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| Selection of reproduction vintage from Heyday! |
Shirtwaist or tea dress
- One of the easiest ways to create a vintage looking outfit, just throw together some coordinating accessories to achieve an effortless 40s look. Ditsy floral patterns work well as this adds a bit of interest but a solid colour works wonderfully too.
Swing trousers
- At a time when it was just becoming acceptable for women to dress in trousers, these loose fitting, high waisted slacks were the perfect workwear for the factory workers during the war. Choose navy with cream detailing for a nautical feel or tweed brown for a more traditional look.
Pencil skirt
- So simple and still regarded a wardrobe staple in today's fashion, pencil skirts are great for enhancing a curved silhouette. Pair with a blouse or wrap top for effortless chic.
Blouse
- The key thing to look for in a 1940s style blouse is it's structured fit. Short, boxy styles with shoulder pads were very popular as they accentuated the figure whilst using rationed fabric effectively.
Wrap or tie top
- Slightly more relaxed than the 40s blouse, these can be paired
with your swing trousers for a comfortable and practical daytime
outfit.
Knitwear
- This is an absolute must for a wartime wardrobe! Wool was definitely the fabric of choice during rationing as damaged or worn out garments could simply be unpicked and knitted into something new. Sweaters, cardigans and tank tops would all feature in the average wardrobe.
Brogues or court shoes
- Shoes were limited so needed to be practical and hard wearing. Short, thick heels or flat soles were most popular as they provided all day comfort. Opt for neutral colours like black or brown as they will go with more.
Headscarf or snood
- Both of these are great for keeping hair under control during the
working day, think 'Rosie the Riveter'.
Additional accessories
- Gloves can instantly make your vintage outfit feel more authentic. Colour match them to your handbag and shoes for a truly sophisticated look.
- Stockings were a luxury item during the war and would only have been available on the black market. Best kept for very special occasions!
- Handbags tended to be less fashionable and more practical during the war with the rather masculine satchel bag becoming a popular choice.
Although not part of your wardrobe as such, I have to mention red lippy and victory rolls! No 1940s outfit would be complete without the iconic look of the decade.
It is advisable to stick to one colour group for your capsule vintage wardrobe, as this makes it easier to coordinate outfits together. I tend to stick to mainly khaki greens, browns and navy blues when choosing staple garments with a 1940s feel as they have a certain military feel to them which would have been popular during the war. Wartime clothing had a tendency to be darker in colour as fabrics were often dyed and reused when the garments wore out to avoid unnecessary waste.
What would you say is your must have vintage garment? Maybe a true vintage find that takes pride of place in your wardrobe? Or a fantastic reproduction that you've treated yourself to? As always, it would be great to hear from you!
This is a really great start. I would say there are 3 eras when talking about the 1940's: pre war, wartime, and after WW2. The styles are a little bit different pre war and during wartime. Pre war it was mostly an extension of the late 30's looks with tulip skirts and puffed sleeves. It's interesting to look at the silhouette of the time to get a better feel for what was in style. And rationing kept things to a minimum. Check out CC41 clothing.
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