Womens Fashion
The 1940s saw two distinctive styles in women’s fashion. From the beginning of the decade until the “New Look” in 1947, women’s dresses were knee-length and featured padded shoulders. This added a flair to clothing that was otherwise simple, because of wartime rationing.
Women became creative in mixing separates to make a wardrobe seem more diverse than it was. Homemade accessories and elaborate hairstyles allowed women to show their flair without expense or waste. Hats became very popular.
Even in suits or factory overalls, hair curls and bright red lipstick kept the look feminine. Jackets were shorter, and, the peplum became popular, helping to narrow the hips and showing off a trim waist. The clothes were simple and practical, but women still managed to look attractive even during the lean years of war.
With the war over and materials finally available again, the Paris couturiers once again took the fashion helm. Christian Dior (pictured above) pioneered the New Look, which featured a nipped waist, longer lengths and fuller skirts, lots of fabric was used and a more classically feminine image was created.
The 1940s saw two distinctive styles in women’s fashion. From the beginning of the decade until the “New Look” in 1947, women’s dresses were knee-length and featured padded shoulders. This added a flair to clothing that was otherwise simple, because of wartime rationing.
Women became creative in mixing separates to make a wardrobe seem more diverse than it was. Homemade accessories and elaborate hairstyles allowed women to show their flair without expense or waste. Hats became very popular.
Even in suits or factory overalls, hair curls and bright red lipstick kept the look feminine. Jackets were shorter, and, the peplum became popular, helping to narrow the hips and showing off a trim waist. The clothes were simple and practical, but women still managed to look attractive even during the lean years of war.
With the war over and materials finally available again, the Paris couturiers once again took the fashion helm. Christian Dior (pictured above) pioneered the New Look, which featured a nipped waist, longer lengths and fuller skirts, lots of fabric was used and a more classically feminine image was created.
Mens Fashion
Men’s fashion in the 40’s enjoyed what some may consider its last great hurrah in true gentlemanly style and elegance. It was an era that initially began with practical styles due to the Second World War starting in 1939 and ending in 1945. Once the war was over the end of strict rationing was celebrated by fashion becoming more extravagant and stylish.
As the Great Depression came to an end and the impending war loomed over Europe, fashion for both men and women became dictated by economics more fiercely than it had been during World War One and the 1930’s. This war meant that Paris and Italy were no longer the leaders in fashion and strict rationing meant that designers had a tougher time than usual. Substance overtook style and everybody required practical and sturdy clothing. To be seen wearing something flashy was considered at the time to be accused of having a lack of patriotism. Natural fibres were stopped being used for everyday clothes, because this kind of fabric was used for uniforms for the military services etc.
Finally with the end of the war, rationing became a thing of the past. This allowed for the development of the style that is most often associated with the swing era. Clothes became full cut again, with double-breasted, longer jackets and wider trousers. Shirts and coats began being made in a number of different colours, and hand-painted silk ties became all the rage with designs ranging from elegant to exotic. Silk ties were often seen made in prints from geometric patterns to the iconic pin up girls. Every man wore a tie and through it, was able to express his individuality.
Men’s fashion in the 40’s enjoyed what some may consider its last great hurrah in true gentlemanly style and elegance. It was an era that initially began with practical styles due to the Second World War starting in 1939 and ending in 1945. Once the war was over the end of strict rationing was celebrated by fashion becoming more extravagant and stylish.
As the Great Depression came to an end and the impending war loomed over Europe, fashion for both men and women became dictated by economics more fiercely than it had been during World War One and the 1930’s. This war meant that Paris and Italy were no longer the leaders in fashion and strict rationing meant that designers had a tougher time than usual. Substance overtook style and everybody required practical and sturdy clothing. To be seen wearing something flashy was considered at the time to be accused of having a lack of patriotism. Natural fibres were stopped being used for everyday clothes, because this kind of fabric was used for uniforms for the military services etc.
Finally with the end of the war, rationing became a thing of the past. This allowed for the development of the style that is most often associated with the swing era. Clothes became full cut again, with double-breasted, longer jackets and wider trousers. Shirts and coats began being made in a number of different colours, and hand-painted silk ties became all the rage with designs ranging from elegant to exotic. Silk ties were often seen made in prints from geometric patterns to the iconic pin up girls. Every man wore a tie and through it, was able to express his individuality.