Models Direct Trend Alert: Ladies’ 40s fashion

Fashion is normally focused on the young and with trends of sheer fabric, exposed underwear and super-short dresses, the trends are designed for them too. However, this autumn/winter sees more grown-up style with women’s 1940s-inspired clothing, suitable for the more mature women as well as the young. Here, Models Direct offers some top tips for perfecting vintage Hollywood glamour.

[UKPRwire, Wed Nov 25 2009] Fashion is normally focused on the young and with trends of sheer fabric, exposed underwear and super-short dresses, the trends are designed for them too. However, this autumn/winter sees more grown-up style with women’s 1940s-inspired clothing, suitable for the more mature women as well as the young. Here, Models Direct offers some top tips for perfecting vintage Hollywood glamour.

During the Second World War, women needed practical and durable clothing. Designers knew they needed to come up with designs that could cope with women’s extra responsibilities and with limited materials due to rationing. It was also the era of ‘make do and mend’ – an attitude that has made something of a return during the recession.

There were the tweed and houndstooth tailored suits and jackets for everyday wear, but there was also the glamour of old Hollywood. Cinema was one of the most popular entertainment choices at this time, providing films to boost morale. You can take inspiration directly from films of the 40s to achieve this trend. Any excuse to watch Casablanca again!

Modern fashion houses that have featured this style in their collections include Dior, Marc Jacobs and Gucci, to name just a few. You can pick up versions on the high street for a far more recession-friendly price and if you really want to get the look head to vintage stores and markets to find the originals. Here are Models Direct’s top tips for achieving 40s fashion.

• Embrace your curves and create a perfect hourglass shape with high waisted skirts or trousers, a belt or fine tailoring. If you don’t naturally have an hourglass body shape you can achieve it by exaggerating your shoulders and/or hips.
• Get girly with frills and ruffles, seen all over the catwalks. Ruffled shirts are a great option, with a high neckline and long draping sleeves. If you’re feeling brave go for one in a sheer fabric with some 40s style lingerie to the follow the exposed underwear trend.
• It won’t be for everyone, but if you love hats swap you’re regular winter woolly hat for a chic 40s style. Go for either a feminine fedora, a wide brimmed hat or one of those hats which isn’t anything more than decoration.
• Create the gorgeous finger wave hairstyle and go for bold red lips. If you don’t want to go for the finger wave, try a French pleat or a chic, slick bun.

Models Direct’s 40s wardrobe must haves:

• A fitted jacket with accentuated shoulders nipped in at the waist or a trench coat with a belt
• A pair of t-bar high heeled shoes
• Leather gloves; either go long with elbow length or keep it short and chic with a pair of driving gloves
• Something tweed!
• High waist, wide-leg trousers
• High waist pleated or A-line skirt



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