1940s Day Dress

The 1940s look was simple but stylish, with good proportion and line. It incorporated padded shoulders, a nipped-in waist, often decorated with a peplum detail over an A-line single pleated skirt and hems to just below the knee. Restrictions were introduced on allowable fabrics. They banned cuffs, hoods and limited the circumference of ladies skirts, jacket lengths and hems. Even the height of shoe heels were restricted.

This 1940s black crepe dress was homemade. It has shoulder pads, elbow length sleeves and the skirt hem is below the knee. It has pin tucking around the neckline and below the waist. A green and cream embroidered flower pattern is featured on a false collar around the neck and under the pin tucking at the hipline giving the impression of a peplum. The skirt is slightly gathered below that. There are 3 darts on each side of the waist front and back and it has a tie belt. The back fastens with a single hook and eye at the neck and it has a metal side zip. It was shown at our parade at Rathmines for the History Illuminated Festival and is modelled here by Charli.