DressSize Guide Video $245.00 AT vintagedancer.com
BHLDN
$245.00
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History R  M Richards Petite Off-The-Shoulder Velvet Gown $129.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Macyscom
$129.00
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Alex Evenings Petite Long Stretch Velvet Dress with 34 Sleeves Imperial Womens Clothing $168.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Zapposcom
$168.95
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Becky Dress £345.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Ghost
£345.00
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History KOH KOH Womens Long Sleeveless Flowy Bridesmaid Cocktail Evening Gown Maxi Dress $59.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$59.95
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Plus Size Womens Kiyonna Leona Lace Evening Gown $228.00 AT vintagedancer.com
NORDSTROMcom
$228.00
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History 1946 Asymmetrical Evening Gown Pattern $20.95 AT vintagedancer.com
ReconstructingHistory
$20.95
1940s Formal Dresses, Evening Gowns History Special Order Jenny Packham Bridesmaid Dress JP1011 $289.00 AT vintagedancer.com
DessyGroup
$289.00
ViewMore

debbie
We are Debbie and Oscar, your guides to dressing up like decades past. We are here to help you find clothing online and learn about vintage fashions as worn by everyday people, just like you. Need help with your outfit? Ask us anytime.
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1950s Men’s Fashion History for Business Attire »

Comments

  1. Helen says

    December 1, 2016 at 2:33 pm

    Hello! Question for you: I am attending a black tie optional dance event on new years eve aboard a 40s vessel that is now a museum. I’ll be wearing a “best black” dress with long sleeves, but I’m not sure whether my shoes will work. They are appropriate for evening as described above, but the cutouts and peep toe will show my stockings. Is that ok? Or should I look for a closed toed sling back pump perhaps.

    • VintageDancer says

      December 1, 2016 at 4:42 pm

      Visible stockings is fine. That is how it was in the 40s too. Have a great time at the party.

      • Helen says

        December 1, 2016 at 4:56 pm

        Wonderful! Thank you. I can’t tell you how many times I visit your site for help. Excellent research and writing, you’re amazing.

        • VintageDancer says

          December 1, 2016 at 5:33 pm

          *blushing* thank you!

  2. Missy says

    October 29, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    When was this particular page published?

    • VintageDancer says

      October 30, 2016 at 10:15 am

      Jun 19, 2014 by Debbie Sessions

  3. maria peltz says

    July 12, 2015 at 9:32 pm

    I am interested in purchasing shoes where can I buy them please let me know

    • Debbie Sessions says

      July 13, 2015 at 11:46 am

      You can find 1940s style shoes here: https://vintagedancer.com/1940s/1940s-womens-shoes/

  4. jantiki says

    June 19, 2014 at 11:13 am

    The first Pink Gown is a pattern I have for sale in my Etsy Shop! https://www.etsy.com/listing/168397804/40s-vintage-wedding-formal-cocktail

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