Men's Fashion
World War II guided men's fashion in the early part of the 1940s, often leading to basic business suits being the style of choice - much like suits today! Restrictions on fabric use during the war lead to both simpler suits and many men wearing their suits from the 1930s. Suits, as one might guess, were worn for almost every occassion. They were typically found in muted, neutral colors, with lighter colors coming out in the summer months. Wool, tweed, and rayon were used to create these suits.
Vests were considered wasteful and many men ceased wearing them during the war. While suspenders were still popular, the belt became more and more prominent as pants became fitted at the waist. Collared shirts and wacky ties - curly lines, polka dots, animals, everything - were worn underneath suit jackets. Pocket squares, otherwise known as handkerchiefs, were kept in the front pocket of a suit for show. More casual clothing began to appear, usually consisting of knitted shirts, casual collared shirts, and sports coats. For the wintertime, cardigan sweaters were quite popular. Many men also had boxy wool overcoats and trench coats, both of which that were cut down to the knee. Lace-up oxfords were the most common shoe for men at the time. Socks were tall, and had to held up using garters. |
Everyday Women's Fashion
World War II touched every element of life, including fashion! Dresses were shortened to fall to the knee as fabric became scarce. Shoulder pads were used to create a boxy military style. Sleeves often came down to the elbows, and were slightly puffed. Although there were many necklines, no cleavage would show.
Victory or Utility suits also became popular wear due to the war, as a few pieces could be mixed and matched to create different looks. Skirts were A-line, with no pleats. Blouses were either solid colored or striped, worn alone or with a sweater. These blouses could be short sleeved or long sleeved (with puff), V-necked or Peter Pan-collared. Button-down jackets completed the look, rather boxy aside from a more defined waist and a slight flair at the bottom. Bolero jackets were common as well.
Pants began to rise in popularity in the 40s. They were high-waisted, with wide cuffs. The silhouette remained quite masculine, as women initially wore men's pants before manufacturers began to make them for women.
Oxfords and saddle shoes were the most common every day shoe. Any sort of heels tended to be short and thick, or wedges.
Hats were quite common, and came a variety of styles. Flat styles and turbans in particular came into popularity during this time.
Women's Coats
Three types of women's coats dominated the 40's. The tailored style was fitted on top and flared on the bottom. The box style was straight, wide, and oversized, hanging down to the hips. The swagger style was similar to the box style, but came down to the knees.
Fur coats - just like the one Mrs. Van Daan adores - tended to be either box or swagger style. They were typically made of fox, sable, and seal furs. In order to preserve the beauty of the fur, there would be few clasps or buttons and hidden pockets.
Fur coats - just like the one Mrs. Van Daan adores - tended to be either box or swagger style. They were typically made of fox, sable, and seal furs. In order to preserve the beauty of the fur, there would be few clasps or buttons and hidden pockets.
Women's Hairstyles
Women typically wore their hair shoulder-length or shorter. Hair was always worn off of the face and was often parted to one side. Waves, curls, and rolls defined hairstyles of the era - straight hair was not fashionable. In order to achieve this look, women would create their own setting lotion for pin and rag curls. Only rich women could afford to get perms, and materials were not available for the average woman until after the war.
Hairstyles were inspired by the sleek and polished styles of movie stars of the era. Many hair accessories were popular at the time, including combs, hats, headscarves, ribbons, and turbans.
Hairstyles were inspired by the sleek and polished styles of movie stars of the era. Many hair accessories were popular at the time, including combs, hats, headscarves, ribbons, and turbans.
Everyday Makeup
Everyday makeup in the 40's tended to be quite natural, especially as many products typically used for cosmetics went into the war effort. The most effort was put into creating a perfect complexion - very much a full coverage makeup look! Lips - and nails - were typically red. Eyebrows, lashes, and cheeks were given some work, but remained as natural as possible.
Due to the nature of the female characters in this show and their situation, it seems likely that only Mrs. Van Daan would be attempting a full face of makeup. She leaves a lipstick stain on Mr. Frank, so it only makes sense that she would be wearing a firey red! |