One of my very first blog posts I ever did was for a yearly big band 1940s dance we have in Hamilton (outside of Toronto) called Swing Out To Victory.

Swing out to Victory-1940s vintage outfits
Credit: Kahlil Heslop

My post was about what to wear to a 1940s vintage dance and I showed “vintage images” from magazines, catalogues and patterns for inspiration. None of the images I presented were actually for sale though, so I thought since the dance is right around the corner that I would supply my readers with ACTUAL pictures of outfits you could own tomorrow if you wanted (unless they get purchased before you can hit buy).

Now obviously if you don’t live in Toronto you won’t be attending this dance BUT you can certainly purchase these outfits for your own 1940s vintage dance where you live. Happy Shopping!

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

Note: If an item is no longer for sale, don’t worry Etsy and eBay are updated daily with new content. Just hit search and good luck!

To start off here is what I have worn to last years Swing Out To Victory’s….

2013-I’m helping with the candy toss and wearing my Vintage 1940s Gown I found for $30 in Toronto

1940s Big Band Dance, hamilton warplane musuem
Image Courtesy of Jessica T.

Now here are ideas on what YOU can wear to your next Vintage Dance….

This post was updated on October 20th, 2022

Note: Due to the fact that all the dresses below are no longer available, I have created an updated collection of 1940s Fashions (dresses, skirts etc.) avail for sale on Etsy, found HERE.

1940’s evening gown. Maxi-length cream gown in nylon fabric with red soutache embroidery on bodice.

1940s Fashion: 1940's evening gown. Maxi-length cream gown in nylon fabric with red soutache embroidery on bodice

Source: Etsy

1940s fabulous European-made rayon beauty in a black floral with fuchsia and mustard hibiscus blossoms and a skirt of soft pleats. Stunner!

1940s Dress - Vintage 40s Dress - Flirty Black Hot Pink Tropical Floral Print Rayon Ruffled Peplum Dress

Source: Etsy

Late 40s full length evening gown with a patterned silk (or blend) voile bodice and skirt, velvet bow waist and black netting overlay on the sweeping skirt.

1940s Fashion: Late 40s full length evening gown patterned silk (or blend) voile bodice and skirt
velvet bow waist black netting overlay on the sweeping skirt

Source: Etsy

Lets just start with a beautiful 1940s Crepe Beaded Gown. Wearing this at your next dance will 100% get you noticed that is for sure!

1940s Fashion: 1940s Black Crepe Beaded Gown Vintage
For Sale on Etsy-TrueValueVintage

Since you might be dancing you want to make sure that you can move in what you are wearing (see my post on “real life vintage images of swing dancers“) and this dress looks like it would fit the bill while looking immensely stylish.

I love the Peplum detail on this novelty print 1940s dress.

1940s Fashion: 1940s rayon dress with peplum detail.
For Sale on Etsy-shopKLAD

I do adore a good green dress! Especially around the Holiday season and this 1940s Taffeta Cocktail Party Dress with the black accents would fit that bill nicely. How lovely would it look on the dance floor, spinning around?

1940s Fashion: 1940s Taffeta Cocktail Party Dress with the black accents
For Sale on Etsy: TrueValueVintage

I kind of want the below dress in my life..right now because it would be so fantastic for SOTV. Sadly it won’t fit, so someone else take it home and wear it dancing..Please!

1940s Fashion: 1940s Vintage Crepe Cocktail Dress
For Sale on Etsy: TrueValueVintage

I’m a sucker for a good floor length 1940s evening gown, like this beauty below.

Can’t you just imagine yourself being Ginger Rogers and dancing with Fred Astaire in this dress? I sure can.

1940sfashion: 1940s vintage floor length evening dress in pink.
For Sale on Etsy: dethrosevintage

Keeping with the “Gowns” theme, this 1940s black sequin gown with the swooping skirt is Gorgeous with a capital G!

1940s Fashion: 1940s black sequin gown with the swooping skirt
For Sale on Etsy: SmallEarthVintage

If dancing is not your thing and you just want to stand around oozing glorious drama then this coral 1940s stunner of a dress needs to be in your closet. Oh la la is all I have to say 🙂

1940s fashion: 1940s vintage color block evening gown.
For Sale on Etsy: MinxVTG

Now for a little novelty in our lives. The braided detail is delightful and so different right?

1940s Vintage Novely Dress with braided detail.
For Sale Etsy: alleycatsvintage

Lastly lets not forget about the Shoes Shoes Shoes! Oh so important and if you are looking for a vintage pair there are lots out there. Here are small sampling of some for sale right now.

1940s..ohhhhhh the blue is so pretty and the strap will ensure your shoes don’t go flying off your feet during that song you just love to dance too.

1940s vintage shoes for women -peep toe 1940s shoes in blue.
For Sale on Etsy-honeytalkvintage

Peep toe shoes are a vintage 1940s must! and the sensible heal could work for a night out on the town.

1940s vintage shoes for women - peep toe shoes.
For Sale on Etsy: honeytalkvintage

Now here is a good sensible BUT stylish shoe for dancing.

FYI the oxford below has never been worn…score!

1940s fashion: 1940s vintage black oxford shoe
For Sale on Etsy: diggerodellvintage

1940s Red Wedge Shoes Alert! Now these are shoes for a night of dancing…oh yes they are.

1940s Fashion: 1940s peep toe wedge vintage shoe
For Sale on Etsy: honeytalkvintage

Then you have it my friends. I hope you found something you liked or maybe inspired you to go on the hunt for.

If you do go to a vintage dance, please share some pictures with me! I love seeing how everyone styles their clothes (especially from the 40s, but it can be any era).

Further Reading:

Liz 🙂