The fashion of the 1940s

Creativity in times of need

The 1940s represent an extraordinary decade in fashion. It is inextricably linked to the Second World War and the resulting social and economic changes. The fashion that emerged amidst great hardship stands for a distinctive, stylish, and elegant silhouette.
The myth is sometimes spread that fashion came to a standstill during World War II. But that's not true. While changes did slow down due to resource scarcity, fashion never stopped.

"Fashion doesn't die because of wars. Many of the best styles are created by the constraints of war."

"This was written in March 1942 by Edna Woolman Chase, editor of American Vogue. Thus, despite all the limitations, the 1940s were groundbreaking for the following decades."

Rationing, creativity, and new silhouettes

In Europe and the USA, fabrics and trimmings were rationed due to the war. Governments precisely defined collar, pocket, and belt sizes. This led to the thoughtful and minimalist style of the 1940s look, which remains popular today. Women became creative and resourceful. Many a tablecloth was transformed into a new summer dress. Simple garments were embellished with embroidery to enhance their appearance. Zippers were also subject to rationing, so buttons increasingly took on the role of decorative elements.

Knitwear was incredibly popular despite extreme wool shortages and was a staple of 1940s wardrobes. Some garments were even unraveled multiple times and rewoven into new pieces. Multicolored Fair Isle patterns were all the rage, as they could be made from several scraps of wool.

An unmistakable symbol of women's strength and independence during this period is the broad shoulder line, accentuated by padding. The perceived role of women changed drastically. Women penetrated areas previously considered exclusively male domains. This naturally altered many women's self-image, and they realized their own independence and strength. This was also reflected in fashion. The way they dressed, wore makeup, and styled their hair changed. It was no longer just about looking pretty, but also about practicality and versatility. Clothing had to be durable, and hairstyles had to be suitable for military use.

Fashion and cosmetics made an important contribution during this difficult time. They acted as a morale booster, so to speak. A clear sign of this is red lipstick, another small symbol of strength and a touch of everyday glamour.

New freedom: Trousers for women

Perhaps the most important achievement of this decade of hardship was trousers for women. They had to be adapted to suit women, be durable, and yet still look stylish and attractive. A legacy of the 1940s is, for example, the dungaree, which served as protective clothing, or the so-called "Siren Suit," the forerunner of the jumpsuit of the 1970s.

Dresses featured the previously mentioned emphasized shoulders, a narrow waist, and a knee-length skirt. They were often worn with a bolero jacket. A lady never left the house without a suitable hat and gloves.

I could write forever about the fashion of the 1940s, a decade that personally fascinates me from a fashion perspective. But that would go beyond the scope of this blog post.
Therefore , look forward to more posts from the 1940s , which I will dedicate to shoes, hats and other accessories of this decade.

Sincerely
Yours truly, Stephanie from the Bright House Journal