The 1940s are well-known for the Second World War, a global event that changed the lives of millions of people. Resources ran thin all over the world, and fashion became largely about practicality rather than setting trends. Today, we’re going to learn some history, take a look at what was popular during this period, and go over how you can incorporate 1940s aesthetics into your wardrobe today.

 Wartime Sacrifices

Starting in 1941, the war effort forced countries around the world to rely on rationing everything to get by, and that included clothing. Britain in particular simplified the production of clothes by limiting manufacturing to Utility clothing—that is, a line of simple, functional garments that were accessible to people of all socioeconomic standings. Women’s Utility clothing incorporated trends that were left over from the 1930s, like strong shoulders and cinched waists, but hemlines were cut just below the knee, likely to save on fabric.

The 2-Piece Lapel Puff Sleeve Solid Blouse & High-Waisted Skirt set has all the essential elements of 1940s womenswear, even down to the limited cream-and-brown color palette. This ensemble blends femininity and sophistication for a result that’s anything but drab. These pieces are also available separately, so you can mix and match them for different occasions.

On the other hand, the 1940s Floral Shirt-Neck Belt Dress can be considered a loose interpretation of ‘40s fashion with its brightly colored floral print. This piece is available in two colors and features a crisp shirt collar, half-length cuffed sleeves, and a simple ribbon belt.

Some producers purposely tried to offset the strictly regulated appearance of Utility clothing by using more appealing colors and patterns, as seen in the Orange 1940s Houndstooth Doll Collar Dress. The orange coloring works with the rounded Peter Pan collar and puff sleeves to really liven up the piece into something cute and fun by today’s standards.

The Purple 1940s Petunia Lapel Dress takes a page from the book of American designer Claire McCardell, who specialized in casualwear for the everyday woman. Sporting short cap sleeves and a cheery petunia print to contrast the sharp lapel collar and button-down design, this piece is perfect for strolling through the gardens, relaxing in the backyard, or having a picnic in the park.

Another beautifully carefree option is the Blue 1940s Rose Plaid Lace-Up Dress, a sleeveless piece made of blue-and-white plaid crepe fabric stamped with gold roses. A ribbon belt ties at the waist to accentuate the figure, and a double-sided pentagonal neckline with a pointed lapel collar brings the 1940s charm you know and love.

Evening Elegance

If you were lucky (and wealthy) enough, you might find yourself attending lavish parties and social events despite the war raging on in the background. Women’s evening wear in the 1940s sometimes incorporated structural elements the same way that daytime dresses did, but on the whole, they tended to be longer, flowier, and made of more luxurious fabrics.

The Black 1940s Rose Lantern-Sleeve Lace-Up Dress is a gorgeous example of what a less extravagant dinner dress would have looked like, featuring popular trends of the time such as the plunging wrap neckline and the below-the-knee hemline. Despite its relative simplicity, the breathtaking rose print and lantern sleeves with bishop-style cuffs really up the elegance to make this piece something extraordinary.

If black isn’t your color, the 1940s V-Neck Rose Long-Sleeve Dress is the perfect alternative with its delicate cream-and-pink palette and bishop sleeves. This dress sets itself apart from the previous piece with a V-neckline and a slimming waist panel with button accents that match those on the cuffs. No matter which option suits you best, you’re bound to look stunning.

A Revealing Revolution

During and especially after WWII, swimwear trends were continuing their trajectory from the 1930s and becoming even more revealing. The ‘40s even gave us the first bikini, though it was so scandalous that it was outright banned in most places. Nevertheless, body-hugging one-pieces and daring two-pieces took beaches by storm, showing more skin than ever before and experimenting with eye-catching colors and designs.

The 1940s Halter Polka-Dot Bow One-Piece Swimsuit has roots in early 20th-century swim dresses, coming down just below the hip with its two-tiered ruffled skirt. This suit contrasts its sweet polka-dot pattern and bow accent with a daring halter strap neckline, much like what some adventurous ladies were wearing in the ‘40s. Not only that, but it comes in three different colors, and the pink version is available in plus sizes!

The 1940s Striped Halter Swimsuit Set showcases all the fun, boundary-pushing motifs that were gaining popularity in the ‘40s, most notably the midriff-baring two-piece construction. While it may seem tame compared to some suits you see today, back then, this set would have turned heads at the beach with its striped halter top and high-rise bottoms with floral button accents. Vintage lovers who are looking for a mix of modesty and attitude can get this set in either green or blue, with plus sizes available in green.

Finally, there’s the 1940s Halter Patchwork One-Piece Swimsuit, which comes in four different colors and can be seen as a sort of middle ground between the previous two swimsuits. While it certainly covers more skin than your typical two-piece, its provocative tied halter neckline and skin-tight bottoms represent some of the more groundbreaking aspects of women’s swimwear from the era. The polka-dot trim at the neckline, hem, and waist also brings a ton of feminine personality to this piece, which is really what the experimental beach looks of the ‘40s were all about.

Conclusion

Looking back, it might seem like life pretty much stopped while World War II was going on, but that’s far from being true. Rather than stagnating, fashion adapted to the times just as it always does, and new innovations were being made despite the difficult circumstances of the decade. We hope this tale of perseverance through hardship inspires you to keep the spirit of 1940s fashion alive by integrating into your own wardrobe.

You can find all the ‘40s-inspired pieces from this article and much more on the Retro Stage website.