What To Wear

1940s ~ Elegant and Efficient

Style Overview:
Despite wartime rationing, women in the 1940s maintained a neat, tailored appearance. Dresses featured nipped-in waists, padded shoulders, and knee-length skirts—balancing femininity with practicality.

• Fascinator hats or tilted berets added flair
• Fur stoles or shawls (real or faux) for warmth and elegance
• Wrist-length gloves in cotton, lace, or leather for outings
• Structured handbags and T-bar or peep-toe heels completed the look
• Victory rolls and pinned curls were signature hairstyles
• Makeup was subtle but defined - red lipstick, winged eyeliner, and softly blushed cheeks.

• Land Girls (UK): Women working the land wore functional overalls, scarves tied around their hair, and sturdy boots—practical and iconic
• Rosie the Riveter (US): A symbol of female empowerment, wearing high-waisted trousers, work shirts, and bandanas tied at the crown

1950s ~ Ultra-Feminine and Glamorous

Style Overview:
Post-war fashion celebrated the return of luxury and femininity. Full swing skirts, cinched waists, and elegant dresses ruled the era, thanks in part to Dior’s "New Look".

• Petticoats added volume to skirts
• Pearl necklaces and brooches enhanced ladylike charm
• Wrist-length gloves in cotton, lace, or leather for outings
• Cat-eye sunglasses and clutch bags were must-haves
• Gloves in white or pastels remained fashionable
• Shoes featured pointed toes and kitten heels
• Hair was softly curled, often styled in pageboys, pin curls, or chignons
• Makeup was polished - matte red lips, defined brows and soft eyeshadow

• Rockabilly Girls: A rebel twist on the classic 50s look—polka dots, cherry prints, leather jackets, winged eyeliner, and victory rolls
• Housewives / Home Glam: Aprons, A-line dresses, and pearls were staples of the "perfect" suburban woman, as seen in vintage ads and TV shows

1960s ~ Bold, Playful, and Revolutionary

Style Overview:
The '60s broke fashion norms—shorter hemlines, brighter colors, and edgier silhouettes. From sleek Mod looks to free-spirited Bohemian styles, women began expressing independence through bold fashion choices.

• Mini skirts and shifts were paired with go-go boots
• Bold geometric jewellery and statement earrings replaced dainty pearls
• Headbands, hair bows, and scarves were worn in the hair
• False lashes, pale lips, and cut-crease eyeshadow defined makeup trends
• Box bags and PVC accessories added futuristic flair

• Mods: Sharp, chic girls in monochrome or color-blocked mini dresses, opaque tights, and geometric prints. Hair was sleek—think pixie cuts and heavy fringe
• Hippie / Boho Girls: Maxi dresses, fringe vests, tie-dye, bare feet or sandals, natural makeup, and flower crowns—embracing peace, love, and nature
• Space Age Fashionistas: Inspired by designers like André Courrèges and Pierre Cardin—PVC fabrics, metallics, and sci-fi silhouettes