The 1940s gave us some of the most iconic women’s outfits in vintage fashion. From fitted wiggle dresses and cropped boleros to wide-leg trousers, pearls and headscarves, the decade was full of style that felt polished, feminine and practical all at once.
Today, 1940s outfits for women are still a favourite for Goodwood Revival, Twinwood Festival, vintage weddings, themed parties and everyday retro styling. The beauty of the look is that it can be as glamorous or as relaxed as you like. You can go full wartime starlet with a wiggle dress and faux fur shawl, or keep things more practical with Land Girl-inspired dungarees, a blouse and a tied headscarf.
Here is how to put together a 1940s-inspired outfit that feels flattering, authentic and easy to wear.
What Makes a 1940s Outfit?
The classic 1940s silhouette is all about shape. Think defined waists, structured shoulders, neat jackets, fitted dresses and elegant trousers. Women dressed with intention, using accessories, hair and makeup to bring each outfit together.
If you want to create a 1940s look, start with one strong piece. That could be a wiggle dress, a fishtail dress, wide-leg trousers or dungarees. From there, add the details that make the outfit feel true to the era, such as a bolero, pearls, a structured handbag, a fascinator, a red lip or cat eye glasses.
1940s Wiggle Dresses
A wiggle dress is one of the most recognisable 1940s-inspired styles. Fitted through the body and narrowing towards the knee, it creates a glamorous shape without needing much styling.
Our Tiki Waterfall Wiggle Dress is perfect if you want a look with movement, drama and vintage elegance. Pair it with the matching Tiki Bolero for a complete 1940s outfit that feels polished from the moment you put it on.
For something with warmer colour and a holiday feel, the Honolulu Honey Wiggle Dress is a beautiful choice. Style it with the Honey Honolulu Bolero for a coordinated outfit that works beautifully for vintage events, weddings or summer occasions.
Styling tip: Wiggle dresses look best with a small structured heel, such as a court shoe or kitten heel. Add pearls and a neat handbag for an easy 1940s finish.
1940s Fishtail Dresses
If you want something with a little more drama, a fishtail dress is a stunning option. Fitted through the body before flaring at the hem, this shape feels elegant, confident and made for special occasions.
Our Foxy Fish-tale Wiggle Dress is ideal for vintage weddings, race days, evening events or any occasion where you want to make an entrance. The silhouette does most of the work, so you can keep the styling simple with pearl jewellery, a sleek hairstyle and a small clutch bag.
Why Boleros Work So Well
A bolero is one of the easiest ways to make a dress feel more authentically 1940s. Cropped above the waist, it adds structure without hiding your shape. It is also wonderfully useful for British weather, especially if you are heading to an outdoor event like Goodwood Revival or Twinwood Festival.
The Tiki Bolero and Honey Honolulu Bolero are designed to match their dresses, but they can also be worn with other vintage-inspired pieces in your wardrobe.
Land Girl-Inspired 1940s Outfits
Not every 1940s outfit has to be glamorous. The Land Girl look is just as iconic, with practical pieces like dungarees, wide-leg trousers, blouses and headscarves creating a relaxed but instantly recognisable style.
Our Dahlia Dungarees are a brilliant starting point. Wear them with a simple blouse or fitted knit, then tie a headscarf in your hair for a playful 1940s feel.
For a smarter trouser look, try the High Flyer Button Swing Pant in Burgundy with the Secretary Pussy Bow Blouse in Off White. The wide-leg shape gives a nod to 1940s fashion, while the blouse keeps the outfit feminine and polished.
Accessories for 1940s Outfits
Accessories are what bring 1940s outfits for women to life. A simple dress or trouser outfit can feel completely different with the right finishing touches.
Pearls are a classic choice, and our Pearl Necklace adds instant vintage elegance.
For evening glamour, a faux fur shawl works beautifully over a wiggle or fishtail dress. Choose from Black, Grey, Pink, Beige or Bordeaux to match your outfit.
Cat eye glasses are another easy way to add vintage character. Our range includes Black, Red, Caramel, Pink and Tortoiseshell.
Finish with a structured handbag like our Doris Day 40s Bag for a look that feels properly put together.
1940s Outfits for Goodwood Revival and Twinwood Festival
If you are planning an outfit for Goodwood Revival, a wiggle dress with a matching bolero is a beautiful choice. It feels smart, vintage and event-ready without being overcomplicated. For more inspiration, read our guide to Goodwood Revival fashion ideas.
For Twinwood Festival, you can have a little more fun with styling. Dungarees, wide-leg trousers, headscarves and comfortable shoes are ideal for dancing, walking and enjoying the atmosphere.
A fascinator or small vintage-inspired hat can also complete the look. If you are not sure how to wear one, our guide on how to wear a fascinator has simple tips for placement, hairstyles and outfit pairing.
Complete Your 1940s Look
Once your main outfit is chosen, finish the look with soft waves, pin curls or victory rolls, a red lip, a structured handbag and vintage-inspired shoes. Seamed stockings, gloves, hair flowers or a fascinator can also add that final touch if you want a more authentic 1940s feel.
Whether you love the glamour of a wiggle dress, the drama of a fishtail silhouette or the practical charm of Land Girl styling, 1940s outfits for women are all about confidence, shape and thoughtful details.
At Pocket Watch and Petticoats, our 1940s-inspired pieces are designed to help you create a look that feels elegant, flattering and full of vintage personality.
