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Old 09-03-2011, 03:51 AM   #1
Anders Gabrielsson
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Default British 1940's Fashion

What would be a provocative but not scandalous mode of dress for an unmarried, middle-class woman in her twenties in London circa 1940?
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Old 09-03-2011, 05:01 AM   #2
smurf
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Default Re: British 1940's Fashion

A uniform!

High hem lines was pretty much a no no. Dressing down would be acceptable due to rationing, dressing up may be frowned upon. Unless they were going to a high society thing.

A note on the fact 5 years of the decade there was a war on. The other 5 years was still pretty much austerity but no requirement to pull together for a war effort.
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Old 09-03-2011, 05:58 AM   #3
Anders Gabrielsson
 
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Default Re: British 1940's Fashion

Hehe, this is about her civilian clothes. She'll be in uniform occasionally... but usually one from the enemy.
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Old 09-03-2011, 12:46 PM   #4
RogerBW
 
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Default Re: British 1940's Fashion

The clothing will be clean and neat, but not obviously new; it may even be visibly mended, and has probably been cut to shape by the wearer or a close friend. It's likely to be a dress rather than jacket-and-skirt, but that's not certain; a cardigan-and-skirt or blouse-and-skirt is also plausible. Skirts are (just) below the knee. (Trousers are working garb, and only for some jobs at that.)

If she's being influenced by American trends, broad shoulders. If she's wanting to be provocative and has substantial breasts, a sweater or cardigan (following Lana Turner in They Won't Forget). Gloves are essential, and probably colour-coordinated; ditto hats. Stockings are cotton or silk, not nylon, and ladder easily; if they can't be found, a seam may be painted onto the bare leg.
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Old 09-03-2011, 02:57 PM   #5
Anders Gabrielsson
 
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Default Re: British 1940's Fashion

Thanks! This helps.
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Old 09-04-2011, 10:45 AM   #6
johndallman
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Default Re: British 1940's Fashion

Recommended book: The 1940s Look, by Mike Brown, Sabrestorm Publishing.
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Old 09-04-2011, 02:30 PM   #7
Anders Gabrielsson
 
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Thanks for the tip! I'll keep that in mind.
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Old 09-04-2011, 08:01 PM   #8
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Default Re: British 1940's Fashion

Here's a brief but informative page on 1940s fashion, with particular reference to the effect of materials rationing. http://doloresmonet.hubpages.com/hub...s-of-the-1040s
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Old 09-05-2011, 05:58 AM   #9
Anders Gabrielsson
 
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That was an excellent rundown. Thanks!
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