by Victoria Hamilton
As the Country looks to reflect, remember and celebrate VE day on Friday 8th May 2020, you can take the celebrations a little further and recreate the style and fashion of the era and play dress up at home!
Did you know that fashion was encouraged by the Government during the war as a way to boost morale? I am all for this and truly believe that wearing the right clothing that makes you feel good will brighten your mood for the day ahead of you. This is especially true at the moment as we are experiencing the weird and wonderful days of lockdown. Dress to impress (yourselves)!
The Forties top trends and how to recreate and wear them at home
What do you think of when you think “Forties Fashion?” For me its a mix of glamour, land girls and headscarves!
Skirts ; Midi length skirts were a favourite of the forties and they are pretty much in every highstreet store showing the trend is not going anywhere fast! Team your skirt with a classic pussy bow blouse or perhaps one with a peter pan collar. You could even pull out the breton stripes, the “uniform” of women across the land and your outfit is done! Add a pair of peep toe shoes to complete the look.
Tea Dresses ; The more floral the better! Have a look in your wardrobe for floral designs and patterns, it doesn’t have to be a tea dress, it may be a jumpsuit, or trousers or even a blouse. It’s the inspiration of the floral print that you are looking for. You may want to add a wide brimmed hat to accessorise your look or even some gloves. I know its spring but dig them out of the winter box, they will look fabulous! The finishing touch for this is a belt! Ladies of the forties always cinched in their waists.
Tailoring ; The forties brought male tailoring to the forefront for female wear. Depending on who you live with you may want to raid their wardrobe and see what oversized, structured tailoring you could borrow for the day! Wear the blazer draped over your shoulders to give the look the full effect. I would add chinos and a breton top for this outfit to be on point.
Swimwear ; If the sun continues to shine grab your 2 piece for your garden picnic. The 40’s saw the introduction of the bikini, add your sunhat and wedges for that “garden glamour”.
Accessories ; Perhaps the easiest way to dress up at home. Accessorising is the quickest and simplest way to elevate the look of every outfit, something I teach my clients all about and is something the ladies of the era knew all too well. Grab a lightweight scarf and make it into a headscarf, pop your statement jewels on to dress up a boiler suit and do not forget the bold red lip
Icons to inspire your VE Day looks
- Angel Strawbridge
- Dita Von Teese
- Alexa Chung
- Ava Gardner
- Doris Day
The forties were truly a decade of class and style. The most important thing for you to do whilst recreating these looks is to have fun! Feel free to tag us and @Victoria Hamilton Lifestyle in any of your photos!
Keep up to date with all things style and empowerment with Victoria over at www.victoriahamiltonlifestyle.co.uk
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