The 1940s was the time when there were fabric restrictions, but this did not stop women from dressing fashionably. The designers of that time used their intelligence and creativity to design some really stylish and sexy 50 Style Dresses. Their vintage designs left a strong impact on the fashion scene so much so that after so many decades vintage clothing is popular yet again. Today, you will find an increasing number of women wearing vintage-inspired clothing to make a style statement. Lets us have a glance at a few popular 1940s dress styles.
This is one of the most popular 1940s dress top that can be worn easily by slipping it over the head. It has buttons in front extending till the waist. Both fabric and plastic buttons were used. Shirtwaists with chest pockets and those without collar were also worn. Gathers were also used for better fitting at the bust. Sometimes shirtwaists had one or two chest pockets for a casual style and collarless for afternoon wear. Pintucks were also used in various creative ways to make the top look fancy. This is apt to wear for a casual get together and even as maternity clothing as it is very comfortable and easy to wear. Another style similar to the shirtwaist dress is the button down dress where buttons were used in both symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns for an exceptional look.
This was a daily wear 50's Style Dresses for both housewives and even working women. Also known as the cross-front dress, in this style, the cloth from one side would drape to the other side with a front or back bow. Both wrap front top dresses and full-length wrap dresses were popular. These were also known as brunch coats and popularly worn by elderly women too due to its flexible fitting. Necklines were high with no cleavage showing. Wrap over skirt dress also became popular during this time.
Shirred dresses looked great highlighting the waist and hiding the imperfections with the gathers cleverly. In the 1940s, shirring could be more or less as per the fabric and occasion. For a fuller chest look, shirring on top or below or to the side of the bust was done. Those with a slim waist preferred wearing a shirred top. For evening wear a full shirred gown was popular as it made one look perfectly sexy and stunning. These were also in trend for wearing to the cocktail parties. Shirred sleeves were also in. So, these were a few vintage dress styles. As mentioned in part 1, the 1940s was the time when women paid a lot of attention to their dressing in spite of the World War fabric rationing. The 1940s dress styles are everlasting and this is why they are becoming popular in the contemporary fashion scene. Here are some more vintage dress styles. .
Dancing is something we all love and it was equally popular in the 1940s too. Swing dresses were perfect for parties as they have enough room to move the legs freely and enjoy the dance. This was a dress with full skirts and baggy arms. In the 1950s when the fabric restrictions were lifted, more pleats were used to make the skirts more flowing as one danced or walked. Arm movement was also easy with puffy sleeves lending perfect flexibility. These dresses had a tight panel in the waist that further enhanced the overall look. Necklines were not deep and just a small V or square neck was the usual style in swing dresses. In the 50s, these dresses became popular with halter necks and thin spaghetti straps. These easy-going outfits are becoming quite popular.
This style used the navy blue and white colour combination as these were nautical inspired. These patriotic style designs became quite popular. All blue 1950s Style Dress UK with buttons and white stripes at the hem, collar and arm cuffs were common. The sailor theme was used in skirts, pants, shorts and swimwear as well. Other colour combinations were blue- red and red-white. These are perfect to be worn for any war-related event or on national festivals. These slim fit dresses look quite smart.
Resembling the dirndl dress, the pinafore dress was a jumper style dress with an apron or bib with shoulder straps that crossed at the back. Ruffled straps gave them a perfect vintage look. The highlight of these dresses were large patch pockets in front. These dresses could be worn as it is or teamed up with a blouse. These were the favourite of teenagers and young girls. .
Printed dresses especially floral prints were quite popular during the 1940s. But around mid 40s border printed dresses also became quite common. In these, prints were on the borders on the lower part of the dress and around sleeves. These dresses looked vibrant and fun just ideal for the spring season. This trend did not stay for long but was again popular during the 1950s. These spring dresses looked great in summer shades of yellow, green and blue.
This 1950s Dresses UK style was popular among teenage girls. The peasant blouse and dirndl skirt looked adorable and were comfy as well. Even young women used to wear peasant dresses. The skirts had nice fun, striped or check prints and had wide ruffles towards the bottom that had white lace or rickrack. The top looked nice with a gathered neckline, puffy sleeves or gathered short sleeves with an elastic. Basically, a peasant dress joins a skirt and laced corset top together resulting in a dirndl dress. Large print peasant dresses and simple plain dresses enhanced with white lace and were quite in trend. This dress style was quite popular during summers in all circles.
Another style for mature women was pocket dresses where oversized pockets were there in front of shirtwaist, peasant, apron, or swing dresses. These looked very smart and stylish. Pockets were of contrasting colour and fabric so that it would stand out.
Deep necklines and showing cleavage was a big NO in the 1940s. Sheer dresses were ideal for spring and were a welcome relief to be worn on warm days. Sheer fabrics were quite good and added to the quality of the dress making them suitable for Sunday brunch or afternoon tea. These dresses were not transparent as a thick solid lining was used leaving the chest and neck area. Gathers frill, laces, button and varying collars and neck styles were used to accentuate these 50s Dresses UK.
The peplum dress of the 40s was once again popular in the 80s. A peplum dress is tight at the waist and lose like a skirt hung down just over the hips and an attached skirt. It made the waist looked slimmer by adding extra volume at the hips. The peplum can be small or longer giving a slim effect to the waist. Before you buy such a dress, make sure it suits you. Semi-formal peplum style tops looked best with pencil skirts and straight skirts. They were also worn as part of vintage ladies suits.
The 1940s pinup dresses looked classic and sexy. This is one of those unique dresses that accentuated one's curves and so quite loved by the men. Some key aspects of these seductive dresses are a low bust line, tight fit, and cap sleeves. Some popular colours for pinup dresses were red, black and navy blue.