1. Women's Fashion:
- Dresses: Dresses were commonly worn by women in the 1940s, and they often had a feminine and conservative style. Knee-length or slightly below-knee dresses were popular, with details such as puffed sleeves, cinched waists, and A-line skirts.
- Suits: Women's suits were also quite popular, especially as more women entered the workforce during the war. These suits typically featured tailored jackets and skirts, and were often made from practical fabrics like wool or tweed.
- Skirts and Blouses: This combination was widely worn by women and offered versatility. Skirts were usually pencil or A-line, and they were paired with tailored blouses or sweaters.
- Pants: While pants were not as prevalent as skirts or dresses, they were starting to gain some traction among women, particularly younger women inspired by wartime fashion and the need for practicality.
2. Men's Fashion:
- Suits: Men's suits were quite similar to those from earlier decades. They typically featured tailored jackets, dress shirts, and trousers, and were considered formal and appropriate for business, work, and social events.
- Trousers and Shirts: Casual wear for men included pairing dress trousers or chinos with button-down shirts. Suspenders were often used to hold the trousers in place.
- Overcoats: Overcoats were a mainstay in men's wardrobes, providing warmth and protection against the cold. These were typically made from wool, cashmere, or other insulating fabrics.
- Hats: Hats were still part of men's formal dressing and were often worn for professional and social occasions. Felt hats, such as fedoras, were quite popular.
- Footwear: Shoes like oxfords, brogues, and loafers were popular choices for men, depending on the occasion and level of formality.
3. Accessories:
- Jewelry: While fashion was subdued due to wartime shortages and rationing, women often complemented their outfits with simple jewelry pieces, such as pearl necklaces, brooches, and earrings.
- Handbags: Small, structured handbags and purses were accessories for women.
- Scarves: Scarves were popular accessories used for warmth, style, and added fashion touch.
- Hats: Hats were commonly worn by both men and women, particularly for formal events.
4. Overall Style:
- Color: Due to wartime restrictions on material and dyes, colors in fashion were often muted. Darker shades like navy blue, brown, and gray were more common than bright hues.
- Simplicity: Fashion during this time was generally understated and practical, reflecting the challenges and austerity of the war.
- Influence of Military: Military-inspired clothing, such as trench coats and pea coats, were commonly worn by both men and women.
- Recycling and Repurposing: Because of the resource limitations during wartime, recycling and repurposing were integral to fashion. Many people made do with what they had, making alterations to existing garments or sourcing materials from used items.
Fashion in 1945 reflected the social and cultural shifts brought about by World War II. While certain trends from the previous decades continued, the focus was on practicality and simplicity, yet people still found ways to express their individuality through their clothing choices.