WITH THE popularity of swing dancing and ’40s music in full swi…um, force these days, many guys are curious about what well-dressed men wore in the 1940s and how to reproduce that look today.

The information here is from a 1945 booklet put out by Stetson, which gives a few ideas for pulling it all together. It’s so very appropriate that these suggestions come from Stetson, because as you will see, the 1940s look just ain’t happenin’ without that chapeau!

Back in the 1940s, people dressed up a lot more than they do now, even for everyday events that would call for tennis shoes, a sports shirt and jeans or khakis today. So keep this in mind when looking at these clothes. While most of the ideas suggested here might be a bit too dressy for going out dancing, it’s helpful to see how the elements go together so that you can pull off your own special look. Most of these outfits would be perfectly appropriate for a party, a vintage event, a wedding or other dressy social function. Or, without the hat, the clothes can be great for the office, depending on what you do for a living. If you’re in a swing band, well…you already know what to wear.

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HE TERRIFIC 1950s tropical cotton fabric shown here is from a skirt found at a vintage clothing store in San Jose, California. It languished on the rack for months before it was finally marked down to $5, a victim of both a tiny size and an unattractive style.

This style of skirt, called a dirndl, was popular for a while in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It consisted of several yards of fabric, generously gathered and stitched to a waistband. The skirt length popular at the time fell at about mid-knee. (A far more attractive length for full skirts is mid to lower calf — some skirts in the late 1940s and early 1950s were this length, inspired by Christian Dior’s “New Look.”)

Dirndls are not especially fashionable today and they aren’t attractive on any but the most svelte and youthful figures because the gathers accentuate the hips and rear. But there’s hope for the lowly dirndl: it is a great source of a substantial quantity of vintage fabric that can be made into other more attractive garments.

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Essential oils that are of benefit to the body have antiseptic and/or skin regenerative qualities, help to relieve symptoms of stress, or address common ailments. There are many essential oils that we could have chosen, some of them in other kits, but these were the favorites.

Lavender Did you know that lavender essential is known as ‘first aide in a bottle’ due to its skin healing and antibacterial properties. It has tremendous anti-microbial and antiseptic properties. Mild burns can be greatly helped by adding lavender essential oil to cool water (10 drops to one quart of water). Great stress reducer, encouraging more relaxing (theta and alpha) brainwaves, perfect in the bath (5 drops), or just to inhale.

Niaouli Widely known for its anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral qualities. It is often an ingredient of oral hygiene and body care products. It is safe for most people to put Niaouli directly on the skin, for blemishes, toe and fingernail fungus, and warts. For athlete’s foot add one drop to 1oz. Water and rub on feet.

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The soon-to-open subway station at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue provided the backdrop for a runway presentation of young designers’ work at “Hollywood Underground,” a June 1 event hosted by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation. The Fashion Business Incubator, a non-profit group that provides business development assistance to up-and-coming apparel manufacturers, produced the fashion show.
The runway presentation included swimwear from DES, junior apparel from Who is Xavier McNeal?, menswear from Eisbar, contemporary apparel from Sky David Park, Fleure de Peche and Hartnell, “salsa wear” by Tease and hats by Anita Hopkins Millinery. DES opened the show on a futuristic note, with silver and white swimwear topped with puffy, quilted coats from OPT 002. The clean look continued with junior denim from Who is Xavier McNeal?

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The right shoes can make or break an otherwise cute outfit. Whether it’s classic black pumps for work, metallic strappy sandals for going out or adorably detailed flats for everyday wear, finding stylish and comfortable shoes can be a chore. Walking, dancing or standing in stylish, but uncomfortable, shoes can be painful for your feet.

Match Your Shoes to Your Hose or Tights
Matching your shoes to your hose or tights, when wearing a skirt or a dress will help your legs look thinner. If your skirt is also in a matching color, you’ll look thinner from the waist down. Avoid wearing light-colored hose with dark shoes and a dark skirt.

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