The revival of 1940’s fashion styles continues to go from strength to strength. It never ceases to amaze me that the era of frugality and rationing also produced one of the most fashionable periods in history. British women put their red lipstick on with pride, stained their legs with cold tea when hosiery was hard to come by, and put their best foot forward. It was the age of bravery - women did what they needed to do to cope with the daily reports from the front line, hearing of brothers, husbands or lovers far away, and made sure they looked their best when they came home.
I still can’t fathom the hair styles of the period, but here in London there are lots of vintage hairstylists like Lipstick and Curls springing up to help you finish off the look with some amazing victory rolls!
A good way of getting the true look of the 40’s is to watch lots of old movies such as ‘The Philidelphia Story’ (1940) starring the ultra stylish Katherine Hepburn.
‘Rebecca’ (1940) directed by Alfred Hitchcock or ‘Mrs Miniver’ (1942) starring Greer Garson.
Cinema saw a spike in popularity during the Second World War due to the human need for escapism. Ordinary women would emulate the hairstyles and fashions of their screen idols, and in those days most women were capable of making their own dresses!
If you are wanting the 40’s look there are a few easy ways to bring it together.
1. seamed stockings
2. Red lipstick and nails.
3. A vintage handbag.
Whether you prefer authentic vintage or reproduction dresses, forties shapes flatter all figures, from the pencil to the classic tea dress. I love the 'Satin Sweetheart Dress' by Tara Starlet for a glamorous evening look.
Stop Staring's Majorette Dress in Army Green.
A great way to achieve a high impact look is the headscarf. With a few Victory Rolls peeping out it gives instant glamour to any outfit. Read the Vixen Vintage blog for an easy to follow tutorial.
It is thrilling to note this Summer in London will be full of plenty of opportunities to show off this fabulous 40s look! Starting with Blitz Party on Saturday 14th May, The Chap of the Year Ball on Saturday 21st May, Swing for Skin on 4th June - a 40s style tea dance fundraiser on the deck of HMS Belfast, and The Chap Olympiad on Saturday 16th July. So you see, investing in some key 1940s pieces for your wardrobe will not go to waste!
This article was written by Rebecca McWattie, founder of Stop Traffic Clothing for the Swing for Skin blog.
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