Fashion Through the Years – 1940’s Style

Whether you realize it or not, the second I say the word “retro,” you’ll be thinking of that old fashioned 1940s glamour. After the roaring 20s, women in the 40s aimed to put the “lady” back in “ladylike.” The signature styles of this bygone era are opulent, well structured, and absolutely master the art of understated sex appeal. Perfecting these styles is all about accentuating the feminine physique without showing too much.   (Photo Credits-Left: Fashion in 1940s  Center: 1940s Right:  Better Times)

Now I don’t know about you, but when I think of retro glam, my mind goes right to 1940s style dresses. 

They’re famously fun and full of life, many with well-structured shoulders that act as the precursor to what would become the 1980s shoulder pad obsession. For warm spring days, every Diva in the 1940s had an A-Line halter dress on standby! To keep things demure, hemlines always hit just below the knee, never higher.

Now I know the topic of Fashion Fur is always a hot button issue, but whether you prefer the real thing or tend to op for the faux option, you have to admit that there’s nothing quite like a luxurious fur piece.  (Photo Credits-Left: 1940s Right: 1940s)

Forties fashionistas knew that adding one fur element to any look seriously amped up the glamour. From shawls, to coats, to statement hats, these luxurious ladies had it covered! Fur is coming back in a big way this winter. In fact, even as I’m typing this, I’m taking a page out of their book by wearing a (faux) fur vest! Fun, and in this chilly weather, functional.

Women’s fashion in this oh-so-opulent era quite literally reached from head to toe.

Having a bad hair day in the 40s was no excuse to not show off your fabulousness. When in doubt, you could just throw on a hat, and you were set!  (Photo Credits-Left: The Closet Right: 1940s Fashion)

Not so sure about a hat? You could always turn to your trusty headscarf instead!

Headscarves were a huge trend in the 40s that added just the right amount of ladylike sass to even the most classic looks. 

These ladies had no fear of wind gusts or convertibles. When it came to fashion, a true 1940s woman knew the power of  feminine functionality!  (Photo Credit-1940s Fashion)

Under all of this fabulous head wear, you best believe there was some seriously stylish hair!

You can’t discuss 1940s fashion without talking about these signature hairstyles, referred to today as, “suicide rolls.” Harsh name aside, nothing says retro quite like this look. Elegant, rolling swoops created volume and framed those oh-so-gorgeous faces.  (Photo Credit-Left: 1940s Right: 1940s)

So what have we 21st century Divas taken from all this?

If you look closely enough, you’ll see that the 40s are all around us. Pop queens and catwalk fashionistas make sure the retro glamour of the fabulous 40s stays alive and kickin’!

(Photo Credits0-Left:  Fall Lookbook Top Right: Gaga for Gaga Mid Right: 40s Bottom Right: All the Pretty Little Things)

So what do you say, Divas? Did any of these styles find their way into your closet?  If so, let us know which ones you’re sporting in the comments!

Until next time, wear your heels well!

Fashion’ista Diva-In-Training

P.S.  If you like what you’ve just read, please Pin-It!