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20th Century Fashion

Women Fashions: 1940s

Welcome to The Costume Gallery's research area for 20th Century Fashions during the 1940s. This era is frequently referred to as the Big Band era. Swing music was fashionable and reflected the way people dressed. This decades fashions were heavily influenced by World War II. There were many fashions from this era as you will see by the references below.

EXTRA! EXTRA!!!
We are in the news! The Associated Press interviewed The Costume Gallery about 1940s fashions. Click HERE to read the article (go to page 2).

Links to Research:

  An American Point of View: The Vincent Collection

  American Vintage Blues: 1940-1950

  Christine's Costume Page: 1940s (Australia)

 The Costume Institute:

  1947 Evening Gown

  1948 Ball Gown

  Fashion in the Forties

  History of Jantzen Red Bathing Suits: 1940s

  Mannequins: From Plaster to Fiberglass

  Nylon Riots (History Channel)

 Opera-Gloved Celebrities 1940s (***this is a massive site with tons of beautiful photos. Make sure to click on the images for enlargements!)

  1940s Celebrities High Fashion

Pattern and Images from 1940-1949: Sense and Sensibility Site

  Handbags: Then and Now

  Shoes: 1935-1945

  Vintage Fashion Collection: 1840-1940

  Wartime Fashions

 Women of Style: 1949 Evening Gown Photograph

  Womens' Fashions in the 1940s by Carol Nolan

CLICK HERE: Take the class and make this swing dress!

Take an online class at The Costume Gallery's Costume Classroom and learn how to make your own 1940s swing dress from the pattern above. Jennie Chancey, the instructor, is one of our most popular teachers. She is very patient with her students. She is also going to teach hair and makeup tips for the 1940s in her online class. Click HERE or on the pattern for more details on the class.

 Suggested Reading:

Click on Books to Order

1940s Hairstyles

Authentic 1940s Hairstyles : Tips and Tricks For Creating Authentic 1940s Hairstyles

Fashions of a Decade: The 1940s

Everyday Fashions of the Forties

Blueprints of Fashion: Home Sewing Patterns of the 1940s

Fashion Sourcebooks the 1940s

Go to:

WOMEN FASHIONS

1900 | 1910 | 1920 | 1930 | 1940 | 1950

1960 | 1970 | 1980-1990

Designers | Film/ Movies | Hairstyles

Celebrities & Royalty | Men | Children

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