FTAG: The Style of the 40s

The 1940s was a transformative decade, shaped by World War II, global instability, and a post-war desire for optimism. Fashion during this period reflected the changing roles of both women and men, from wartime practicality to the return of more feminine and formal styles after the war.

For Women: Utility Meets Femininity

During the early 1940s, utility fashion dominated due to wartime fabric rationing. Women wore functional clothing that was both practical and modest, with A-line skirts and jackets with padded shoulders gaining popularity. Maxi skirts, broad-shouldered blazers, and high-waisted pants offered both comfort and style, creating a more structured look.

The end of the war marked a shift to more feminine styles, with Christian Dior’s “New Look” in 1947 revolutionizing women’s fashion. The look featured narrow waistlines, full skirts, and longer hemlines—an embrace of femininity and luxury after the austerity of the war years. Accessories like pearl necklaces, gloves, and hat pins became essential elements of a polished look.

For Men: Military-Inspired and Post-War Sharpness

For men, the 1940s were a time of military-inspired fashion, thanks to the influence of the war. The bomber jacket, military trench coat, and navy blue suits became staples in everyday wear. Post-war, men’s fashion returned to more structured, sharp suits, often with double-breasted cuts, and the influence of Italian tailoring began to emerge.

Casual wear, including chinos, denim jackets, and sweaters, became popular as men returned to civilian life and embraced a more relaxed yet still sharp look. Fedoras continued to be a fashionable accessory, giving men a touch of elegance even in their day-to-day life.