Top Ten Fashion Trends From the 1940's

Rationing:

World War impacted on almost every aspect of American life and fashion was no exception. In 1942, the United States imposed a rationing system similar to that of Great Britain spent the last year, restricts, among other things, the amount of material that can be used in a single garment. Materials, including wool, silk, leather and DuPont Corp. fledgling invention called nylon are diverted for use in their uniforms, parachutes, laces, and even the bomber's nose.

Jackets can be more than 25 cm in length, pants no more than 19 inches in circumference at the edge, bands not more than two inches wide and five no more than one inch in height. Edges rose to his knees in an effort to conserve fabric. Buttons, cuffs, pockets, and decorative details such as ruffles and lace are used sparingly. Women wore a short, boxy jackets for the V-shaped silhouette reminiscent of military uniforms. Even the Hollywood trades to create costumes for a simplified design, a move many have argued borrowed movies new air of realism.

nylon

When he was introduced in 1938, women embraced synthetic nylon as a substitute for silk stockings. In the early 1940s, though, with silk, but diverted to the war effort, the Government has recognized similar benefits for nylon and to manage as well. Women responded coating your feet in ten make-up and draw lines up the back of their calves to mimic the seams. At a time when the war ended and he returned to stocking store shelves, nylon has become the generic term for hosiery.

Swing skirt.

is a swing skirt round cut designed to look best in full nervous whirlwind. Swing skirts are a common sight at the USO dance floors as a young woman dancing with the uniformed men that is characterized by jazzy horns Big Band here. Housewives are known wear more conservative version of swing dress, sometimes in a polka-dot or tiny floral prints.

Hats

Hats became one of the few ways to express personal style with minimal means. They are worn in a wide range of styles and personalized with bits of foil, glitter, mesh, paper and string.

hair and makeup:

became elaborate hairstyles as women seek ways to contrast their boring boxes. Shoulder or long hair was introduced into complex shapes and secured Bobby pins. Screen sirens like Lauren Bacall, Veronica Lake and Rita Hayworth popularized side parts and finger waves. Makeup was dramatic, characterized mat foundation, powder, heavy eyebrows and bright purple lips.

platform pumps:

war shortage of steel and leather shoe designers are forced to get more creative and, as a result, the shoes were cobbled from materials ranging from crocodile hide to float. Shoes were more utilitarian than stylish, with low heels and a limited selection of colors. By mid to late 1940's, platform pumps with high heels in a T-straps, ankle straps and open toes replaced dowdy wedgie with his flat shape and thick cork soles.

Men like women wear:

people May Have spent the first half of 1940 in uniform, but their civilian clothes came in handy for women who filled their home-front jobs. Women raided the closets of absent men and tailored suits that fit. McCalls even introduced a pattern aimed specifically at changing men's suit to fit the feminine curves. Suddenly, sexually ambivalent look pioneered in the late 1930s Katherine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich was no longer radical. The appearance of dress pattern and electric sewing machine led women to make their own clothes from scratch, opting for the lack of wool gabardine. Many people with physically demanding jobs factory soon began to wear pants and jeans practical Rosie Riveter.

Sweaters:

By the mid 1940's, many women have abandoned the one-piece corset in favor of panties and bras that lifted and structured accentuated the bust line. In 1946, well endowed with Jane Russell appeared on the screen in a cantilevered bra designed by Howard Hughes, prefiguring shot-1950 bra and sweater girls rule. Loose-fitting cardigans were also popular, especially in universities.

Sportswear

the virtual disappearance of the French fashion house during the war led by American designers to explore their own creativity. Designers such as Bonnie Cashin and Claire McCardell were instrumental in the creation of sports, that uniquely American look featuring coordinated separates that could be worn in layers or in various combinations. trend not only gave women increased opportunities and made it as if they had more clothes than it actually is, but blurred the line between fashion and ready-to-wear showing women could be both chic and comfortable without spending a fortune.

A new look:

By the late 1940s, women sought the return of glamorous designer and bound with swirling skirts and shimmering evening gowns inspired by film stars like Ingrid Bergman, Barbara Stanwyck and Joan Crawford.

In 1947, French designer Christian Dior was almost single-handedly brought an end to war austerity fashion line with onlookers christened the new look. Heavy angles were replaced with curves, edges back down below the knee, and skirts are generously wrapped. Structured undergarments were key to the new look, which featured broad shoulders, cinched waist, emphasized bust line and padded hips. pencil skirt is figure-hugging alternative to the bouffant skirt. Men, too, longed for freedom from conservative tailoring in khaki and olive drab. They found refuge in the wide leg pants, full-length coats and suits in an array of colors. Both mens and women's pants high waist-savvy, wide cut leg and handcuffs, and come in a textured tweeds and jewel tones.

A New Look met with protests from women who have become accustomed to baring their legs and were disinclined to cover them back up. Moreover, wealthy, rich fabric designs seemed wasteful in contrast to the wartime restrictions on fabric. desire for change prevailed, however, and look flourished throughout most of the 1950th