Women’s clothing of the 1940s was generally modeled after the functional clothing produced during wartime rationing. Sloping shoulders, narrow hips and skirts that ended just below the knee were all the rage. Tailored suits were also very popular.
Contents
While girls mostly wore dresses and skirts, very young girls sometimes wore overalls. In the late 1940’s aprons like the one in Figure 27 were worn over dresses, and in the 1940’s plaids, gingham, florals and bright colors were popular choices, worn with contrasting white collars.
Popular Dressing Styles in the 1940s
The typical female dress silhouette of the 1940s was like a uniform: simple and close-fitting, with boxy shoulders, a narrow belted waist and a hemline below the knee . The style shown here is for a UK utility dress which can be purchased with ration coupons.
The most popular interior colors were navy blue, sunshine yellow, red and white, and light green.
Shoe styles of the 1940s
Women’s shoes in the 1940s were classified as loafers, pumps, sandals and boots (high shoes). The Oxfords of the 1940s were sturdy and desirable for general purposes as they supported the arches and ankles. Military low shoes were particularly popular and useful.
In the 1940s, the straps were often ruffled, giving the dress an even more classic apron look. These dresses often also had two large patch pockets.
The 1940s were characterized by a clean and sleek silhouette with a slightly military twist. Jackets, blouses, sweaters, and skirts were short and fitted, all unadorned and with the requisite sharp shoulder pads. Long sleeves were out, dresses were casual and pants and playsuits became everyday wear.
Colors often moved in the area of pastel tones. Iconographic shapes such as scallops, sweeps, and curves were common. Unfinished pine was a popular, inexpensive wood often used for kitchen cabinets. These were touches reminiscent of an earlier, more innocent time before the war.
Latest Questions
© 2023 intecexpo.com
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.