I love how the constraint of WWII rationing made designers creative, adding whimsical touches and embellishments while using a relatively small amount of fabric.
The War actually gave many women the opportunity to enter the work force and women's clothing had masculine qualities that only made a woman look more feminine (think of finely-tailored hourglass suits), while allowing her to work, play and get around with more panache and practicality than ever before.
I love that The War made good home seamstresses out of so many women, and that it was the norm to repair rather than dispose of clothing.
I love the bright, bold prints on rayon, I love the wonderful wools, I love the black and the punches of bright color.
Ladies and gentlemen, I love the hats! Never in the 20th century was a garment more invested with a designer's invention!
Black embellished with rhinestones, sequins and all manner of glitter:
...or fantastic buttons:
...or a spark of another color or a shot of lace:
Not that designers feared color, whether solid shades:
(This dress is available on eBay through later today, August 27)
...or beautifully detailed prints:
(This outfit is available on eBay until August 30)
Dresses flattered and charmed with their details:
Pants were everything from practical (well, maybe not with those shoes!) to the newest form of eveningwear:
But most of all there were suits, the most beautifully constructed, detailed and flattering suits. Fitted:
...flaring:
...or something in between:
Shoes gave a woman a lift, quite literally:
(This set will be available this week in my eBay auctions)
...and hats were the crowning touch:
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