1940s Stars and Their Looks That Will Inspire You
What we are today is a clear reflection of our past. What we eat, how we talk, what we do, and most importantly what we wear finds inspiration in the past.
One thing most fashionistas would agree to is the popularity of the fashion of the 60s and 70s. However, the era of the 40s fashion is equally popular and focuses on accentuating the hourglass figure with stylish dresses. Additionally, the fashion of the 40s was innovative, practical and immensely stylish despite the hardships of World War.
Vintage fashion essentially started in this era when the women were sporting dresses that featured the hourglass silhouette with masculine details. Some popular 1940s dresses were tea dresses, long evening gowns (like these), off shoulder dresses, padded shoulder tops, high-waist trousers, and narrow or flared skirts. To get that perfect vintage style look, you also need to pay equal attention to your make-up, hairdo, and accessories.
During the 40s World War times, there was rationing on the fabric and hence dresses length became shorter. Knee length dresses were popular. The tops features masculine shoulder pads, square necklines and puffed sleeves.
Here are the few Hollywood legends who were the “influencers” of the 40s fashion and now the modern fashion trends, and we mean it in a real sense.
1. Rita Hayworth-
Nobody in the segment of fashion is unaware of the “love goddess”, Rita Hayworth. This iconic actress wore the gowns with such class and elegance that they became the epitome of western fashion. The movies and photos of this iconic actress still have the capability of stealing hearts like nobody else. Whatever she donned during the movies or photoshoots was the reflection of her class. Not everybody was able to win hearts like that.
Her iconic looks mainly included floral dresses combined with sleeve-length gloves that very elegantly complemented her pin waved locks. If you want to carry her look keep this crucial thing in your mind that the length of the gown needs to belong in length and should be a proper fit because that’s what Rita did.
With that, we would recommend you including choker jewellery and earrings.
2. Ava Gardner-
She was among the few actresses who could flaunt the classic as well as casual looks. She is known for glamorous, figure-flattering gowns, tiny waist dresses, tailor suits and more. The highlight of her every look was waist-fitting dresses. The most iconic of her dresses were figure-flattering. She donned the classic looks with the most epic of haircuts. She was spotted more in casual looks that included white shirts, waist minis, skirts, frocks, trousers and knitwear.
3. Betty Grable-
If there is someone who achieved equally in the Hollywood and fashion industry, then it is got to be Betty Grable. After the release of her iconic movie song of the island, Betty took a shot in the fashion industry and was soon the icon of the world. Right from her WW2 soldier photo to her famous silhouette from the bathing suit photo shoot, she got a lot of attention.
The main focus of Betty Grable’s dresses were the ones that elegantly showed her legs. She always wore short gowns and dresses and complemented them with her iconic hairstyles. For her casual look, she wore high-waisted figure-flattering shorts with white/blue hues shirts.
4. Grace Kelly-
The dresses that Grace Kelly wore defined vintage style clothing in the best way. The focus of Grace Kelly’s dresses was actually on the accessories that she wore. The bags, the belts, and the scarf; were the key highlights of her dresses.
Grace Kelly is a Dior icon. The colours of the dresses she wore like emerald green and pastel yellow became the base of the Dior dress line. For wearing a Grace Kelly vintage star outfit, just choose the simple long green or pastel yellow dress.
5. Katharine Hepburn-
Katharine Hepburn is yet another Fashion Icon known for her glitzy costumes. Her dressing sense and style played a great role in her star image. She was known for wearing clothes that allowed free movement. She even preferred sportswear or casual wear. She even sported blazers, collared shirts, trousers, and loafers, all inspired from menswear. She had a unique style of her own.
Final Words
Vintage style clothing of the iconic beauties of the 40s focused more on class and the way they carried their dresses. If you want to sport a 1940s star look and look glamourous like them, you can wear any of the dresses worn by the 40s stars as discussed above.
For the accessories, you can go for waist belts, furs, head scarfs, hats, umbrellas, headpieces, choker jewellery, earrings and gloves.
When donning vintage-style clothing, you need to remember that true beauty lies in carrying the dress gracefully.
