1940’s in fashion for women in WW2. Trends, utility dresses, seamed stockings, peplum’s, shoulder pads, and the post war New Look.
Women in World War 2 left us an iconic and beguiling style which is forever celebrated in movies, books and magazines. Rationing encouraged women to “make do and mend”. With all resources going to the war effort, Fabric shortage meant longer skirts and less revealing evening dresses. Austerity was reflected by a more austere fashion in the early 1940’s. Makeup and hairstyles however never looked better.
Browse the 1940’s fashion trends as worn by women in that troubled decade. Find inspiration for your next 1940’s style dress, victory rolls hairstyle.
Now you know the highlights, dive in to our archive of 1940’s fashion history. Find out how women in WW2 lived, worked, served in the forces and of course dressed.
Vintage wedding style always to some extent inspire the dress a bride ultimately chooses for her special day. Bridesmaids also have a huge history to delve into for inspiration. The 1920s are never out of vogue. Here’s an account of a very 1920s English wedding day from the diary of an Elsie Wood. A 1920s …
I still remember the thrill of unearthing a 1940s vintage handbag at a local flea market—its rich patina, the sturdy shoulder strap. But then came the wallet dilemma. Too bulky and it distorted the satchel’s elegant lines; too tiny and my cards spilled into the abyss of my tote. We’ve all been there. So, how …
Trace the vintage charm of floral hats in women’s fashion. Explore how blooms shaped trends from the Edwardian era to the 1940s. Hats With Flowers: From the Edwardian Era to the 1940s The history of fashion reflects societal shifts, technological advancements, and cultural changes. Nowhere is this more evident than in headwear. Hats have played …
Vintage shoes like ballet flats were the secret style weapon of Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn. Along with wedge shoes they have remained resolutely attached to women’s feet. Ballet Flats Ballet flats originated as their name suggests as dance footwear. The much-photographed Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova brought them into the public eye thanks to Italian …
Mary, a young 1940s factory worker, begins her day with her ritual 1940s beauty routine and gets dressed for work. Mary’s 1940s Beauty Routine Mary stands in her ivory satin slip, the fabric whispering against her skin as she turns sideways in front of the tall mirror. Her reflection is a study in contradictions—the soft …
Lush technicolor Hollywood swimwear and fashion trends of 1940. Filmed in Arizona and New Mexico. The film features several young new Hollywood actresses modelling dresses, evening dresses, suits, swimsuits and summer sportswear. 1940s Swimwear and Fashion Film – 4K 60fps Actresses seen fashion modelling are Mary Martin, Martha O’Driscoll, Margaret Hayes, Virginia Dale, and new …
A snapshot of Paris 1939, on the eve of World War Two. This rare color footage is a poignant reminder of the fragility of civilized society. Filmed in Kodachrome color by Benjamin Morris Gasul.Donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. A Glimpse of Paris in 1939 This is an excerpt from a silent family …
Time travel back to 1948 for a vintage Christmas experience. Snow covered hills, a log cabin and a family decorating a Christmas tree. AI Enhanced Christmas Film from the 1940s Filmed in 1948 this is an ai enhanced edit from a 1948 film short called A Christmas Rhapsody. A lovely snowy scene in the mountains, …
Time travel back to the lost world of Lhasa Tibet in 1942, now brought to life by AI. Filmed during WW2, this AI enhanced clip is an eye opener. AI Enhanced film of Old Tibet At the height of WW2 the Allies were desperate to secure a land route that would reconnect China and India. …
Spitfire Girls is a short tribute to the girls who built and repaired the iconic RAF fighter plane during WW2. They are the forgotten British Rosie the Riveters. The unheralded British women of WW2 who built and repaired the RAF’s iconic Spitfire.AI enhanced film made in 1940/41. Original footage courtesy IWM. Spitfire Girls Film – …