1940s.info

By way of a little introduction I've come to this forum via much earlier period re-enactment (hence the Lady in my name). I am thinking of doing some 40's dances with friends so thought I'd better find out what to wear.

So, off to see my 86 year old mum I pop.

'What did you wear to dances as a young woman?' say I

'Pencil skirts and thigh length tunic tops' says mum.

'Hats and Gloves?' says I

'Nope' says mum 'They were only for the rich'

Ok, I thinks - what does this late 30's early 40's tunic look like? I can't find any pictures that corresponds to the description at all. Does anyone on here know?

Further into the conversation I asked after she's joined up she went to dances in anything other than uniform. The answer was no.

Then most interestingly Dad (87) pipes up - well you (me) would be too old (45) to be at a dance anyway - they were only for young people - the oldies didn't like our modern music. Nothing changes eh!

Hi Lady C
Welcome to the boards
I am not the worlds expert at 40's fashion but pencil skirts and thigh length tunics sound more latter 20's
below are some bits to try and help you see what went on in the 40's the last one shows a 1942 dance Be patient with the third (2 mins in before fashion starts)
The general outline was wide shoulders nipped waist with belt Length variable around the knee
If you are not too far from one of our socials why not drop in and talk to those that knows more than I (Some of us are in informal 40's dress)
I have no doubt more will be forthcoming from other forum members
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W92VxtOoFA0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbe4W_2m ... re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbo8BzM_BrY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uccPc19ZY_c

Well yes - I think we could be looking at the very old fashioned (and very poor*) North East. The fashions of London clearly did not apply to Gateshead/Newcastle. Mum was only 17 in 1939, so she's not describing 1920's fashion - she would be too young.

*she was apparently bought a long frock for one dance at the Sergent's Mess and by the time she wanted to wear it again her mum had pawned it.

Wow that last clip could actually have Mum in it. It looks like Hammersmith Palais. As I'm beginning to understand it - she must be remembering pre and early war dress and top combinations. After she joined up in 42 she didn't have many civies and if people in uniform were regularly offered discounts - Mum would wear her uniform.

I tried to find a variation, rich to everyday best
40's dances of today have a wide variation of dress from high waisted trousers to full ballroom gowns
Our dances have people who don't dress (I don't mean nude) to the very very original dress and all those between
The majority wear dresses as per the clip a few wear trousers (easier to dance jive) Our music is as varied as the dress Ballroom to jive
It has to be remembered this is 2009 not 1945 so its only our interpretation of a 40's dance (and we have hindsight )
I will probably be hauled over the coals for that remark but as long as everybody is enjoying it
ALERT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!ADVERTISEMENT COMING UP
Next dance October 24th early booking is advised as we usually have a sell out (I do appreciate your a fair way off) See home page for details

If you look at the photos and movies in venues ( I know there is a lot ) but try Pickering and Critch They are two large events these should give you a good idea of whats what

reminds me, pls save two tickets for us mate!! i had forgotten all about it,
ill get a chq off at end of this week. regards etc etc. ps i did once wear a
pencil skirt to a dance but just got laughed at to be honest!! uniform or
trousers/suit in future i think.......

Of course Timbo your names penciled in
You know the drill £5 per ticket reserves a ticket Balance payable up to Sept 1st If you find you cant make it anytime up to that date all monies refunded after that date we have to sell your ticket to refund
We are just starting to advertise and half the tickets are already reserved by forties fans
We have now secured a DJ "players please" who has worked with Lola before
Not sure when we will see you next, off the circuit now for a while but hoping Maggie fit for Peak will be mortified if we miss Crich
Curdled me ovaltine reading about you in a pencil skirt Its not an image you shake off easily

Hi Lady Cecily,
are you www.livinghistory.co.uk/forums?

Lots of good info out there, if you want a good authentic look try the womens section on www.wwiireenacting.co.uk there are lots of period photos.

Also good is this site:http://www.photodetective.co.uk/WW2-Index.html

This uses period photos to help with an impression. Lots of events like Pickering are more festivals where people can dress '40s style' but it's generally not an authentic look, I guess it depends what you want-if it's to take part in Living History you're better off looking at the link above. If it's just for a dance or local fete, try typing '40s style' into ebay. You'll get lots of poly frocks that will suffice for a hangar dance etc.

Good luck, you're lucky to be able to chat to someone who lived through it, people forget that not everyone was high fashion and that women of a certain age would have dressed very differently from 20-somethings, likewise for very young girls.

Sing out if you need help.

Kate

Yep, I'm on LH as Lady Cecily too. I think we are only likely to be doing dances at the moment - but I'm so used to doing authenticity research it's a hard habit to break

I don't know if we'll get to doing WWII re-enacting as such so I have to temper my 'thenti' mind I think to what is acceptable at dances.

Hi Caroline,
well I'm only in Beverley so if you ever want to come over an raid my wardrobe you're welcome!
Kate

Well, if you ever need anything asking - just let me know and I'll see what I can get out of them.

sorry im hijacking this thread again, ambrose do i take it your missus has been ill? if so please forward our best wishes for a quick recovery, see you both soon i hope!!!

Hopefully by peak rail if not see you at crich
Your good wishes passed on every thing going to plan even with me looking after her

now stop hi jacking someone elses thread