It would be worthless to talk about 1940s fashion without first understanding the tremendous impact the Second World War had on the lives of people. Since social trends dictate fashion, the events of World War II would change the world of fashion forever. In 1939, Germany invaded Poland and France and Great Britain declared war on Germany and this sparked the Second World War that would rule the lives of people for the next 6 years.

Because of the war, Germans considered moving the French couture houses to Berlin. Since the United States entered the war in December of 1941, which is more than two years later the war begun, the travel difficulties between Europe and continental America meant that American designers would receive more attention from the press. Before this, Paris fashion trends were followed in the States.

1940s fashion was affected by the fact that many factories were given to producing military supplies with fashion taking second place. This means fashion houses worked on restrictions on how much fabric per garment could be used. As soon as Paris was liberated, fashion editors once again started to showcase their French designs again in magazines.

The Paris couture once again became the leader when Christian Dior showcased his ‘New Look' of lengthened and widened skirts, a move that was a reaction to the deprivation of fabric that was experienced during the war years. American designers had also begun to be more prominent and to see them take a place in the world of fashion.

In an effort to comply to the war yardage restrictions imposed on garments, American designers began to create a new 1940s fashion of short skirts and short jackets that were less than 25 inches in length. This new fashion trend of the 40s replaced the long flowing gowns that had emerged in the previous decade. This conservative look would remain fashionable through multiple seasons. Classic sportswear styles took hold on college campuses and were adopted by all levels of society and age groups.

The 1940s fashion would also see the emergence of separates that would create the illusion of more outfits. This was seen with the transition of the separate pieces in women fashion, the bra and the girdle. The end of the severe rationing of metal would also see the emergence of leather shoes studded with ‘nailheads', a sign of opulence and luxury. Interestingly, the classic look created in the 1940s fashion era never seems to go out of style. Wonder why?