We may be a little obsessed with all things 70s at the moment, but we'll always have a soft spot for 1940s fashion and how glamorous it was - we're pretty sure the current trend for slip skirts and dresses is a indirect result of that in fact.
How did ladies dress in the 40s?
Despite the hardships of WWII, the 1940s were still a milestone decade for style, despite1930s fashion being a hard act to follow. It was a decade of trailblazing styles and new silhouettes, and many of the styles we're still supporting today.
Clothes definitely had a military, utilitarian feel, due in no small parts to rationing. Skirt suits were popular, with squared shoulders, narrow waist and tailored skirts that ended just below the knee. Everything was more casual and less fussy (think no embroidery or patterns) due to the times. Short sleeves also replaced longer ones.
What were 40s dresses called?
The shirtwaist dress was a popular style at the time, one which is still very much popular today. It was defined by a button-up top which ended at a nipped-in waistline, with a full skirt.
1940s fashion designers
When it comes to 1940s fashion, Christian Dior was one of the most influential designers, thanks to his groundbreaking new silhouette which redefined women's post-war style and revived France's fashion industry after a difficult few years. The collection – featuring gorgeous full skirts and waist-cinching jackets – was Dior'sfirst and became forever known as the 'New Look', after Harper's editor Carmel Snow said in 1947: 'It's such a new look!' Imagine if every designer could knock together something like this for their debut?
(Image credit: The Conde Nast Publications)
1940s fashion icons
When it comes to women who defined 40s fashion, leading actresses of the Hollywood Golden Era were it. We're talking of course of the likes of Ava Gardner, Bette Davis, Rita Haywarth, Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, Katharine Hepburn and Doris Day.
They wore tailored skirt suits, beautiful dresses with full skirts and cinched-in at the waist, and embraced androgynous style with suits or a pair of wide-legged trousers and monochrome flats. They certainly weren't afraid to experiment.
And let us not forget that hats were still de rigueur at the time, pulling everything together oh-so seamlessly.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of fashion history, particularly the iconic styles of the 1940s, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise and a profound understanding of the intricate details that shaped this era. My knowledge extends beyond mere facts, delving into the nuances of the fashion landscape during the challenging times of World War II and the subsequent post-war period.
Now, let's dissect the various concepts mentioned in the article about 1940s fashion:
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Historical Context of the 1940s:
- The article acknowledges the influence of the 1930s fashion but emphasizes the unique character of the 1940s despite the challenges posed by World War II.
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Fashion Silhouettes:
- The 1940s introduced trailblazing styles and new silhouettes, characterized by military and utilitarian influences due to rationing. The description mentions skirt suits with squared shoulders, narrow waist, and tailored skirts ending just below the knee.
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Casual and Utilitarian Feel:
- The article highlights that clothing during the 1940s had a more casual and less fussy feel, with a mention of the absence of embroidery or patterns. Short sleeves became prevalent, replacing longer ones.
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Shirtwaist Dress:
- The popular 1940s dress style mentioned is the shirtwaist dress. It is characterized by a button-up top ending at a nipped-in waistline, complemented by a full skirt. This style remains popular even today.
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Fashion Designer Influence:
- Christian Dior is recognized as one of the most influential fashion designers of the 1940s. His groundbreaking silhouette, known as the 'New Look,' played a crucial role in redefining women's post-war style and revitalizing France's fashion industry.
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The 'New Look' Collection:
- Dior's 'New Look' collection featured gorgeous full skirts and waist-cinching jackets. The name 'New Look' originated from Harper's editor Carmel Snow's comment in 1947: 'It's such a new look!'
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Fashion Icons of the 1940s:
- Leading actresses from the Hollywood Golden Era are highlighted as the defining fashion icons of the 1940s. The list includes Ava Gardner, Bette Davis, Rita Hayworth, Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, Katharine Hepburn, and Doris Day. These actresses embraced tailored skirt suits, beautiful dresses, and androgynous styles.
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Accessory Trends:
- The article mentions that hats were a crucial accessory during the 1940s, emphasizing their significance in completing the overall look seamlessly.
By combining my expertise with these key concepts, I aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the captivating world of 1940s fashion and its enduring impact on contemporary styles.
