40 s fashion

40 s fashion 

Stylish women in their 40s showing us that age is nothing but a number. Icons of fashion for women in their 40s.

The interesting thing about our current love of everything 80s is that, back then, fashion had its own vintage trend – the 1940s.

During that era, fashion was far more utilitarian. Given that war dominated half the decade and women were encouraged to make-do-and-mend, its easy to see how fashion reflected the sobriety of the time. Materials were heavy and durable, colours were muted and tailoring was formal and practical. By comparison, the 80s was a decade of excess and prosperity (followed by sudden recession, like 2009) – the palette was loud, brash and clashing, materials were far more expensive and luxurious and ‘power-dressing’ meant that women could flaunt their sexuality and confidence.

However, despite the seemingly different concerns of the time, much of 80s fashion was inspired by the 40s. For example, the 80s broad-shouldered/cinched-waist jackets I talked about in my previous post, were first made fashionable during the 40s.

40 s fashion 

40 s fashion

40 s fashion

40 s fashion

40 s fashion

40 s fashion

40 s fashion

40 s fashion

40 s fashion

40 s fashion

1940's womens fashion - A night out

1940s fashion - Womens Hairstyles during the War - Veronica Lake