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Vintage Dancer

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    • 1940s Outfit Ideas
      • Women’s 1940s Fashion
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    • 1940s Fashion
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    • Vintage Inspired Fashion

Learn all about 1940s fashion history and how to dress in 1940s style clothing. Our articles are here to help you create an authentic or vintage inspired 1940s outfit for both women and men.

The '40s decade started out during WW2 where clothing had to economical but not without fashion. The pin up girl kept men entertained overseas while Rosie the Riveter was an inspiration for women on the home front. Whether dressing up for a 1940s themed event, finding a costume for a play, or doing research for a book these articles should help you create the forties fashion look. If not contact us for help.

 

1940s Women's Fashion History

An intro to 1940s fashion history

  • 1940s Womens 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
  • What women and men spent on clothing, the typical wardrobe
  • 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 and shop for this popular '40s dress.
  • 1940s Suits- Women's Victory Suits
  • 1940s Tops and Blouses -  All the 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 dress, and cocktail dresses
  • 1940s Women's Pants - Learn 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 Fashion Advice for Plus Sizes, Tall Women and Short/Petite Women. 
  • 1940s Lingerie History- A look at the types of bras, girdles, and slips
  • 1940s Sleepwear- Nightgowns, pajamas, robes, red jackets
  • 1940s Hairstyles for Women- Variety of classic hairstyles through the decade
  • 1940s Hairstyles for long hair- Tips on creating a 1940s hairstyle for long hair.
  • 1940s Hair Snoods- Make or buy a 1940s hair snood and keep your hair in place.
  • 1940s Hat Styles - Over 20 popular hat history with pictures. 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 scarf
  • 1940s Wedding Dresses - History of the bride's wedding gown
  • 1940s Makeup History and Tutorial - Plus buy 1940s makeup
  • Plus Size 1940s Fashions - History of full figure clothing in the 1940s. Fashion advice for plus sizes. 
  • 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 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- Sportcoats, shirts, sweater vests
  • Men's Outfit Ideas from the 1940s and 1950s
  • 1940s Men's Formalwear - Dressing in white tie, black tie, summer whites and semi- formal
  • 1940s men's Workwear & Uniforms- What wore to 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. See more about Saddle Shoes. 
  • 1940s Men's Swimwear- Swim shorts of the 1940s
  • 1940s Pajamas - Men's sleepwear, robes and slippers
  • 1940s Teenage Boys Fashion- Boys and young men 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, undershirts
  • 1940s Men's Accessories- Belt, suspenders, cufflinks, glasses, watches, cane, pocket square, gloves, scarves
  • 1940s Men's hairstyles and facial hair - Common styles, trends, grooming products
  • 1940s Groom Clothing- A 1940s wedding attire for grooms
  • 1940s Men's Costume Ideas- Classic 1940s look you can re-create
  • Where to shop for men's vintage and repro clothing and specifically 1940s men's repro clothing

 

Tall Vintage Repro Brands

1930s Fashion History· 1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History

Vintage reproduction and vintage inspired clothing usually does not accommodate tall sizes. A few brands are starting to offer long…
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1940s Fall Winter Casual Outfits

1940s Fall Winter Casual Outfits

1940s Fashion History

Today is the first day of Autumn! I love the change of seasons, simply because I can move into my…
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1940s Men’s Sleepwear, Pajamas, Slippers

1940s Men’s Sleepwear, Pajamas, Slippers

1940s Fashion History

During the ‘40s men didn’t just throw on an old T-shirt and boxer shorts to get into bed. They had…
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Vintage Capsule Wardrobes-  1910s-1960s

Vintage Capsule Wardrobes- 1910s-1960s

1920s Fashion History· 1930s Fashion History· 1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History· 1960s Fashion History· Vintage Inspired

What is in your closet? The number of clothing we have today is massive compared to the limited wardrobes from…
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Film Noir Costume Ideas

Film Noir Costume Ideas

1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History· Vintage Inspired

The Film Noir genre of the 1940s and 1950s is a popular vintage movie event and costume party theme this…
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Men’s Swing Dance Clothing, Vintage Dance Clothes

Men’s Swing Dance Clothing, Vintage Dance Clothes

1930s Fashion History· 1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History· Dance Fashion History· Mens Fashions History

  So, you have bought your tickets to your next swing event and are planning what you are going to…
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Vintage Formal Dress Accessories| Evening Jewelry, Gloves, Shoes

Vintage Formal Dress Accessories| Evening Jewelry, Gloves, Shoes

1920s Fashion History· 1930s Fashion History· 1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History· Vintage Inspired

Holiday parties, galas, dinners, and winter balls have begun and with it a plethora of questions about how to accessorize a…
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1940s-1950s Fall Outfit Ideas

1940s-1950s Fall Outfit Ideas

1940s Fashion History

Cool mornings and warm days have descended on my city. That and the massive amounts of pumpkin spice anything being promoted in…
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1940-1941 Fashion

1940-1941 Fashion

1940s Fashion History

The start of the 1940s was a pending time between the Great Depression of the 1930s and the looming World…
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1930s Hairstyles for Long Hair

1930s Hairstyles for Long Hair

1930s Fashion History· 1940s Fashion History

I have the perfect hair for styles prior to 1910 – long, thick, curly, and with enough bobby pins it…
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1940s Casual Outfits: Summer Clothes & Shoes

1940s Casual Outfits: Summer Clothes & Shoes

1940s Fashion History

I love it when readers ask me for help with vintage outfits.  One recent request was ideas for 1940s casual…
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History of Vintage Raincoats, Jackets and Capes for Women

History of Vintage Raincoats, Jackets and Capes for Women

1920s Fashion History· 1930s Fashion History· 1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History· Vintage Inspired

Reader Karin asked a great question: What did women wear in very wet climates? With all my research on warm…
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Vintage Boots- Winter Rain and Snow Boots History

Vintage Boots- Winter Rain and Snow Boots History

1920s Fashion History· 1930s Fashion History· 1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History· 1960s Fashion History· 1970s Fashion History· Vintage Inspired

Knee deep in snow? Sloshing through the mud? Dancing around rain puddle? When mother nature gets wet, what in the…
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Vintage Flats – History & Pictures

Vintage Flats – History & Pictures

1920s Fashion History· 1930s Fashion History· 1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History· Vintage Inspired

Question: I can’t wear heels. What flats can I wear with my [insert decade] dress and still be authentic? The…
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Retro Halloween Costume Ideas & Trends

Retro Halloween Costume Ideas & Trends

1920s Fashion History· 1930s Fashion History· 1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History· 1960s Fashion History· 1970s Fashion History· Vintage Inspired

I mentioned in my last article that I was up to my eyeballs in Halloween related madness. It has been…
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How to Dress Retro Vintage Casual for Men

How to Dress Retro Vintage Casual for Men

1930s Fashion History· 1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History· Mens Fashions History

Last week, I mentioned the trend for wanting/wearing vintage casual clothing is in high demand this year. Request for men’s…
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1940s Men’s Hairstyles & Facial Hair

1940s Men’s Hairstyles & Facial Hair

1940s Fashion History· Mens Fashions History

  1940s Men’s Hairstyles The 1940s man had perfectly groomed hair, with frequent visits to the barber. The look is…
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1940s Hairstyles- History of Women’s Hairstyles

1940s Hairstyles- History of Women’s Hairstyles

1940s Fashion History

In the ‘40s, women were encouraged to use their hair to ‘fix’ any flaws in their face. If she had…
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1940s Accessories: Belts, Gloves, Head Scarf

1940s Accessories: Belts, Gloves, Head Scarf

1940s Fashion History

The purse and hat were the two biggest 1940s accessories a woman wore, but they were not the only way…
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1940s Jewelry Styles and History

1940s Jewelry Styles and History

1940s Fashion History

Following on from vintage jewelry styles of the 1930s, this article shall examine popular 1940s jewelry styles and trends.  In…
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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 look? Ask us anytime.

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Dressing in vintage style clothing for a themed event or personal fashion is our passion. We turned a hobby into this website to make it easy to find vintage inspired clothing for women and men online spanning 1900-1960s. Our fashion history blog helps you create the look from decades past using vintage, vintage inspired and thrifty clothing, Need help? Ask us anytime.

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