Tips for the Gals

Key pieces

puffed sleeves, swishy skirts, 'gored' (paneled skirts), halter tops, sweetheart necklines, just-below-knee skirts, skorts, high-waisted/low leg knickers, mary-jane shoes, saddle shoes, fabric flowers, rhinestone brooches, high-waisted vests, blouses that tie up, bows, playsuits, bobby socks, tennis/cheerleader outfits, drop-waisted 30s fashion, 'do-rags', sailor collars, cardies, peplums (tops that flare), tight pleats (accordion/kick/sunburst pleats), seamed stockings, bib-front overalls, peplum

Fabrics

rayon, crepe, jersey, argyle, jersey, crepe, cotton, polyester blends, light tweeds.

Designs to look out for

plaid (checks), small florals, polkadot, cherries, butterflies, gingham, hawaiian, asian/oriental prints.

Colours

navy, black, red, white, pink, plum, burgundy, bright blue/azure, butter yellow.

Make-up & Hair

Stick with smokey eyes, a little rouge on the 'apple' of your cheeks, and blotted red lippie. Not much make-up was available in wartime! For Hair, check out snoods (crocheted hair nets), and hairdressing methods like rolls, pincurls, ringlets and low pigtails. Jewelled combs, too. Spraying glitter on hair & body is a modern performance touch, but works well.

Avoid

silk, taffeta, off the shoulder anything, hipster anything, tight sleeves, weak seams, jewellery, seamed stockings with flat shoes or runners, high heels.

Key search words

1940s, lindy hop, wide leg*, puff* sleeves, WWII, hawaiian, flapper,halter, pin up.