The Classic flair of the 1940s

It would be worthless to talk about 1940s fashion without first understanding th

e tremendous impact the Second World War had on the lives of people. Since socia
l trends dictate fashion, the events of World War II would change the world of f
ashion forever. In 1939, Germany invaded Poland and France and Great Britain dec
lared war on Germany and this sparked the Second World War that would rule the l
ives of people for the next 6 years. Because of the war, Germans considered movi
ng the French couture houses to Berlin. Since the United States entered the war
in December of 1941, which is more than two years later the war begun, the trave
l difficulties between Europe and continental America meant that American design
ers would receive more attention from the press. Before this, Paris fashion tren
ds were followed in the States.
1940s fashion was affected by the fact that many factories were given to produci
ng military supplies with fashion taking second place. This means fashion houses
worked on restrictions on how much fabric per garment could be used. As soon as
Paris was liberated, fashion editors once again started to showcase their Frenc
h designs again in magazines. The Paris couture once again became the leader whe
n Christian Dior showcased his New Look of lengthened and widened skirts, a move t
hat was a reaction to the deprivation of fabric that was experienced during the
war years. American designers had also begun to be more prominent and to see the
m take a place in the world of fashion.
In an effort to comply to the war yardage restrictions imposed on garments, Amer
ican designers began to create a new 1940s fashion of short skirts and short jac
kets that were less than 25 inches in length. This new fashion trend of the 40s
replaced the long flowing gowns that had emerged in the previous decade. This co
nservative look would remain fashionable through multiple seasons. Classic sport
swear styles took hold on college campuses and were adopted by all levels of soc
iety and age groups. The 1940s fashion would also see the emergence of separates
that would create the illusion of more outfits. This was seen with the transiti
on of the separate pieces in women fashion, the bra and the girdle. The end of t
he severe rationing of metal would also see the emergence of leather shoes studd
ed with nailheads, a sign of opulence and luxury. Interestingly, the classic look
created in the 1940s fashion era never seems to go out of style. Wonder why?