The siren of war has rung throughout history—and while in many cases fashion takes a back seat, in the 1940s designers around the world defied expectations with their searingly stylish bucking of tradition. As the Second World War loomed in the horizon, the fashion industry refused to be silenced despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges, instead coming up with inventive solutions to remain relevant and thriving. In this article, we explore the remarkable resilience of style during arguably the darkest period of the 20th century, and the undying spirit of fashion’s most iconic era.
1. An Era of Creative & Resourceful Style
In today’s world, it’s all about getting creative and resourceful when it comes to style. With the help of modern technology, what was impossible or difficult before is now not only possible, but stylish too.
Take, for example, reused and recycled outfits. Upcycling is now a popular practice where old items are redesigned, upcycled and given a new life. Whether you are looking for something new or something from the past, there are countless ways to make fashion more sustainable.
Instead of buying a whole new outfit, you can mix and match what you find in your wardrobe. Or take items from the thrift store and incorporate them into your existing pieces. With amazing DIY ideas, you can easily transform a few old items into something new.
Today’s fashion is starting to lean towards the creative and resourceful side – whether through upcycling, DIY or thrifting. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can create unique and one-of-a-kind fashion pieces:
- By reworking an old item
- By altering a denim item
- By selecting unusual accessories and prints
- By choosing sustainable fashion
The key to a great fashion style is to find creative and resourceful ways to make a statement while keeping things stylish and modern. So, why not try to get creative with your style and create new looks that will leave everyone in awe.
2. Fashion in a World at War: Adaptability Through Adversity
The Second World War had a massive impact on the fashion industry. Many of the materials used to make clothing were diverted away from their original purpose to the war effort, leaving the fashion Industry with limited resources. As a result, people had to get creative when it came to fashion and adopted more practical approaches.
Fashion became an important form of expression during the war. People subtly showed their nationality, political beliefs, and cultural values through what they wore. Symbols such as the Star of David, the swastika, and the hammer and sickle were seen as powerful symbols. Other fashion choices showed support for the war effort.
In spite of the war, the fashion industry was still active. The lack of materials meant that the designs were now simpler and often leaner than ever before. Popular designs included the zoot suit, the utility suit, and the iconic blue battle dress. Some fashion items were even reused and re-purposed.
Adversity was no match for human creativity. As the war forced people to make do with much less, fashion provided an important outlet to express themselves and their beliefs while adhering to the practical limitations. From the zoot suit to patriotic apparel, fashion provided a way to adapt and endure even in the face of global conflict.
3. Seeing the Beauty in the Blues: How Women Styled their Uniforms
During World War I, it was rare to see a woman in military clothing—even with the US Navy’s establishment of the Women’s Reserve in 1918. But while their uniforms may have been plain, this didn’t stop the women from making sure their uniform was an expression of their individual unique style.
Lace, ribbons, and pearl trimmings were added to dresses and jackets to emphasize form and shape. In fact, women even styled their hats with accessories, such as pins, feathers, and ribbons, to add a touch of panache. Large gold and jet buttons were used to show off their individuality.
These were the details they used to accessorize:
- Colored laces in shades of purples, blues, and even black, added feminine flair
- Eggshell-colored flannel dresses were popular for times of inclement weather
- For rainy days, waterproof garments were worn, like the distinct Zouave cape
- Sometimes women would wear satin capes for ceremonies or special occasions
In its own way, a woman’s uniform was a symbol of her service. It was an expression of her loyalty and bravery in the face of a challenging situation, and a reminder of her duty. And while they may have been clad in similar colors and fabrics, the women’s individual style and spirit shined through.
4. Finding Comfort in Color: Crafting the Perfect Dress from Rationed Cloth
Creating something beautiful out of limited resources can be a challenge. During World War II, rationed clothing was also a very real problem. But with a little creativity, resourcefulness and spirit, an amazing dress could be made out of rationed cloth.
Start by choosing the perfect color. Let that color be your inspiration for your dress. There were some restrictions on the available colors of rationed fabricare so make sure to be mindful of this. Pick from the array of classic shades ranging from dark navy blue to stylish pastels. Doing this will ensure that you create something timeless and beautiful.
Next, you need to consider the cut of the dress. If the fabric is chunkier, a simple A-line dress or a simple shift dress might be best. If you have a slimmer fabric available, consider going for a pleated skirt or a belted dress. Additionally, find something special to add – special details can take the dress’s style to a whole new level. A bow or an eye-catching collar could be a great choice.
Finally, remember to make it personal. Take your time transforming this dress into something that speaks to you. Embellishing it with artistic touches is a great way to bring out your creativity and style. Outlining the dress with a contrasting trim or adding a versatile piece of fabric, like ruffles or lace, could turn your dress into an extraordinary piece.
5. Keeping abreast of the Trends: Fads Born From the War Time
The world has changed immensely since the outbreak of the war, bringing about a seismic shift of fashions. During this time, the trends of the day have taken on a new and vibrant flair. Here are some of the most notable WW2-era fads:
- Victorian revivalism: Inspired by the resilience of the British forces during the war, the clothing of the Victorian era found new popularity amongst men and women alike. With modest shapes and muted colors, Victorians fashioned a timeless look from the 1890s to 1940s.
- Military Fashion: With huge numbers of both conscripted and volunteer soldiers fighting in the war, military clothing found a new lease on life with the public. The iconic khaki green and its other similarly-colored variants influenced the civilian fashion world greatly, with many adopting the look for their everyday wear.
- Canteen Culture: During the war, vibrant underground scenes blossomed in many places as soldiers and civilians found refuge in the canteen bars which sprung up. These were spaces in which a different type of fashion dominated, with patterned fabrics, leather and beading adorning the locals.
In a world of war, many found solace in the fashion of the day. By embracing creativity, these individuals gave birth to the iconic fads that shaped culture during and after WW2. In today’s modern world, these trends still live on, reminding us of the resilience of fashion during hard times.
In the face of adversity during World War II, fashion throughout the world remained a constant source of joy– both in everyday life and for dressing up for occasions. Whether expressed through creativity or necessity, fashion’s vibrant and resilient spirit endured decades of uncertainty and turmoil. It is a beautiful testament to the power of tenacious creativity and the undying spirit of style.
