1940s Style Clothing & 40s Fashion

With the second World War (WWII) and clothing rationing, wartime fashion on a budget became the norm. 1940s fashion experienced deep changes, but also created some of the most flattering designs of the 20th century. The classic shirtwaist dress, wide-leg pants, bikini swimsuits, and pin up styles took root in the forties.

Learn 1940s fashion history for women and men here.

Now you too can wear 1940s clothing with vintage-inspired and vintage reproduction clothes from both the USA and UK. We curated many of the best women’s 1940s clothing options online. For 1940s menswear look here.

1940s Clothing

Dresses | Shoes | Pants | Coats | Tops

£225.00

$98.00

1940s Style Clothing & 40s Fashion Pikolinos Bootie Vicar for woman AT vintagedancer.com

More 40s Clothing

Dresses and plus size dresses
Pin Up Dresses and Sailor Dresses
Evening Gowns and Wedding Dresses
Skirts
Pants and Trousers
Shorts and Rompers
Tops and Blouses
Sweaters
Coats and Jackets
Swimwear
Shoes – more flats, boots, sandals, and wide sizes
Stockings and Lingerie
Accessories – gloves, belts, and headscarves
Hats
Sunglasses and Eyewear
Hair Accessories
Makeup Guide
Jewelry
Sewing Patterns
Costumes – Halloween and Party
Children’s Clothing
1940s Clothing and Shoes in the UK

1940s Women’s Fashion History

An intro to 1940s fashion history
1940s Women’s Fashion – Start here and learn all about 1940s Fashion for Women
1940s Fabrics and Colors- Learn what colors and types of fabric were common in the 1940s
1940s Dresses – 10 common styles worn in the 1940s
1940s Day Dresses – Learn about the different styles of 1940s day dresses
1940s Shirtwaist Dresses – Learn about and shop for this popular ’40s dress
1940s Suits – Women’s Victory Suits
1940s Tops and Blouses – All styles of 1940s women’s tops and blouses
1940s Sweaters & Cardigans – Staying warm with knits
1940s Women’s Coats & Jackets
1940s Skirts – From simple A-line skirts to fun dirndl skirts
1940s Formal Dresses – Learn about formal dresses, prom dresses, and cocktail dresses
1940s Women’s Pants – Learn about and shop for 1940s and 1950s style pants & overalls for women
1940s Rompers and Shorts – Summer playsuits, shorts and pedal pushers
1940s Swimsuits history – Learn all about fabulous swimwear in the 1940s
1940s Shoes – Learn about and shop for 1940s style ladies’ shoes
1940s Stockings – Seamed stockings and socks history
1940s Working Women’s Clothes – Rosies, shop girls and nurses
1940s Zoot Girls – History of the urban Zoot Suit style
1940s Teenage Girls’ clothing – Trends and styles worn by teens
1940s Lingerie History – A look at the types of bras, girdles, and slips
1940s Sleepwear – Nightgowns, pajamas, robes, and red jackets
1940s Hairstyles for Women – A variety of classic hairstyles through the decade
1940s Hairstyles for long hair – Tips on creating a 1940s hairstyle with long hair
1940s Hair Snoods – Make or buy a 1940s hair snood and keep your hair in place
1940s Hat Styles – A History of over 20 popular hat styles, with pictures. See Hair Accessories too
1940s Jewelry Styles – Popular jewelry styles and trends
1940s Sunglasses – Women’s sunglasses and eyeglasses
1940s Handbags – Purses, day bags and evenings bags
1940s Women’s Accessories – Belts, gloves, head scarves
1940s Wedding Dresses – History of the bride’s wedding gown
1940s Makeup History and Tutorial – Also where you can buy 1940s makeup
Plus Size 1940s Fashions – History of full figure clothing in the 1940s. Check out our fashion advice for plus sizes as well
Fashion advice for the petite woman and the tall woman
Where to shop for repro and vintage inspired 1940s clothing
1940s Outfit Ideas – 16 looks you can create
1940s Casual Outfit ideas – Casual, sporty looks for summer
1940s Fall and Winter Outfits

1940s fashion has been revived today in the form of sexy pinup dresses, flattering A-line tea dresses, swing dresses, high-waisted pants and peep-toe shoes for the ladies.

1940S MEN’S FASHION HISTORY

1940s Men’s Fashion – A detailed overview of all areas of men’s fashion in the 1940s.
1940s Men’s Suits – Learn about 1940’s men’s suits and clothing. Tips on creating your own look.
1940s Men’s Casual Fashion – Sport coats, shirts, and sweater vests.
Men’s Outfit Ideas from the 1940s
1940s Men’s Formalwear – Dressing in white tie, black tie, summer whites and semi-formal.
1940s men’s Workwear & Uniforms – What wore for labor jobs and military positions.
1930-1950s Western Wear for Women and Men – Men’s western-style clothing from the 1930s to 1960s.
1940s Men’s Shoes – Learn about and shop for 1940s style shoes. Go here to read about Saddle Shoes.
1940s Men’s Swimwear – Swim shorts of the 1940s.
1940s Pajamas – Women’s and men’s sleepwear, robes and slippers.
1940s Teenage Boys’ Fashion – Boys’ and young men’s styles.
1940s Dance Shoes for Men – Shop men’s swing and ballroom dance shoes with 1940s style.
1940s Hats – Learn about 1940s men’s hat styles.
1940s Men’s underwear – Boxers, briefs, long johns, socks, and undershirts.
1940s Men’s Accessories – Belt, suspenders, cufflinks, glasses, watches, cane, pocket square, gloves, and scarves.
1940s Men’s hairstyles and facial hair – Common styles, trends, and grooming products.
1940s Groom Clothing – 1940s wedding attire for grooms.
1940s Men’s Costume Ideas – Classic 1940s look you can re-create.
Where to shop for men’s vintage inspired and reproduction clothing. Go here for specifically 1940s men’s repro clothing.

You can read more detailed articles about 1940s fashion history here. Need help with your outfit? Ask us anytime!

1940s Clothing

More 40s Clothing

1940s Women’s Fashion History

1940S MEN’S FASHION HISTORY

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