Well, let me tell ya somethin’ about them ladies 1940s suits. Back in the day, things weren’t like they are now, no sir. The war, that darn war, changed everything. Folks had to make do, ya know?
Them ladies, they had to be practical. Shoulders? Broad as a barn door, they were. And the waist? Cinched in tight, like a wasp’s belly. That’s how they liked it. Said it made ya look strong, but still a lady, ya know? Made them clothes last longer too, I reckon.
- Padded shoulders, big and bold.
- Tight waists, real tight.
- Skirts, they weren’t short like them young girls wear now. No sir, they went down to the knee, or even a bit lower. Decent, ya know?
They called it “military-inspired,” that look. Guess it made sense, with all them soldiers around. And the cloth? Well, they couldn’t just go buyin’ whatever they wanted. Ration coupons, they had. Had to be careful with what ya got.
Now, the early 40s, that was one thing. But then, after the war, things started changin’ a bit. Paris, they say, that’s where the fashion was at. Don’t know nothin’ ’bout that fancy Paris stuff myself, but I hear tell it was somethin’ else. Skirts got a little longer maybe, and they started wearin’ them pinafores, like little aprons over their dresses. Cute, I guess, if you like that sort of thing.
The 1940s aesthetic, they call it now. Sleek, they say. Tailored. Means it fit good, I reckon. And “utilitarian.” Now that’s a big word, but it just means practical, like I said before. They had to be able to work in them clothes, ya see? Can’t be fussin’ with fancy frills when you got work to do.
And the colors! Well, they weren’t all drab and gray, like you might think. Plaids, ginghams, flowers, all sorts of bright colors. Made things a little cheerier, I suppose. And them collars? Sometimes white, standin’ out against the dress. Made ya look sharp, I tell ya.
Them dresses, they were simple mostly. Fitted, ya know? Not all flowy and loose like some of them things they wear now. And they had them belts, to cinch in that waist. Like I said, they wanted to look strong, but still ladylike.
Night time was a bit different, though. High necklines in the front, real high, but then the back? Bare as a baby’s bottom, sometimes. A little bit of somethin’ for the fellas, I guess. And always, always them longer skirts. Can’t be showin’ too much leg, ya know?
Some folks now, they try to copy that 1940s style. They watch them videos and read them books, tryin’ to get it just right. But it ain’t the same, ya know? It’s different when you lived through it. It wasn’t just about fashion back then. It was about makin’ do, about bein’ strong, about gettin’ through tough times. And them clothes, well, they helped ya do just that.
So, that’s the story of them 1940s ladies suits, as best as I can tell ya. It wasn’t fancy, but it was practical. And it was strong. Just like the women who wore ’em.
Key styles and trends of the 1940s? Well, it’s like I said. Broad shoulders, nipped in waist, longer skirts. Simple, but it made you look good and ready for anything. That’s what it was all about.
Tags:1940s Fashion, 1940s Suits, Womens Fashion, Vintage Clothing, 1940s Style, Wartime Fashion, Practical Fashion, Tailored Clothing, 1940s Aesthetic, Shoulder Pads, Fitted Waist, 1940s Dresses