The style of the 1940s is instantly recognizable. In Forties Fashion, Jonathan Walford looks at the styles that emerged from the war years and beyond, with striking consistencies -- and differences -- in countries all around the world.

Fashion during these years was more than a superficial exercise, it was a way to make the necessities, like a cape to wear in an air raid shelter, both practical and beautiful. The styles that were born out of that experience are as dramatic as the time, with the bold shoulders and narrow skirts, as well as fine attention to detail with pleats, bows and highly stylized pockets.

Wartime shortages drove ingenuity. Since wool, rubber, leather and cotton were in short supply, designers worked with nylon, wood and rayon. As you read about the lack of traditional materials, the popularity of raffia shoes with wooden soles suddenly makes sense.

It's also fascinating to read about the "Mend and Make Do" attitude of the time, especially given our current economic climate and the rise of the Recessionista. If style mavens could find creative ways to look dazzling when they had to shop with ration tickets, while bombs were falling around their ears, shouldn't we be able to resist a new pair of Louboutins this Spring?

Of course, the real pleasures of Forties Fashion, published by Thames & Hudson, are the many pages of color fashion photos. Flipping through this book will provide endless hours of entertainment for swing dancers, retro-designers and lovers of fashion history.