While fashion for women in the 1940’s was full of practicality and comfort, there were a few pitfalls to avoid. First, women in the decade were often seen in ugly outfits. The 1940’s fashion trend was to wear leggings and wear them to work. That would seem to be gross, but it was a way for women to look fashionable and at the same time comfortable. However, it should be noted that leggings were never appropriate to wear to work or to a nightclub. Instead, women paired them with cute sneakers and a chic moto jacket.
The clothes of the 1940’s were generally less fancy than the clothing of today. In the morning, a button-up top would be worn with a full skirt. In the evening, women wore darker colors such as brown and black. For evening, they wore clear geranium reds and navy blue. They also preferred to wear dark greens, which appeared as black mixed with other colors. For dresses, one shoulder strap was usually worn on the shoulder and the rest of the dress was longer than the other. Asymmetry was another trend in fashion in the 40s, as one rever would be longer than the other.
Headwear was also different from today. While women in the 40’s still tended to wear hats, the beret was the most popular. It was a flat, angled hat made of natural materials that matched the style of a woman’s body and head. A woman who wore a beret could wear a wide variety of hats, including a wide-brimmed one.
The waist was lowered, and the shoulders became the focus of attention. Women in the 40’s also wore trousers and blazers. Some of the most iconic outfits of the decade were made of heavy woolen fabrics. The oversized blazer paired with a pencil skirt was a great example of an elegant yet comfortable look. In addition, many women in the era wore a belt, sunglasses, and a clutch.
The bolero jacket was another popular item of clothing in the 1940’s. Its sleeves were usually narrow and had a Peter Pan collar. The bolero jacket rarely buttoned up and was often worn with pants or jeans. Its sleeved hems were usually gathered at the wrist. While the bolero’s sleeveless design was common, the turban headscarf was a popular accessory during the decade.
Women’s clothes during the 1940’s were very versatile, with women in their 40s showcasing their unique sense of style. Whether they wanted to wear a dress or a blouse, the 1940s had a turban or a pompadour. Hairstyles during the era were not restricted, and many styles of the decade still survive to this day. For those in their fifties, however, a pompadour or a turban was acceptable.
The 1940s marked the start of the era of wedge shoes. These shoes were a great alternative to high-heeled pumps because of their flat soles. While leather was still acceptable during this time, it was not a fashionable option. Moreover, the style of these shoes was largely masculine. During the 40s, girdles were large and covered the whole back. The peep toe on the girdle made it appear like granny panties.
It’s worth noting that men’s trousers were still the preferred choice of women in the 1940s. They had more freedom to wear hats and short dresses, while the long ones were more appropriate for older women. During this decade, most women’s clothes were designed for the work environment. For the socially conservative period, the trousers were not allowed. For the most part, they were only acceptable in the US.
In the first half of the decade, women’s fashion evolved with the emergence of the New Look and the renaissance in post-war style. The styles of the 1940s were influenced by the styles of the day and aimed to create a look that was both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Among the styles that were popular in the decade were the Pompadour and the Victory Rolls.
