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Original poster

1940's dress

26 replies

FriendofDorothy · 03/02/2012 21:47

I am going to a Liberation Ball in May and I need an outfit that looks 1940ish.

I am about a size 18 (although maybe a bit thinner by then!

Any ideas or links?

OP posts:
AWimbaWay · 04/02/2012 21:43

It's a really fashionable look at the moment, the high street is full of them but more daywear. Thought I'd bump the thread to see if anyone else can find one before seeing if I can find a more eveningy one for you!

AWimbaWay · 04/02/2012 21:44

www.next.co.uk/x492086s1#827901x49

Did you want long or short?

TunipTheVegemal · 04/02/2012 21:47

Can you sew? The ones for sale are mostly too short. This pattern seems to look good on everyone who makes it no matter what size.

Original poster
FriendofDorothy · 04/02/2012 21:47

I really don't mind what I have. I am not quite sure what the style it.

That dress you linked to is very pretty, but I would prefer knee length or longer.

OP posts:
smearedinfood · 04/02/2012 21:50

try googling vivien of holloway

Original poster
FriendofDorothy · 04/02/2012 21:53

I love Vivian of Holloway dresses but they are much more 1950s than 40s.

OP posts:
AWimbaWay · 04/02/2012 21:53

dorothy perkins

TunipTheVegemal · 04/02/2012 21:55

Vivien of Holloway do do a 40s one but the colours are a bit vile.

Original poster
FriendofDorothy · 04/02/2012 21:58

Ahh ok. Not so keen on those. They look like my old nurses uniform!

OP posts:
AWimbaWay · 04/02/2012 21:59

asos

TunipTheVegemal · 04/02/2012 22:04

quite FriendofDorothy. You would never want to wear it again. The Dotty P one and the Asos one linked are both nice.

Original poster
FriendofDorothy · 04/02/2012 22:07

Yeah I agree Tunip. I am definitely considering sewing something.

I quite fancy something like this and I also think that this one would be brilliant.

OP posts:
MissHilly · 04/02/2012 22:10

I think getting something made would be the way to go, that way you could pick a gorgeous colour, emerald green would be lovely with a bright red lipstick and a vintage hair style. I love the first wrap dress you linked to.

AWimbaWay · 04/02/2012 22:10

Holly Willoughby

If you can sew, go for it, I'm hopeless at sewing Sad

gallicgreetings · 04/02/2012 22:10

Poppy dresses now do a few adult dresses but I'm not sure if it's more of a 1950s feel than 1940s.

www.poppychildren.co.uk/womens-dresses-c48

TunipTheVegemal · 04/02/2012 22:13

Butterick have a retro range as well - this one is nice.

(They all look horrible in the photos but the sketches give you more of an idea of how the dress works.)

I would think a modern retro pattern like the Vogue or Butterick would be easier than an original - the sizes have changed so unless you know how to resize patterns it is a bit of a lottery.

Original poster
FriendofDorothy · 04/02/2012 22:18

Yeah, I am trying to find a modern equivalent of the first one I linked too. Not very easy!

OP posts:
OlympicEater · 04/02/2012 22:20

I think a tea dress will be a good base for the outfit and then you can do make up (pale face, red lips), seamed stockings, hair in victory rolls etc and you'd be good to go

Original poster
FriendofDorothy · 04/02/2012 22:21

or even maybe a skirt and blouse lik this

OP posts:
TunipTheVegemal · 04/02/2012 22:29

yes, skirt and blouse would be good.

You need the narrow skirt for a 1945 look. Some of the stuff that is meant to be 40s is a bit too New Look-ish.

AWimbaWay · 04/02/2012 22:31

I love this

MissHilly · 04/02/2012 22:32

This girl on etsy does made to order so you can choose your own fabric and buttons, I see she does blouses, skirts and trousers too. www.etsy.com/shop/nudeedudee?page=1