Casual outfits in the 1940s
Casual outfits for women in the 40’s eras indeed spell charm and elegance even in their simplicity. The modestly tailored necklines in those dresses and feminine prints added grace to the look.
The 1940s tea dresses were perhaps the most popular among women and were worn when spending a casual afternoon with their friends having tea or running daily errands. So, what were those tea dresses like? Read on to learn more.
The 1940s Tea Dresses
The tea dresses were usually worn by women for casual outings. Characterised by light-weight fabrics and unstructured lines, these elegant dresses were influenced by Japanese kimono and fast gained popularity in the mid-19th century. They were typically worn indoors to enjoy tea with family or close friends or for casual tea parties and weddings.
However, women were seen wearing those dresses for everyday wear as well as special events like racing or other such events. Actresses like Ava Gardner, Judy Garland and Rita Hayworth made people go crazy about tea dresses and the way they adorned them.
Colourful Prints, Solid Colours, Polka Dots, and Florals
The tea dresses fine fabrics often had floaty sleeves and high necklines and came in colourful small prints like polka dot prints and florals. They were also available in a solid colour, but were accentuated with piping or rickrack. You could also find those dresses in stripes and bright colours like red, navy, green, mustard, and more.
Mature women preferred to wear their tea dresses in plain solid colours with longer hemlines and sleeves. The plain colour was accentuated with subtle piping detail and an ultra-flattering fit. The younger women stuck to those colourful polka dots and floral print. The bold polka dot prints were both feminine and playful, as well as perfect for casual daywear or special occasion. The floral prints added a romantic look and paired beautifully with a neck scarf.
Compatible Necklines and Sleeves
The necklines came in a variety of cut-outs, but there was no cleavage showing, and the dresses often had collars that came in a square, heart, or V shapes. The high neckline was a trademark design of the Rita Hayworth 1940s dresses and brought attention to the face of the woman, her hair, and makeup. The modest designs showed very little skin, and the classic design was a knee length skirt that was figure flattering and featured modest sleeves. The shirt style dress with a belt or tie at the waist helped to create a flattering shape.
The sleeves could be short or long, and some of the tea dresses came with very small sleeves known as cap sleeves. The shoulders were squared off, while the bodice of the dress was a cosy fit with a tiny waist.
Tips to Achieve That Perfect Hourglass Shape
These casual dresses aimed to achieve that hourglass shape naturally and were designed to create a feminine look. The shirt style dress was nipped in waist and given a fit and flare to get that perfect figure. The classic feminine silhouette was completed with a coveted flared hemline and a back-zip closure.
The shape of the dress created an upside-down look of a triangle. More tea dresses had an apron front, and some others were buttoned straight down. It was a must to have pockets in the tea dresses for easy access. The shirtwaist dress was among the most common and popular as casual outfits during the forties.
Fashion Accessories to Complement
1940s fashion accessories included seamed stockings, hats, gloves, handbags, and Bakelite jewellery to complete the look. Bakelite jewelleries were very popular in the 1940s, and the colourful marble bracelets, necklace earrings, and bangles only enhanced the tea dress look.
Bobby socks with saddle shoes became popular in the fifties, but had started in the 1940s. Women wore natural makeup and brightly painted lips. Their hair was neatly done while the makeup was very subtle, eyebrows were of medium thickness, and there was a rosy glow to the cheeks.
Some women wore a little cute cardigan with the tea dress, and paired it up with nude seamed stockings with shoes. Wedges, peep toe pumps, and brogues matched exactly well with tea dresses.
The Present Tea Dress Style
The 1940s style polka dot dresses can still look feminine and stylish for any occasion today. Get a romantic feel as you get into one of those tea dresses with a sweetheart neck and flutter sleeves and accessorise with pins and brooches for that extra charm. The modern designs feature inched elasticity and flexibility, and the fluid fit will cling to the body to create that naturally beautiful drape. No matter what your size or shape or age, you are bound to feel confident and feminine when you wear a tea dress.
Get one of those 1940s inspired tea dresses, which is a must-have for your retro wardrobe. The elegant and beautifully made dress will look flattering on any woman. Featuring essential details like contrasting piping, decorative buttons on the front, and a close fit at the waist, the dress is sure to create a flattering shape no matter what body type. Any woman will look fabulous with pearls in the vintage style 1940’s tea dress.
