White Gingham Check

The Many Styles of 1940s' Summer Dresses

Summer time in the 1940's meant it was time to play. Trips to the beach. Lunch with the girls at a café. Garden parties with the neighbors. All these events required you to wear one of your 1940's summer dresses. These dresses were made to be light weight, colorful, and flattering on your body. Let's take a look at what 1940's dresses looked like and where we can buy vintage 1940's summer dresses today.

In the 1940's Dresses were made using rayon. Rayon came in thick wool like material for winter garments or light weight crepe or jersey in warmer months. Crepe was very light and airy- like a silk handkerchief or sheer drapery.  American cotton was also used for summer dresses for home wear.

Dresses were much more colorful than suits and skirts. They could be plain, in blues, greens and reds, but patterns in a rainbow of colors were used a lot in dress fabrics. Small floral patterns in blues, purples, pinks and yellows were popular. Gingham checks and colorful stripes were equally common. During the war in the early 40's patriotic patterns, using red, white and blue colors and a 'V' for victory motif was frequently seen. After the war, Hawaiian prints became very popular for women's dresses as well as Hawaiian style sarong dresses. Decorations like bows, ruffles and lace were rare . Colorful brooches, earrings, and bracelets provided sparkle.

Dresses in the summer were all knee length, otherwise known as a tea length dress. The skirts were a-line with a little swing to them. Pleats and gathers were minimal until the late 40's and sleeves gradually became shorter too. The most popular style dress was the button down shirtwaist dress with the apron dress being a close second. These dresses were easy to button over a playsuit or swimwear, which made them versatile and practical. Another fun summer outfit was a Dirndl skirt with a peasant blouse top. Fun and girlish, this two piece outfit was a must for any young women's wardrobe.

Shopping for a 1940's summer dress shouldn't be too hard. Most 40's dresses were made of rayon or cotton and could be worn year round. The key it so find a dress that is colorful and light, wear appropriate undergarments, and complete with a pair of fun wedgies or sling back sandals.

The best placed to find vintage 1940's summer dresses is at your local vintage thrift store, antique store or estate garage sales. Online there are a plethora or vintage retailers. Make sure to take correct measurements befor shopping so that you don't order the wrong size. Another option is to make you own summer dress or have one made for you.

 

About the Author

If the thought of spending hours looking for the ideal summer dress sounds daunting, there is an easier way. Pick up a copy of the 1940's Style Guide: The Complete Illustrated Guide to 1940's Fashion for Women. With it you can find out everything you wanted to know about 1940's clothing, shoes and accessories (with pictures) and then checkout the best places to shop (over 160 shopping links.) It will save you a lot of time and headaches searching on your own. Pick up your copy at 1940's Fashion today and find your 1940's summer dress in time for the next pool party.

If I flew around the world using my wings. Breathed fire on all my enemies.?

Then dressed in a red and white check gingham dress for afternoon tea. Then flew to the pub for ginger beer and scones. What would you say?

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