09-03-2011, 03:51 AM | #1 |
Join Date: Jun 2011
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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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09-03-2011, 05:01 AM | #2 |
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Bristol
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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. |
09-03-2011, 05:58 AM | #3 |
Join Date: Jun 2011
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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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09-03-2011, 12:46 PM | #4 |
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: near London, UK
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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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09-03-2011, 02:57 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Re: British 1940's Fashion
Thanks! This helps.
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09-04-2011, 10:45 AM | #6 |
Night Watchman
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Cambridge, UK
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Re: British 1940's Fashion
Recommended book: The 1940s Look, by Mike Brown, Sabrestorm Publishing.
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09-04-2011, 02:30 PM | #7 |
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Re: British 1940's Fashion
Thanks for the tip! I'll keep that in mind.
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09-04-2011, 08:01 PM | #8 |
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Oz
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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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09-05-2011, 05:58 AM | #9 |
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Re: British 1940's Fashion
That was an excellent rundown. Thanks!
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Tags |
fashion, united kingdom, wwii |
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