Stylelist

1940's Fashion: In The Market For (PHOTOS)

Stylelist   |  By   |  Become a fan  |  Posted: 10/03/11 08:02 PM ET  |  Updated: 10/03/11 08:07 PM ET
HuffPost Social Reading
Follow: , , , , , ,
Getty/GoRunway

1940's attire has officially made a comeback this season and to get inspired, we've taken some hints from one of America's most beloved style icons of the decade, Katharine Hepburn. There's no doubt that designers Ralph Lauren and Miuccia Prada had the screen siren in mind when creating the bold shoulders, cinched waists, pointed collars and pleated skirts seen on many of the fall runways. Though Ms. Hepburn certainly carried herself like a lady back in the day, she was forward-thinking enough to embrace a menswear-inspired look that gave a certain flair-filled attitude to the glamorous 1940's way of dressing, and has continued to influence the fashion world.

Take a look through our slideshow to see some of our favorite Katharine-inspired pieces for fall.



ASOS Tea Dress in 40s Floral Print
1  of  8
PLAY
FULLSCREEN
ZOOM
SHARE THIS SLIDE 
MORE SLIDESHOWS NEXT >   |   < PREV



Style around the web

 
 
Fashion Trends 2011: Fall Fashion 1940s Starlet Fashion - Vintage-Inspired 1940s Fashion Trend ... 1940s Glamour : College Candy The Top Ten Collections: Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear Fall Fashion Preview 2011: Trends embrace a little of everything Beauty goes retro this fall Grabbed by Their Lapels
 
  • Comments
  • 21
  • Pending Comments
  • 0
  • View FAQ
Comments are closed for this entry
View All
Favorites
Recency  | 
Popularity
photo
Vanessa1129
Flash Light, Red Light, Neon Light, Ooh Stop Light
170 Fans
10:28 AM on 10/06/2011
I simply LOVE 40's fashions!!!
My love for 40's era clothes started with Joan Crawford, and watching black and white movies.
When I lived in Syracuse...there was a wonderful vintage thrift store that I loved to frequent. The coats, the shoes, the dresses...oh my.
Permalink  |
dolphins1068
11 Fans
07:10 PM on 10/05/2011
What about 40's mens fashions? Bring them back.
Permalink  |
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
msd7733
51 Fans
05:46 PM on 10/05/2011
40's is a great look. Women were soft, pretty and very girly, not trashy.
Permalink  |
photo
Vanessa1129
Flash Light, Red Light, Neon Light, Ooh Stop Light
170 Fans
10:29 AM on 10/06/2011
YESSSS!!!!
Permalink  |
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
RosieRetro
Military Retiree/Veteran non-aligned Independent
210 Fans
 
05:24 PM on 10/05/2011
Looks more like the extremes of the 1920's than the 1940's. It kind of has that shapeless flapper look going on with its long loose necklaces. There is lots of skin showing via low necklines and higher hemlines. Those were rebellion clothes that were fighting against the conservative nerdy-looking high-necked churchy clothing of school marms. Looks like Ralph Lauren is embracing the 1920's.
Permalink  |
dolphins1068
11 Fans
07:12 PM on 10/05/2011
20's had good styles too.
Permalink  |
basketpam
79 Fans
05:23 PM on 10/05/2011
Now THIS is fashion. I'll take these from the 1940s ANY day of the week after the garbage I've seen women wearing the last several years. Women's clothing has just gone from bad to worst more and more each and every year. Have you ever sat in a mall and watched what women look like that pass by? It literally makes a person feel ill. Women have settled for sloppy, scruffy, lazy, sometimes even dirty. I see cheap flip flops 12 months a year, even when they're snow outside. If not them, then those horrid crocs. They should be banned outside of the garden. Women won't even wear hose anymore and yet only 1 out of a 1,000 actually look better without the hose. For some CRAZY reason women don't have a clue as to how awful their legs look bare. Then, if they're not lazy and sloppy, then it's cheap, slutty and trashy looking. For the most part women haven't had a sense of style and fashion in public for at least 25 years. When they started burning their bras and dressing like rag bags, they COMPLETELY went to pot. (yes, pun intended). First hats were gone, then heels (except for sex), then dresses and now, most don't even dress like a woman, you can't tell the difference between the wardrobe of a guy or a girl. They're interchangeable. I PRAY these older styles start coming back. Heaven knows American women need ALL the help they can get.
Permalink  |
photo
Vanessa1129
Flash Light, Red Light, Neon Light, Ooh Stop Light
170 Fans
10:32 AM on 10/06/2011
Excellent post Basket!!!!

LOL @ I see cheap flip flops 12 months a year, even when they're snow outside.
Permalink  |
queckie1
73 Fans
05:13 PM on 10/05/2011
Can't wait for the day when this current "Slop look " goes out of style, if it can be called a "fashion style".
Nothing worse then all these unshaven guys, with pants around their butts, wearing dirty jeans and tee shirts.
I enjoyed the style of early 60's a lot. Very clean and stylish. Suits wear worn tailed to fit a man.
Permalink  |
Kev n
26 Fans
05:36 PM on 10/05/2011
I couldn't agree more! I am so sick and tired of mens fashions for the last couple of decades. Totally un-appealing and un-sexy. Sometimes I think the baggy clothes are just to cover up obesity. I will truly celebrate when men's summer shorts get back to being short. Extra long pant legs are no way to keep cool. And I don't think they look "cool" either.
Permalink  |
photo
Vanessa1129
Flash Light, Red Light, Neon Light, Ooh Stop Light
170 Fans
10:33 AM on 10/06/2011
LOL! @ Sometimes I think the baggy clothes are just to cover up obesity
Permalink  |
dolphins1068
11 Fans
07:11 PM on 10/05/2011
I don't mind the t-shirts as long as they're clean, but I also HATE the jeans around the butts. 50's styles were good too. Also, men should wear suits more like the old days.
Permalink  |
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Luke Vaan Horne
50 Fans
04:36 PM on 10/05/2011
Ummmmmm...that Ralph Lauren line all looks mostly late 20s early 30s New York/ Paris Glamour flapper chic. Who is the bozo who said 40s!? I didnt see any giant shoulder pads or rigid mohair suits. Ladies, 40s arent flowly as one of you commented. Its highly constructed and reflected in lots of burly shouldered suits , high heels that are thick and have thick soles and big shoulder pads and only a couple of cool romeo and puff sleeves. Overall a VERY masculine silohette. The flowing circle skirts of the 50s whiped away the memory of rigid masculin shaped clothing of the 40s for women. The suits in the Ralph Lauren line are all extreemly elegant and not masculine at all. The new line is alot more Chanel suit and less Andrew Sisters suit-which is what most of the 40s look was. God, youd all wear plastic bags if you didnt have gay men to guide you!
Permalink  |
bigred8690
20 Fans
06:25 PM on 10/05/2011
Well said. There seems to be some selective memory going on here. Sort of like someone remembering the 80s solely for Donna Karan.
Permalink  |
Jackie Craig
0 Fans
04:20 PM on 10/05/2011
Love the clothes from the 40's. So fluid and chic.
Permalink  |
photo
ginausa
47 Fans
04:10 PM on 10/05/2011
The 40's had the most classiest clothes out of all the decades! After the 50's, things went WAY wrong.. The 60's were ugly, 70's were miss matched and on acid and the 80's were freakish colors with geometric shaped jewelry and loud gawdy make up, spandex and huge hair. Ok, the big hair was fun but no decade comes close to the classy 40's!
Permalink  |
photo
Vanessa1129
Flash Light, Red Light, Neon Light, Ooh Stop Light
170 Fans
10:35 AM on 10/06/2011
Yes!
Permalink  |
smo1111
President Obama's still The One
1246 Fans
10:27 PM on 10/04/2011
I've always wished I had lived in the 40s to wear those clothes!!! So chic!!!
Permalink  |
photo
Vanessa1129
Flash Light, Red Light, Neon Light, Ooh Stop Light
170 Fans
10:36 AM on 10/06/2011
When I lived in Syracuse..­.there was a wonderful vintage thrift store that I loved to frequent. The coats, the shoes, the dresses...­oh my.
Permalink  |
smo1111
President Obama's still The One
1246 Fans
07:01 PM on 10/06/2011
Lucky you!
Permalink  |

Bloggers

 
 
Paulina Porizkova

Life Ball 2012: The Viennese Experience

Paulina Porizkova , Supermodel —

The after-party was filled by the most stunning costumes and getups I had ever seen assembled in the same space:...

Read Post | Comments
Suki Kramer

What Will They Think of Next?

Suki Kramer , Beauty expert; Founder of Suki skincare products —

Here are just a few cosmetic trends. Some have come and gone, some have stuck around -- maybe you've tried...

Read Post | Comments
Rochelle Behrens

Made in NYC?

Rochelle Behrens , Founder and CEO of The Shirt —

I hope it will remain widely understood that 'Made in NYC,' when it comes to apparel, emphasizes a clear values...

Read Post | Comments
Jill Donenfeld

Hummingbird Beats: Jessica Barensfeld

Jill Donenfeld , Founder, The Culinistas —

Jessica Barensfeld is a jewelry designer working out of her studio with six lovely interns in Brooklyn, N.Y. That's the...

Read Post | Comments
Matthew David Hopkins

Memorial Day Celebrations: 4 Tips for the Perfect Soirée

Matthew David Hopkins , Creative Director, 360 Design Events —

Want to throw the party of the season, but feel fresh out of ideas? With Memorial Day this weekend and...

Read Post | Comments
Maria Tettamanti

Back off the Rest of the United States, Miami Girls Aren't Tacky. You're Just Jealous.

Maria Tettamanti , Author, The Wordy Girl —

If I had a quarter for every time I heard, "Miami girls are so tacky," I would be rich. Not...

Read Post | Comments
Franca Sozzani

L'Uomo Vogue and Africa

Franca Sozzani , Editor in chief, Vogue Italia —

Each one of us can support this continent without showing exaggerated pity, but believing in the resources of the young...

Read Post | Comments
Mary Kincaid

Weekly Roundup of eBay Vintage Clothing Finds (PHOTOS)

Mary Kincaid , Founder and Chief Vintage Crusader of Zuburbia.com —

This week's selections include pieces Catalina, Christian Lacroix and Pierre Cardin. Be sure not to miss the gorgeous 1950s illusion...

Read Post | Comments
Glenn D. Braunstein, M.D.

Drilling Down on Body Piercing Health Issues

Glenn D. Braunstein, M.D. , Chairman of the Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai —

While I offer no moral nor aesthetic judgment to would-be piercers, they should just be aware that today's trendy practices...

Read Post | Comments
Blue Carreon

A Conversation With Designer Reed Krakoff

Blue Carreon , Fashion writer —

Reed Krakoff is a very busy man. Aside from his creative responsibilities at Coach, he also looks after his eponymous...

Read Post | Comments
Felice Shapiro

Photoshopped Images and Double Standards: Depictions of Women in the Media

Felice Shapiro , Founder/Publisher www.betterafter50.com —

It's important for us to go public with our outrage when women are not appropriately recognized for our accomplishments. Let's...

Read Post | Comments
Dr. Susan Taylor

Do You Need An Intravenous Infusion for Glowing Skin?

Dr. Susan Taylor , Dermatologist, Clinical Researcher, and Expert on Treating Skin of Color —

There have been several recent reports in the media of intravenous infusions of different solution or fluids used to enhance...

Read Post | Comments
Soyon An

American Idol: What They Wore, 5/16/12 (Final 3)

Soyon An , Stylist, 'American Idol' —

I love working with artists that know what they like because you can really explore other options within the same...

Read Post | Comments
Women & Co

April Flowers Bring May... Shopping?

Women & Co , Personal finance source for women —

You can have it all without spending a small fortune. If you plan ahead, you don't need to splurge every...

Read Post | Comments

Most Popular

 
 
Solangeknowles Look Of The Day: Solange Gets Garden Party-Ready
Cz Guest C.Z. Guest's Unusual White Accessory
Ray And The Ro Ksubi Another Reason To Love Australian Style
Street Style WATCH: We Find The Real Difference Between LA & NY Street Style

Most Discussed

 
 
Jlo 20 Groan-Worthy Celebrity Style Moments This Week
Taylor 16 Stars Whose Style Has Us Smiling This Week
Solangeknowles Look Of The Day: Solange Gets Garden Party-Ready
Stevie Nicks Fleetwood Mac Stevie Nicks' Truly Epic Outfits Through The Years
Kim 13 Reasons Why You Don't Need To Dread Swimsuit Season
Oscar De La Renta Fall 2012 WATCH: Bows Gone Wild

Hot on Facebook

 
 
8 Foods That Can Be Used As Beauty Products
Stevie Nicks' Truly Epic Outfits Through The Years
23 Stars Who Inspire Me With Their Natural Hair
Zombie Boy Rick Genest's Flawless New Look

Stylelist TV

Bold Brows Video

WATCH: How To Get Bold Brows (Like These 19 Celebs)

Mom Makeover Video

WATCH: See How We Transformed This Astrologer Mom

Garance Dore Fashion Week Video

WATCH: Garance Dore Steals From Chanel

The Real Stars Of Fashion Week Video

WATCH: The Real Stars Of Fashion Week

SEE ALL VIDEOS

MORE ON Stylelist

Garden Tips
Gardening and Landscapes Your Garden Design Questions, Answered
Room Makeover
Know-How 3 Life-Changing Room Makeovers
Weekend Diys
DIY Weekend DIY Ideas: 8 Ways To Fix Up Your Home In 2 Days Or Less (PHOTOS)
Ray And The Ro Ksubi
Stylelist Network Ksubi 'Bad Sports' Lookbook: From The Stylelist Network
Memorial Day Sales
Projects Memorial Day Sales 2012: Home Decor And Outdoor Furniture Sales At Macy's, Sears, Home Depot And More (PHOTOS)
Pier Liautaud Home
Design Inside A Gorgeous '50s Style Home In Haiti (PHOTOS)

SITES WE LOVE

EVEN MORE ON Stylelist

Clean Home
Beauty
Inspiration
Home Design
Beauty Basics
Hair Highlights
   
 
© 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved