Stunning Photos Show the Fashion and Style Trends of 1940s

Amidst the challenges and adversities brought by World War II, the realm of fashion in the 1940s remained an influential force, reigning supreme as women worldwide embraced a remarkable blend of utilitarian practicality and captivating elegance.

Even during this tumultuous era, Hollywood’s Golden Age stars, including the enchanting Rita Hayworth and Katharine Hepburn, continued to captivate audiences with their impeccable style, gracing the silver screen in a dazzling array of exquisite gowns. These stunning photos show the fashion trends that defined this remarkable decade.

The 1940s marked a period characterized by resilience and resourcefulness, as women navigated the challenges of wartime life.

Practicality became a primary consideration as women took on new roles in factories and workplaces, actively contributing to the war effort.

Consequently, fashion trends shifted to accommodate these changing circumstances, resulting in a utilitarian yet chic aesthetic.

Fashion and Style Vintage photos from 1940s

Models on Bond Street, London. The wartime look in Britain became much more austere as the years went by. This was the first collection of Utility Dresses For Women, designed by Norman Hartnell in 1942, and showcased on a very quiet Bond Street.

The military influence played a significant role in defining the fashion of the era. Women embraced tailored suits with sharp shoulders and pencil skirts, creating a silhouette that combined authority and femininity.

These ensembles often incorporated utilitarian details such as pockets, belts, and buttons, reflecting the practicality and ingenuity prevalent during this time.

The fabric rationing imposed during the war led to the emergence of a “make do and mend” culture, where individuals sought inventive ways to repurpose and revitalize existing garments.

This period witnessed an upsurge in handcrafted pieces, as women skillfully embroidered, knitted, and embellished their clothes, infusing them with a touch of individuality and creativity.

Despite the adversities, Hollywood remained a source of glamor and inspiration. Actresses like Rita Hayworth, renowned for her captivating beauty, mesmerized audiences with figure-hugging gowns and an alluring presence.

Their fashion choices not only influenced trends but also provided a form of escapism during a tumultuous time.

Katharine Hepburn, known for her independent spirit, defied convention by embracing tailored trousers and loose-fitting blouses.

Her androgynous yet elegant approach to fashion challenged societal norms, leaving a lasting impact on the fashion of the decade.

Joan Crawford, 1940s. Check out Joan Crawford’s shoulder pads and decadent jewels – now we know where Joan Collins got her 1980s style inspiration from. A perfectly-tailored peplum finishes off her sharp look. Power dressing at its very best.

Christian Dior’s New Look, 1947. This was a groundbreaking move in fashion to redfine women’s post-war styles and revive France’s fashion industry after a difficult few years. The collection – featuring gorgeous full skirts and waist-cinching jackets – was Dior’s first and became forever known as the New Look after Harper’s editor Carmel Snow said in 1947: ‘It’s such a new look!’.

Ava Gardner, 1944. Ava Gardner was one of the biggest film starts of the decade. Here she is in 1944, showcasing the beauty of a belted waist.

Bette Davis, 1943. Bette Davis works a blue gown in this seductive shot.

Doris Day shows us how to work the nautical trend during the filming of Romance On The High Seas in 1948.

Rita Hayworth. The actress embraces androgynous style in a pair of wide-legged trousers and monochrome flats in 1940.

Katharine Hepburn rocks a gingham dress and cinched-in waist on the set of The Philadelphia Story in 1940. Note the Peter Pan collar.

Joan Crawford, 1946. She’s done it again. Joan shows us how to do floral prints and statement jewels.

Princess Grace Kelly looks flawlessly chic even as a teen model in 1947.

That wide-brimmed hat and elegant skirt suit made Ginger Rogers look effortlessly pulled-together in 1942. Just check out those leather driving gloves – you couldn’t get more chic. If only we looked this good on our way to the airport.

Embellishment and huge cocktail jewels made Barbara Stanwyck look like a total screen goddess in 1941.

This famous black gown from Rita Hayworth’s striptease scene in Gilda set tongues wagging in 1946.

Check out a flawless Ingrid Bergman working the monochrome look on the set of Casablanca in 1942.

Bette Davis knew how to rock clashing brights, topping off her look off with a slick of red lipstick. 1940s.

Rita Hayworth works a printed bikini, huge sun hat and peep-toe heels.

Ladies in Paris, 1947. These midi-length skirts couldn’t be more on trend for AW13.

Swimsuit Competition, Paris, 1949. These Parisian girls showcased the latest swimsuit trends way back in 1949.

Christian Dior Model, 1947. Has a fur coat ever looked so glamorous? Totally loving those pleats.

Ava Gardner. More monochrome. A first hint of statement prints. You can’t go wring with a 1940s tea dress.

Betty Hutton, 1945. Betty rocks a halterneck bikini and wedges witha turban-style headband.

Ann Sheridan, 1942. Ann works the metallics trend in this decadent high-neck gown. We could totally see this on the red carpet at next year’s Oscars.

Bikini briefs in the forties were HUGE – and note the structured tops. Models perfect their catwalk struts at the Reard show in 1946.

Betty Grable, 1940s. We love the bright acid yellow of actress Betty Grable’s bathing suit. So on trend.

Lucille Ball, 1940s. This actress knew how to offset her bright red hair in midnight blue and huge earrings.

These girls still managed to look relaxed and chic while tanning in a park in 1942, as rationing went on around them. A sun tan was the perfect alternative to stockings. And check out those John Lennon-style round sunglasses. This scene would not look amiss on Primrose Hill in 2013.

Brenda Marshall, 1940s. Pleats, zips, ruching, AND statement headwear? So many trends. We can’t get enough of Brenda’s turban.

Land Girl in Southern England, 1944. British women headed to the fields during WWII in dungarees and buttoned-up shirts. We love how this Land Girl has cinched-in her waist with a belt. If only we looked this stylish when doing chores.

Hedi Lamarr, 1941. Actress Hedi rocks a huge floral corsage for Come Live With Me. So this is where Carrie Bradshaw got her inspiration from…

Lana Turner, 1946. Another stunning shot, another turban. Lana’s pastel wardrobe for The Postman Always Rings Twice is simply stunning.

Lana Turner, 1943. …and she knew all about the importance of diamonds.

Lauren Bacall looks flawless in this thigh-split satin gown in 1944.

Barbara Stanwyck rocks a tailored pastel blue suit in 1940 with a pop of leopard print.

Betty Grable, 1943. World War II pin-up Betty’s white bathing suit and understated gold jewellery is totally chic. And just look at those curves.

French actress Claudette Colbert rocks a gorgeous striped bikini in 1941.

Doris Day, 1945. We just love Doris’ preppy chic style and her gold wedges.

Ginger Rogers, 1942. Ginger knew all about the power of embellishment. This was her official portrait taken by Paramount Studios.

Ida Lupino, 1940s. Actress-turned-director Ida rocks a printed crop top and matching skirt. And we just love her cigarette holder – so sophisticated.

Olivia de Havilland, 1941. The crop top was a big look in the early forties, too. We adore Olivia’s impossibly glamorous jewels.

Claudette Colbert looks fabulously decadent in a floor-length pink gown, while filming The Palm Beach Story in 1942.