The famous women’s icon of the 1940s was Rosie the Riveter. She appeared in several ads and magazine covers showing off her working woman’s attire. The most famous is Norman Rockwell’s painting, which was turned into the We Can Do It poster. Rosie the Riveter’s look is easy to replicate for either a quick Halloween costume or an authentic 1940s factory worker, Land Girl, or general 40s working woman’s outfit.
Combining pants or overalls with a button down blouse and hair bandana, she looks unlike most women’s 1940s fashion models. Instead, she is practical, rugged, and able to get the job done without complaint! It’s no surprise Rosie the Riveter’s image has become an example for women’s rights around the world. Go here to learn more about the real Rosies of the 1940s.
Rosie the Riveter wasn’t just one look. You have a few different options, such as:
- Pants: Denim or sturdy cotton blue Overalls, Coveralls, a jumpsuit, or wide leg pants (jeans are OK) with a leather belt.
- Rosie the Riveter Shirt: A men’s style button down shirt in Navy blue, plaid or stripes, or a knit pullover sweater, or a ringer T-shirt. Some of the 1940s tops here do well.
- Hair: A silk or cotton Rosie the Riveter bandana, headband or hair scarf in polka dots or another print. A knit snood is also vintage.
- Shoes: Sturdy lace up “work” boots, lace up Oxford shoes, or slip on loafers. We’ve got some 1940s work shoe options here.
- Socks: Red high-knee socks.
Scroll to the bottom of the page to see Rosie the Riveter costume ideas.
Shop Rosie the Riveter Costumes:
Rosie the Riveter Costume Examples:
My friend Stephanie pulling off a fabulous Rosie the Riveter costume. Sailor pants, western top, heels, head scarf
One of the better Rosie the Riveter costume sets available.
1940s “Rosie” Overalls- Make your own outfit
Three working Rosies outfit ideas by Royal Vintage Shoes – Love the saddle shoes for the Rosie costume!
Rosie the Riveter costume for hot weather. Shortalls!
Out of the Factory women took to farming and became “Land Girls” wearing jodhpurs, tall boots, button down shirt and a hair scarf or bandanna.
Landgirls TV series is an excellent source of costume inspiration for Rosie the Riveter and other 1940s women’s workwear outfit ideas. Shown here with cotton overalls, a wide belt, and colorful button down shirt with tall rubber boots.
A Land Girl costume. Ready to go to work!
Nudeedudee Vintage Overalls (Etsy) are fabulous!
Rockin’ my Rosie Outfit – 1970s vintage knit shirt, thrift overalls, silk hair scarf, and two tone oxford shoes.
1950s pinup girls style Rosie the Riveter costume
1940s “Rosie” costume with overalls. Get this look here.