Where the Forties Chic style comes from
During the Second World War, fabric was rationed in many countries, so clothes became simpler and more practical. Skirts were knee-length and narrower, and shoulders were padded and structured, giving the decade its strong, smart silhouette.
Women made style from small details: carefully pinned victory rolls, a bright lipstick, a neat brooch and a well-kept handbag. Navy, black and military-inspired colours were common, often brightened with a print or a red lip.
1940s fashion ideas: what to wear
- A tea dress or shirt dress with structured shoulders and a belted waist.
- Classic glasses with rounded or cat-eye frames.
- A structured top-handle handbag.
- Low, sturdy heels or oxford-style shoes.
- Victory rolls or pinned curls.
- A brooch or simple pearl earrings.
Where to wear it
- 1940s and swing-dance themed events.
- Vintage fairs and history days.
- Smart office or school days with a retro twist.
- Period costume parties.
Styling tips
- Look for strong shoulders and a defined waist: the 1940s shape.
- Navy or black with small neat accessories looks authentic.
- Pin-curled or rolled hair is the signature detail.
- Keep everything neat and practical, true to the era.
How to play Forties Chic and get 3 stars
Her wardrobe has 84 pieces in 7 tabs: earrings (12), necklaces (12), glasses (12), bags (12), shoes (12), hairstyles (12) and dresses (12).
- Read her request in the speech bubble: it tells you the occasion. Here: “Neat, smart and victory rolls in my hair. Give me a 1940s look!”
- Open every tab and put something on from each one. The style meter gives 1 star at 35%, 2 stars at 70% and 3 stars when every tab is filled.
- Pick pieces in blue and black. The wardrobe marks the best matches with a heart, and they give her bonus hearts.
- Keep to one or two main colours, so the look goes together. White, black, grey, brown and gold accessories go with everything.
- Tap Done for her fashion show and your score. Your final look is saved as a photo in My Lookbook, where you can open it again to edit it.
Frequently asked questions
What did women wear in the 1940s?
Knee-length tea and shirt dresses with padded shoulders and belted waists, sensible heels, structured handbags and pinned hairstyles like victory rolls.
Which colours score best in Forties Chic?
Blue and black pieces score best for this look.
What are victory rolls?
A 1940s hairstyle where sections of hair are rolled and pinned into curls, usually near the front of the head.