Five ’40s Dresses That Capture the Era

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Keep reading after the jump to see the 5 styles I think best represent the ’40s, and to see which one best fits your vintage-inspired life!I was hesitant to model these ’40s dresses because I’ve never declared myself a ’40s or ’50s fashion kind of girl. Since I’m more of a ‘70s clothing kind of gal, I was worried the era just wouldn’t look good on me!

But what I learned after modeling these dresses is that I do enjoy wearing styles of the ’40s! Like life itself, it’s actually empowering to experiment with our fashion choices sometimes. I’m glad I kept an open mind and heart to stay inspired and share these styles with you!

So I want to know: Do you own a ’40s dress? Which of these dresses do you want in your closet right now?

Let me know by leaving some love in the comments below, or saying hello on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram! 

xx, SD

 

Military Red ’40s Dress

Dress Available from Hinesite Vintage

THE ’40s STYLE: It’s a maroon red rayon dress that captures the essence of the wartime era to the T, from the functional material, austere design and serious color.

Styles were fitted tight to the body to preserve materials for World War II. Without attractive embellishment or designs, a dress like this was cut to the knee to draw attention to the leg — so work those calf muscles ladies!

Buttons along the chest pockets and bodice paired with the skirt’s knife pleats capture the military look of the day.

WEAR THIS IF YOU … Like to rock your hair properly coiffed and styled, don’t mind heels and if you could, would wear nylons with black lines down the back of your legs all day, everyday.

This is the perfect dress for the lady who likes to look perfectly put together without having to wear a ton of separates or accessories.

WEAR THIS WHEN GOING TO … An event of professional nature. This dress would make a killer appearance at a convention, business meeting or networking event.

This dress was designed as a patriotic nod and stylish support for soldiers fighting overseas. Without having to say a single word, your style communicates that you mean business!

Novelty Print ’40s Dress

Dress Available from Hinesite Vintage

THE ’40s STYLE: It’s a novelty print rayon dress with cap sleeves and attached material at the neck which forms an ascot at the chest.

Because silk was used for soldiers’ parachutes during World War II, rayon became a popular alternative to silk when making dresses in the ’40s. Designed with goofy but sweet clowns, the dress has a childish tone while staying incredibly feminine at the same time as it hugs the figure and shows off a girl’s ruves.

The soft rayon material cinches your waist and flares to midi length halfway down the calf, leaving lots to be desired to the eye of the beholder!

WEAR THIS IF YOU … Aren’t clownin’ around with your style! In all seriousness, this is a dress that talks, so expect to talk a lot about it when the people you meet want a closer look at the cute clowns you’re wearing.

It’s the perfect piece for the lady with a vibrant personality who isn’t afraid to chat about her creativity!

WEAR THIS WHEN GOING TO … Somewhere you plan on meeting strangers. Bridal showers, housewarming parties and speed dating events (seriously! I’ve always wanted to wear vintage to one) are great venues to release the full potential of a dress like this.

The print’s “novelty” attributes will strike up conversation with the people around you, and you’ll leave having made a memorable impression on friends old and new.

Suit Style ’40s Dress

Dress Available from Hinesite Vintage

THE ’40s STYLE: It’s a one piece dress designed to look like a skirt suit.

The dress zips along the side hem and buttons along the bodice, but you can’t switch out that top or bottom to pair it with something else. This is a two-in-one deal!

WEAR THIS IF YOU … Are the proud owner of beautifully dark features, curves and a penchant for finger curls, black eyeliner and a bold red lip.

In other words, to keep this dress from looking like something better worn for Church Sunday’s best, you want to own it in a modern way with sexy style and a vivacious personality.

My friend Jasmin of Vintage Vandal would rock this dress!

WEAR THIS WHEN GOING TO … A low lit smokey bar, preferably one that serves cocktails with catchy names (and strong ingredients), plays live jazz and between you and me, inspires all the boys to eye you up as you bend over to seductively whisper your drink order to the bartender!

Country Plaid ’40s Dress

Dress Available from Hinesite Vintage

THE ’40s STYLE: It’s a casual style for the era that’d have been worn gardening (the pockets are perfect for your pruners and the color camouflages any grass or dirt stains), playing with children in the yard or walking into town to gather fresh produce at the local market.

WEAR THIS IF YOU … Are comfortable wearing all-over patterns and enjoy a bit of style challenge!

To update for a non-outdoors activity you’d want to layer on some accessories (cardi, belt, tights, shoes) to boost the color palette and lessen the style’s Town & Country look.

WEAR THIS WHEN GOING TO … The town’s outdoor market for farm-to-table fruits, vegetables and other local goodies.

It’s the perfect weekend day dress that can be accessorized with neon brights a la the 2012 trend, or kept pure in its full vintage glory with a straw hat, basket and a pair of summer’s finest espadrille shoes.

Polka Dot ’40s Dress

Dress Available from Hinesite Vintage

THE ’40s STYLE: It’s a more lively take on the traditional polka dot pattern, which makes it a more eye catching piece than the average polka.

The ’40s lady was liberated from the girdle thanks to wartime restrictions (the less fabric you wore, the more patriotic your style personality) so to make up for a woman’s slightly increased waist sans cinch-wear, dresses like this had elastic waistbands to accommodate that after lunch bloat!

WEAR THIS IF YOU … Love the color red! A girl can’t wear this unless she’s already loving this passionate shade, and some blue dots on top are just a vintage bonus.

It’s a great style for the curves-endowed lady. Thanks to the fabric’s flexibility and that expandable waist, it’s going to fit a range of sizes and won’t need alteration if you ever gain or lose a few.

WEAR THIS WHEN GOING TO … To your 9 to 5 day job, dinner with the in-laws or a PTA meeting for your kids.

It’s just enough spunk for the vintage sister who wants her style to sing without feeling like she’s screaming it out loud.

That makes this dress both work and family appropriate. People will know you’re in the room, and they’ll be giving you a complimentary eye and asking you, “Where on the earth did you find that dress?”

1940s Dresses Video

This video is an advertisement of women’s dresses in the 1940s. Note the references to rayon material (easy to wash!) and patriotic colorways to support the war.

Thank you to Hinesite Vintage for loaning vintage clothing for the creation of this article.

MORE ’40s FASHION

TRENDS: How ’40s Fashion Keeps it Modern for 2012
INSTRUCTION: How to Dress in American 1940s Fashion
DRESS CODE: The ’40s Silhouette Revealed on Glamourdaze.com
MODERN: How ’40s Fashion Looks Great Right Now
HISTORY: How Women Wore World War Two Fashion
WHERE TO BUY: Great ’40s Dress Styles from Stop Staring!