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| Gals in the 1940s in their summer wear |
Here is the third installment of the Throwback Thursday style inspiration posts I have been releasing each week. This week's focus is the 1940s. Click here for the 1920s and 1930s. The 1940s was a decade struck by great terror - World War II. Half the decade was taken up by official war, and the effects of the war lasted for the entirety of it. However, women did not let rationing affect their sense of style. To me, the 1940s is an era of incredible sophistication. Women drew on the seam of their stockings on to their bare legs, because nylon was rationed. They made dresses, skirts and suits out of old material under the campaign 'Make Do and Mend'. This little post shall highlight the basics of hair, fashion and makeup of the 1940s.
1940s Hair
The hairstyles of the 1940s are one of my favourite eras to recreate. Longer hair was more popular amongst women, who styled it using pin curls to achieve intricate updos and gorgeous waves. My go-to vintage hairstyle is the Pageboy, one which was popular in this decade. A popular updo of the era was the poodle, which is an incredibly cute and practical hairstyle that suits every face shape! Adorn your hair with flowers and ribbons for a complete, polished look.
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| Betty Grable - The 'Pageboy' |
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| Betty Grable - The 'Poodle' |
1940s Fashion
As mentioned above, women had to make do with what they had, which resulted in women making almost their entire wardrobe by hand at home. Tea dresses were a popular style of dress, with slightly broad shoulders, nipped in waist and calf length. Suits were also popular, as were trousers. This was because when husbands went away to fight, women took on what was previously the man's role - working. Women worked in the factories as well as in the fields which was all part of the war effort.
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| A woman in overalls |
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| 1940s suit - accentuating the 'womanly' figure |
1940s Makeup
Women's brows became thicker than the previous decades pencil thin ones. Eyeshadow was still minimal. Lipstick was popular in pink and red tones, with a much rounder shape to the upper lip. Makeup had to remain minimal as it was rationed, so a little had to go a long way.
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| Ava Gardner |
Lovely post! I adore 1940s makeup. It was more natural (in terms of a full face) than the 30s looks often were, but not as OTT as some 50s faces. Albeit with somewhat more winged liner than was common in the 40s, my everyday face usually channels the forties more than any other decade.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica