1940s Fashion

Despite—or perhaps because of—the privations of war, the 1940s was one of the greatest decades for fashion in Britain. The mantra of ‘make-do and mend’ spawned a decade of creativity, and a generation who would not let austerity prevent them from looking good. Transatlantic, and military influences, were everywhere, and after the war was over Dior’s ‘New Look’ set the scene for the fashions of the prosperous 1950s. Fashion in the 1940s is a profusely illustrated and fascinating guide to the changing styles in fashion, make-up, suits and styles through the war years and over the years of austerity from the legacies of the 1930s through make-do-and mend and knitted wonders to Demob suits, and the "New Look." Interest in wartime fashion has never been higher, with thousands of people regularly dressing in 1940s styles, or using the styles of the decade as an influence for a modern wardrobe. Illustrated with a wealth of images not seen since the war years, this is the perfect introduction for anyone interested in remembering, or recreating, the style of the decade.

Fiona Kay and Neil R. Storey coauthored Newcastle Battalions on the Somme.