We’ll try to outline some important moments and reasons for the emergence of certain trends in the mid-20th century.

Despite the difficult times and unstable social moods, the fashion of the 40s didn’t stop developing, and the sense of style didn’t leave people. It was a period of original solutions and new images that still look attractive and elegant even after all this time.

When World War II began, many types of raw materials were declared strategic materials. Their use was limited or even prohibited for civilian purposes.

➤ Nylon. In 1940, nylon stockings appeared in america. Needless to say, they caused a real sensation? However, nylon also ended up on the strategic list. As a result, summer shoes were worn barefoot. Women also learned how to accurately draw an imitation of stockings.

➤ Silk. It was replaced with viscose during the war. It is also called artificial silk. It is very popular now.

➤ Metal. Due to the shortage of metal used for heels, platform shoes began to appear. Platforms were already made of wood or cork.

➤ Leather. The shortage of good leather also affected the production of shoes. Now, shoes made of fabric and knitted yarns became more common.

Women wore jackets resembling military coats. Their wide and flat shoulders seemed to be made for invisible epaulets. What can you do, it was wartime. Many women tied scarves around their heads.

In the west, turbans were common, made from various fabrics, scarves, and handkerchiefs. Turbans and scarves could be considered both decorative and practical accessories, as they helped to hide the lack of hairstyle and often unwashed hair.

When most women couldn't afford to buy new clothes, they learned to embellish their clothes themselves. Embroidery became a salvation in this regard. Handmade embroidery can look surprisingly festive at times!

If the first half of the 1940s was marked by modesty and muted styles, then after 1945 the world of fashion began to clearly celebrate life.

In the early post-war years, the silhouette with shorter skirts became fashionable. This was dictated by women's heightened desire to please men. At the same time, the rise of the house of Dior occurred. Created by Christian Dior, the light, feminine image stirred up the French fashion industry. After the war, people craved novelty, so the "new look" image was welcomed with enthusiasm. It brought fashion back to carefully coordinated ensembles, where each suit or dress was paired with a matching hat, shoes, accessories, and makeup.

The fashion of the late 1940s in the Soviet Union was marked by the emergence of "stilyagi." stilyagi, as they were called, imitated the glamor of American culture. Simply acquiring cosmetics, accessories, and foreign-style clothing was challenging.

Thus, a whole range of unique ideas were born, created by ordinary soviet people. For example, sweetened water replaced hair lacquer. After all, you can't forbid living beautifully!

Clothing, especially for women, was the most accessible and sincere way for people to express themselves.

We want to note that even in years of scarcity and tragedy during the war, people wanted to see beauty, women wanted to dress up, and society's life did not stand still.