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Vintage Dancer | 1940s Fashion | What Did Women Wear in the 1940s? 40s Fashion Trends

What Did Women Wear in the 1940s? 40s Fashion Trends

1940s Fashion History

5 Aug 2013

what women wore in the 1940s

What Did Women Wear in the 1940s?  In a nutshell, 1940s women’s fashion was about creating an hourglass silhouette with masculine details: padded shoulders, nipped-in high waist tops, and A-line skirts that came down to the knee. This was the everyday shape for clothing, from suits to dresses. Even pants had a similar high waisted, wide leg shape.

1940s streetwear womens fashion

1940s streetwear

If a woman was not naturally an hourglass shape, the clothes were designed to help her achieve the look. Being put together, cheerful, and practical was the job of women during WWII.  1940s fashion accessories such as hats, gloves, handbags, and jewelry completed an outfit, while natural makeup with bright red lips painted a happy face during difficult times.

1943 winter dresses and suit

1943 winter dresses and suit

1940s black woman fashion, Early 40s, all put together

Early 40s, all put together

1940s Fashion Trends

  • Knee length A-line dresses with puffed shoulders in patriotic colors.
  • Plaid A-line skirts with white button down blouses.
  • Victory suits: man-tailored skirt and jackets.
  • Wide leg, high waisted pants.
  • Workwear overalls and jeans created the Rosie the Riveter look.
  • Shoes – peep-toe heels, loafers, Oxfords, and wedge sandals.
  • The two-piece bikini debuted.
  • Hats, turbans, head scarves, snoods, and flower clips topped women’s heads.
  • Lingerie – seamed stockings, socks, simple bra, girdle, slip and panties.

1940s Women’s Dresses

1940's Women's Fashion dress

1940s Kitty Foyle Dress

With the start of the war and strict rationing on fabric, dresses in the 1940s became shorter. Whereas the 1930s featured dresses that went down to mid-calf, the 1940s brought them up to knee length. The war also affected the top of the dress.

1942 day dresses

1942 day dresses

Women’s clothes took on a masculine militant look with the invention of shoulder pads. Every dress, blouse or jacket was fitted with shoulder pads that extended just past the edge of the shoulder. This made for a boxy or square neckline and shoulder angle. Sleeves were often puffed up a bit with gathers at the top and extended down to just above the elbow.

1940-1941 suits with short jackets

1940-1941 suits with short jackets

The neckline of the 1940s dress came in a variety of cutouts. They could be square, slit, sweetheart, keyhole, shirred, cross front (wrap), or even V with shirtwaist (button down) tops. There was no cleavage! All dress top designs were modest,  revealing very little skin compared to today’s fashion. Learn about common 1940s dress styles.

1941 day dresses

1941 day dresses

Evening dresses were the exception. They were spaghetti strapped or halter topped that revealed shoulders and chests but only mild cleavage. Skirts were long and sleek i the early years and full by the end of the decade.

1940s Old Hollywood gowns

1940s Hollywood gowns

Later in the 1940s, more fabric could be used and more fabric choices were available. In order to forget the depressing war, women embraced colorful patterns with contrasting trims. Fabric material was usually rayon, a newer synthetic invention. America cotton was also a favorite for house dresses. The material was light and airy. Stiffer, wool-like fabrics were used on suits and work wear.

1940s Floral print peplum top dresses 1948

1948 Floral print peplum top dresses

Plus size fashion in the 1940s was not something overlooked like it had been in previous decades. Most women were not the ideal curvy hourglass shape. As women matured, bodies matured, too, and women found themselves shopping for clothing with a different eye on fashion.

1940s plus size fashion

1942 Spring Dresses

Catalogs and department stores now carried “stout” size clothing lines with dresses, tops, coats, and shoes in designs that were more flattering to the fuller figure.  Beauty tips and fashion advice books were full of Do’s and Don’ts for dressing a woman’s best.

Read fashion advice for plus size women here.  Shop 1940s plus size fashion here.

 1940s Dresses for sale:

Love these 1940s dresses! Casual, swing dance, pinup, party dresses and more at VintageDancer.com

1940s dresses for sale here

  • Tea or Day Dresses: Colors and styles appropriate for day time wear / tea dresses. Shirtwaist dresses are included, too.
  • Pinup Dresses: Sexy, form-fitting dresses in the style of 1940s and 1950s pinups.
  • 1940s Plus Size Dresses: 1940s style dresses is sizes up to 6XL.
  • Formal Dresses: Long gowns for elegant evenings and prom.
  • Cocktail Dresses: Short and long dresses fancy enough for a cocktail party. Need black dresses for a Film Noir event?
  • 40s Dresses in the UK: Dresses, clothing and shoes available to ship from the UK, Europe.
  • Wedding Dresses: Modest lace, silk or satin wedding dresses inspired by the 1940s.

1940s Women’s Suits

1940s women's suits, 1942-43

1942 Ladies Suits

The shortage of fabric also caused the popularity of the two-piece suit known as a Victory or Utility suit.  Women could mix and match skirts, blouses, and jackets for a new outfit every day. Even after the war, the suit remained popular due to its comfort and practicality.

1940's Fashion Womens Victory Suit

1940s Victory Suits

Suit skirts were A-line, not pencil. This means they flared out gradually from the hip to the knee. Dresses from the early years didn’t have any pleats or gathers because it wasted fabric. The later ’40s had some pleats and a wide “A” shape and even included some pockets.

1940s Skirts | 1947 Plain A- Line Skirts with Pleat

1947 Plain A- Line Skirts with Pleats

Teenagers were the biggest fans of skirts. They loved plaids and stripes and full skirts making the latest fad — swing dancing– easier to move in.

Learn more about 1940s skirt history and shop 1940s skirts.

Shop 1940s style skirts at VintageDancer.com/1940s

Shop 1940s style skirts

Finally, the suit jacket topped the outfit. Jackets were of the same material as the skirt but could be mismatched if that was all you had. They had the same wide padded shoulder, high neckline, and nipped in waist, with only a slight flair at the bottom. The lower edge of the jacket came to mid hip length.

Jackets were button down and featured a variety of lapel width, points, and shapes. It wasn’t necessary to wear a blouse under a suit jacket but was often more comfortable.

Vintage cruise outfits clothing ideas. Click to see more.

1945 red candy stripe dress and blue bolero jacket and skirt.

The bolero jacket was a nice, short, rounded edge jacket that was worn over a blouse. They rarely buttoned in front– preferring to hang open and show off the blouse. Sleeves were always long and narrow. Learn more about women’s 40s suits.

1940s Blouses

1943 blouses tops shirts at VintageDancer

1943 blouses

Blouses were the next part of a suit. They could also be worn plain or with a light cardigan sweater over them. Blouses were either a solid color or a fun striped pattern. They could be short sleeved like dresses, or long sleeved with puffy gathers and tight wide cuffs at the wrist. They usually buttoned down all the way and had a small V-neck or round Peter Pan collar neck opening.

Learn more about and shop 1940s blouses.

1940s style blouses, tops, shirts short sleeve sweaters at #vintagedancer

1940s style blouses, tops, shirts, and short sleeve sweaters

 

1940s Pants

Katherine Hepburn 1940s wide flowing pleated pants

Katherine Hepburn 1940s wide flowing pleated pants

Pants or trousers were primarily a menswear item up until the 1940s. Women working in factories needed safe clothing that wouldn’t snag in machinery. At first, women just wore men’s pants. Later manufactures made pants for women, although they still looked very masculine. They were very high waisted, button or zippered down the side and had full legs with wide cuffs at the bottom. They were made of cotton, denim, or wool blends.

Women wore them at work, but they soon became a part of their casual wardrobe at home. It didn’t take long before women were wearing pants in public, although it would take many more decades before pants were allowed at school or professional jobs.

1940s wide leg pants and trosuers

1940s Women’s Trousers

 

Vintage high waisted trousers & pants - 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s

Vintage high waisted trousers & pants – 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s

Overalls and coveralls were another workwear-turned-sportswear option. Made of blue denim or sturdy cotton, they have become a symbol of the 1940s Rosie the Riveter. In the UK, it was the landgirl who wore overalls and trousers while farming. Learn the history here.

1940s casual outfits with overalls

1940s casual outfits with overalls

Read more about 1940s women’s pants or SHOP for 1940s style pants and overalls:

1940s Coats

Various coats in 1941

Various coats in 1941

Early 1940s coats were very square and usually plain. They had a few large buttons down the front, plain or cuffed narrow sleeves, and a variety of necklines. They were long, often down to the knee, to keep a woman warm and covered up. Shorter box coats hung to the hip in a wide cape like fashion with big bell sleeves.

1940s women coat

1940s Box Coat

Fur trims were still very popular like in the ’30s. Fox was the best and other furs were dyed to look like fox. For formal wear, fur stoles and capes were a must.

Read more about 4os coats and jackets or shop 1940s women’s coats.

1940s coats and jackets, winter coats, utility jackets, overcoats, outerwear at #vintagedancer

New 1940s coats and jackets

1940s Shoes

1940s Shoes Styles and History. Shop 1940s shoes at VintageDancer.com

1940s Shoes Styles- Vintage on the left, new inspired styles on the right

Shoes of the 1940s lacked the elaborate detailing of the ’30s and were mostly plain, sturdy and “chunky.” What makes them special is not the style but the material. Leather was needed for the war, so shoes came in velvet, mesh, reptile skins, and even all wood (clogs). Heels were short and thick in the early ’40s and slightly thinner in the late 1940s. The latter shoes were called pumps.

1940s fall autumn shoes

1941 autumn heels

The 1940s were notable for the popularization for the wedge or wedgie. The wedge sole was all one piece, gave moderate height, and was considered safer than tall pumps. They came in solid slip-ons or fun summer sandal types. The peep toe was one common style. It was a small slit in the front of the toe. Peep toes could be seen on pumps, sandals and wedges.

1940s vintage wedge shoes

Summer Wedges in Peep Toe Slingback and Ankle Strap Styles

The more casual style of shoes were Oxfords and saddle shoes. These single or two tone shoes resembled men’s shoes with a rounded toe. Slip on loafers were an alternative to Oxfords. They were casual, comfortable and all the rage with teenagers and working women.

1944 oxfords for working women to day to day shoes

1944 oxfords for working women to day to day shoes

Read more about 1940s Women’s Shoe Styles and shop for 1940s style shoes.

More 40s shoes in the UK.

1940s Swimsuits and Beachwear

Swimsuits came in one piece and, for the first time, two pieces. One-piece suits were tighter fitting than in the ’30s, and had padded bras for support and thin shoulder straps. The neckline was a V but revealed little cleavage. A halter top style was very popular as well. The suit bottom came to the top of the thigh in either a skirt shape or slightly loose shorts.

1940s swimsuits/swimdresses and bikinis black women

1940s swimsuits/swimdresses and bikinis

1940's one pice swimsuit two piece bikini

1940s Swimsuits

The two-piece suit was like the one piece but with the middle cut out. The pants came up high above the belly button with only about 4 inches of space between the top and bottom. The Bikini invented in 1946 was similar in style, but tighter and lower on the waist. They were too revealing for most women’s taste at the time.1940s romper

Beachwear, called playsuits, were really just very short dresses that wrapped over a swimsuit. They were button down, loose-fitting dresses in light cotton. They were also high waist shorts, with a swimsuit style halter top. These were mostly worn by teens and younger single women. Mature women had play clothes as well but they were longer and more conservative. More about playsuits and summer clothes.

Read more about the styles of 1940s swimsuits and shop for vintage inspired swimsuits.

40s swim dress. Shop more swimsuits here.

’40s swim dress. Shop more swimsuits here.

1940s Hats

Headwear of the 1940s was very diverse. There were only a few new styles that became trademarks of the 1940s. The first was the beret– a one-piece round, flat, French inspired hat that sat directly on top or angled off to the side.

The next hat was the turban– a piece of fabric wrapped around the head and decorated with flowers, feathers or jewels. Small hats with flat brims with veils were another trademark style. They were not practical for sun protection, merely decorative. The ladies’ fedora hat was one of several felt hats that took inspiration from men’s hat styles.

Shop 1940s hats.

1940s beret hats 1940s tam hats
1940s beret and tams hats

1940s turban hats. Learn more at VintageDancer.com
Learn about the history of Turbans and other 1940s hats styles

1940s Hats
1940s Sailor or Skimmer Hats

Working women had to keep their hair tied back. They wore hair snoods, knits or bags that gathered hair back and out of the way or scarves tied around and up. Rosie the Riveter made the hair scarf a recognizable icon of the 1940s. They were made of silk with a variety of fun hand-painted patterns.

1940s snoods

1940s Silk Snood

Hair flower clips were another summer decoration for young girls, pin ups, and women looking to dress up a party dress. Small daisy flowers or big chrysanthemums made of rayon or silk were often handmade at home. Shop hair flowers, snoods, clips and more.

Women’s 1940s hairstyles were designed to be worn under hats as well as be beautiful without. The length grew out from the short 30s waves to shoulder length loose curls. Teens and young women wore their hair down with the sides rolled and pinned away from the face. Mature women had hair styled into Victory Rolls, soft waves, big rolls, and tucks that brought the hair up to new heights while framing the face softly. Learn more about ’40s hairstyles.

New women's hats inspired by 1940s hat fashions. Fedora, turban, beret, felt hats, and fascinators. Find these and more at VintageDancer.com

New women’s hats inspired by 1940s hat fashions. Fedora, turban, beret, felt hats, and fascinators.

1940s Gloves

Gloves in the 1940s continue to have the gauntlet mid-arm length and shape during the war years.  The elaborate trim was removed and the overall fussiness of the 1930s was replaced by plain gloves once again. Gloves were usually only worn for semi-formal occasions such as an afternoon gathering, shopping, visiting friends, or going to lunch. Colors usually matched just one accessory such as a hat or belt. Neutral colors were preferred: black, brown, navy, tan, and white.

1948 leather gloves

1948 leather gloves

In the evenings, long opera gloves were often worn with beautiful ballgowns.

Learn more about vintage glove history here and shop for vintage inspired gloves here.

1940s Jewelry

1940s Coro jewelry, brooch and earrings

1940s Coro jewelry

1940s women’s jewelry played an important role during the somber wartime. Colorful bold bead necklaces, large floral brooches, and chunky earrings added cheerfulness to otherwise plain clothing. Patriotic themes such as a V for victory, flags, and red, white, and blue gems kept women focusing on their duty. Jewelry became affordable with new plastics like Bakelite and settings that required less metal. The classic pearl necklace never went out of style.

Read more about 1940s jewelry styles.

1940s jewelry styles: Beads, bangels, pearls, rhinestone, brooches, button earrings, bib necklaces, and patriotic, fruit, and flower themes. Shop these at VintageDancer.com/1940s

Learn about 1940s jewelry styles and trends

Handbags and Purses

With a duty to work, volunteer, or manage a household by oneself, women needed a handbag that carried more than the small 1930s clutches. Day bags were inspired by military service messenger bags with long shoulder straps that were carried over the shoulder or across the body when riding a bike. For something prettier, a large (at least 12 inches) flat envelope purse in plain black or brown leather or plastic held a woman’s growing collection of beauty products. The ruched or scallop treatment on bags is an iconic style of this decade.

1940s oversized handbag

Oversized envelope handbag

 

1947 purses in new colors

1947 purses in new colors

Evening bags remained small and shiny with black satin as the preferred material. Sparkle in the form of beading or sequins on the clasp added just a touch more elegance.

After the war, purses took on a New Look with new bold colors– red, green, yellow, and a return to geometric shapes (box purses and circle vanity bags).

Read more about and shop 1940s handbags

More accessories– Learn about 1940s belts, gloves, head scarves, ect

1940s Bra, Underwear and Stockings

1940 underwear

Lingerie

Ahh, the undergarments or foundation garments were the soul of 1940s fashion. They created the hourglass shape with smooth lines that were critical to ’40s fashion. They were also very uncomfortable. Girdles were the worst offenders. They looked like granny panties but with much tighter, flatter fronts that sucked in every belly bump and lump. Bras were large with full back coverage. They encouraged a natural rounded shape. The pointy bullet bra came much later in the ’50s. A full slip was usually worn over the underwear to keep the shape smooth.

1944 Ladies in various stockings hues attening a party at the Sandpoint Naval Air Station

1944 African-American Ladies in Various Stockings Hues

Stockings are what kept women from feeling naked with those shorter dresses. Nylon was invented prior to the 1940s and quickly replaced silk stockings. Both materials were needed for the war, and women had to go without for a short time. Stockings were a shade darker than natural skin for fair skinned ladies and any shade darker or lighter for bronze skin tones. They usually had subtle brown seams down the back, but seamless stockings were increasingly common by the end of the decade. Stockings only came up to the thigh and were fastened on by garters.

Read about the history of 1940s stockings here.

Socks were popular with working women and teenagers. Bobby socks with saddle shoes are an icon of the 1950s, but were really started in the 1940s. During the war, women wore patriotic colored socks instead of nylons, even with heels.

Shop 1940s backseam stockings, nylons, tights, and pantyhose at VintageDancer.com

Shop 1940s backseam stockings, nylons, tights, and pantyhose

More 1940s Fashion

  • 1940s makeup history and guide wearing makeup the 40s way
  • 1940s Hairstyles– Short and long looks. Also look at these 1940s hair accessories
  • 1940s Sunglasses and eyeglasses
  • 1940s wedding dresses
  • 1940s Pajamas, Nightgowns
  • 1940s hiking and camping clothes
  • 1940s western clothes
  • 1940s Zoot Suit girls

Creating 1940s Fashion for YOU

This infographic should be helpful in creating a vintage inspired 1940s style for yourself. There are endless possibilities using new, thrifted or vintage clothes to recreate a style for a 1940s themed event such as a swing dance, WWII remembrance day, or a pinup photoshoot. Be sure to look at these articles to help you plan the perfect look:

  • 16 women’s thrifty outfits from day to night
  • 1940s Casual outfits – Ideas for non-dressy casual 40s styles in the summer and for fall / winter.
  • 1940s Costumes – Cheap Halloween or party costume can give you more ideas.
  • Film Noir outfits – Black and white movies with powerful Femme Fatales.
1940s costumes idea- Halloween party costumes- Military, nurse, Rosie the Riveter, Pinup, Landgirl, Wonder Woman, A League of Their Own, and many more

1940s costumes idea- Halloween party costumes

 

1940s fashion for women. What did women wear in the 40s? Create your 1940s outfit at VintageDancer.com/1940s

we Save, Share, Pin it. Your quick guide to 1940s women’s fashion!

Go back and read about 1930s women’s fashion or move onto to 1950s.

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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Comments

  1. Laura says

    January 17, 2019 at 5:17 pm

    I’d love to see write up about true vintage of the 1950’s please.

    • Debbie Sessions says

      January 17, 2019 at 8:17 pm

      I have that too: https://vintagedancer.com/1950s/1950s-fashion-women-get-look/

  2. Jara says

    March 27, 2017 at 11:43 am

    I have a project called hometown historian and I live in El Paso ,Texas I was wondering if the fashion was different or tweaked

    • VintageDancer says

      March 27, 2017 at 12:22 pm

      Every region has its own flare to the decade. Texas have seen more “western” styles. This article explains what that was: https://vintagedancer.com/vintage/1930-1950s-western-wear-for-women-and-men/

  3. Allison says

    March 21, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    Hey! I’m using a piece of this for a research paper! We have in-text citations. Who would I put as the author of this article?

    • VintageDancer says

      March 23, 2017 at 3:10 pm

      Debbie Sessions

  4. Cindy B says

    February 5, 2017 at 10:44 pm

    I am a landscaper but my passion is theater. I am greeting at our local small Theatre for the mousetrap by Agatha Christie. So I’ve been perusing through your website I went to a thrift store today and found the perfect outfit including shoes. Your website has been very helpful thank you very much Cindy

    • VintageDancer says

      February 6, 2017 at 9:33 am

      I am so glad you found an entire outfit! Thank you for making my day with your kind comment. Best wishes on your performance.

  5. person says

    January 25, 2017 at 10:27 pm

    thanks! Do you have the fashion trends for the children in the 1940s?

    • VintageDancer says

      January 26, 2017 at 1:31 pm

      Not yet but if need to see something from one of my catalogs I could send you some pictures.

  6. Erin says

    January 20, 2017 at 5:58 am

    Hi,very interesting information thank you.I am starting up a very small jewellery making “business”,it is not really eligible for such a grand title as its just me making costume jewellery which I sell and all the profit is donated to animal welfare charities.
    I would like to know what type of jewellery was worn in this era please?
    I’m hoping to persuade a local vintage clothes shop to stock my jewellery if I can get the correct type made.any advice will be gratefully received.?

    • VintageDancer says

      January 20, 2017 at 9:58 am

      Here is the article on 1940s jewelry styles. https://vintagedancer.com/1940s/1940s-jewelry-styles/ Best wishes on your new project.

  7. Carol Ashley says

    January 19, 2017 at 10:58 pm

    welldone I will be using this site later on thank you.

  8. Person says

    July 23, 2016 at 7:27 am

    How do you make your own outfit?

    • VintageDancer says

      July 23, 2016 at 9:19 am

      You can sew your own with a pattern: https://vintagedancer.com/1940s/1940s-sewing-patterns/
      Or you can get create and put one together from things you may already own: https://vintagedancer.com/1940s/1940s-costume-ideas/

  9. Abigail Mayol says

    June 27, 2016 at 12:50 am

    Hi , I love the article and it’s very helpful, but it would really help if you could give more detail about who wrote this article as i’m using this as my source for my investigation on women’s fashion in the 1940’s. Also do you by any chance have any articles that is related to fashion today ?

    • VintageDancer says

      June 27, 2016 at 9:01 am

      Debbie Sessions, Aug 5, 2013 I only write about past fashions so unfortunately no I don’t have any articles about today’s style.

  10. Pal Stevens says

    April 5, 2016 at 4:21 am

    I love the 40’s, the clothes, the music, the movies. I was born in 53, so I didn’t live it. My mom was a classy dresser and I always looked through family albums to see how they dressed. I especially love the men’s suits and ties. So wish I could find some vintage suits. In high school, when given the opportunity to play in Stage Band, I jumped on it because they played a lot of the big band tunes. That still remains my favorite memories of high school.

  11. Anna Salesman says

    January 2, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    This is an amazing article and website so much help to me.

    • VintageDancer says

      January 3, 2016 at 5:34 pm

      Thank you! I am so happy I can help.

  12. Shweta says

    May 4, 2015 at 9:56 am

    I have read almost all the articles here and it has really helped me a lot.I am starting my own clothing line back in India, and this gave a good head start to knowing about the history of Fashion..!!
    Thanks a ton and keep posting such articles..!

    • Debbie Sessions says

      May 5, 2015 at 2:23 pm

      Thank you. I am glad glad you found them all helpful. I would love to see some of your designs when they are ready. Best wishes on your new business.

  13. Mind Games says

    April 25, 2015 at 12:29 am

    I have always wondered what they wore and what it looked like in color but for some strange reason I find all the women better actors and quite sexy in those black and white moves more so than any movie made today and for some strange reason I cannot figure it out.
    Just for fun record I’m 51 years old not 70 and so I didn’t grow up during that time.
    I hope that the major movie producers make a few great moves in the future in black and white because those two colors really do enhance an actors skills and add depth to any movie.
    Would it make some movie lovers mad? Probably but after one or two major hits they’ll understand why.
    Black and white movies make a great actor a star and a fake actor bomb.
    Thanks”you for this site now I need to see what the guys wore, I really wonder if the wore suites and ties everywhere they went which is how I found this site.
    Great site! Again Thanks!

  14. bridgette ricco says

    April 10, 2015 at 2:44 pm

    hi, im doing a project on the fourties and while your information is very helpful i still need more help. I need help in a range from style and fabric to casual, business, and formal wear. please get back to me as soon as you can

    • Debbie Sessions says

      April 11, 2015 at 9:28 pm

      Here is an article on fabrics: https://vintagedancer.com/1940s/1940s-fabrics-colors-fashion/ All other topics about the 40’s are here: https://vintagedancer.com/category/1940s/ These should help you with your research. Anything else you need feel free to ask.

  15. HELEN ARGIRAS says

    March 28, 2015 at 3:51 pm

    My husband and I were born in 1945 and want to dress like it for our 70th birthday party any easy ideas?

    • Debbie Sessions says

      April 3, 2015 at 11:58 am

      The easiest dress to find is a shirtwaist dress. Almost any department store has one. You might also like the selection at Amerimark.com. They have 40s style shoes too. For an extra touch buy a vintage 40’s hat at a local antique store.
      For your husband, a double breasted suit (stripes are great) and a fedora hat will be perfect. Add two tone shoes if you have them or can buy them.

  16. Faye says

    May 6, 2012 at 7:52 am

    My mom was telling me when she was in her early 20’s when WWII was going on there was a shortage of stockings, and what she use to do to make like she was wearing stockings; she would draw a line down the back of her before stepping out in public. When the war was over in May 1945, the women would style their hair, rolling the sides going to the back of the head in a v shape for “victory”.

    • Faye says

      May 6, 2012 at 7:55 am

      I mean drawing a line down the back of her legs to look like the lined stocking with an eyebrow pencil.
      sorry for the typo in the earlier message.

    • jacqueline says

      August 18, 2013 at 5:45 pm

      that is awesome!!!

  17. angela says

    January 22, 2012 at 9:08 pm

    would love to of worn them clothes hair great to

  18. Jack Read says

    July 3, 2011 at 8:24 pm

    Excellent article—and oh, didn’t our girls look ‘classy and feminine’ in those lovely clothers that swirled about at a dance–graceful and ‘all woman’

    (WW2 vet)

    • Debbie says

      July 3, 2011 at 8:45 pm

      Yes, very feminine clothing to match a great decade for dancing!

  19. maday says

    May 9, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    thanks i had to do a project on the 1940’s fashion and now i know what it is.thanks for the info!!!!=)im glad about the information.

  20. allthatisgolddoesnotglitter says

    March 9, 2011 at 11:56 pm

    Hey this really helped me with my English project on 1940s fashion, thanks SO much!!

    • Debbie says

      March 10, 2011 at 5:27 pm

      Thanks. I am happy to hear it was helpful. Let me know if you need any more info.

  21. plussize4you says

    January 19, 2011 at 12:27 am

    Wow I love this article, I really like to look at fashion in other era’s well done!

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