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Get “In the Mood” to join the Victory Days fun!
Whether you plan to dance the night away at the 1940s-style dances or spend the day visiting the many attractions that Victory Days will offer, what better way to enhance your experience than to dress in that great 1940s style? Here are some tips to help create that 40s flair.
Women
- Hats are a must! Small, net-trimmed hats worn tipped forward and on an angle were popular. A high-fashion woman may have worn a large hat with little or no brim in the back and a high oval rim in front. The fedora also became popular during this time, and turbans were practical and as well as fashionable.
- Hemlines were just below the knees. Skirts were short and straight, topped by short jackets. Design focused on narrow hips and padded shoulders.
- “Twin set” cardigans became popular, especially when they matched the skirt.
- Shetland sweater paired with flannel slacks.
- Fancy dresses and jackets often featured peplum details or soft swags of fabric. Rayon fabric was often used, since silk was needed for the war effort! The sweetheart or the square necklines were popular. Day dresses were more casual for every day work at home.
- “Seamed” hose were created by skillful use of leg makeup and an eyebrow pencil. Ankle socks became popular since real nylon stockings were unavailable.
- Early 40s shoes were close-toed, moderately high heels and often with laces, buckles or buttons. Mid 40s saw wooden or cork wedge heels, and the “pump” having 2-inch heels, slip on style and peep-toes.
- Red, white and blue!
- “Rosie the Riveter” uniform: coveralls or overalls; shirt with rolled up sleeves; a scarf or bandana to contain the hair.
- The younger generation of girls (“Bobby sockers”) wore casual, boyish clothes - short cotton socks, flat soled loafers, sloppy Joe sweaters and blue jeans.
- The finishing touches: Red lips and nails! Hairstyles featured pin curls brushed through for a wavy effect, and the Victory Roll (worn at the back or side of the head) came into vogue.
Men
- An easy way to replicate a military service uniform is to purchase a Dickies® brand work shirt and pants (khaki color), and add some badges or stripes as appropriate. Visit our friends at WalMart as a source for this line of clothing.
- “Zoot suits” were considered the pinnacle of men’s fashion for those in the know. They consisted of oversized jackets, wide lapels and shoulders, baggy low-crotched trousers that narrowed dramatically at the ankles.
- A more traditional man’s suit reflected the war rationing that was imposed on clothing manufacture. Suits were without vests and pocket flaps, and trousers were minus multiple pleats and cuffs in order to save fabric.
- A fedora hat!
- Check out the vintage ties in great art deco styles.
- After the war, Hawaiian-influenced shirts became popular.
Children
- Young boys still sported knickers.
- Jeans and overalls
- Later in the decade, “cowboy” prints and styles became popular.
- Clothing with a military influence helped promote patriotism. Sailor collars and other military detailing, and even miniature versions of the real uniforms were seen.
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