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Category: 1940s

1940s Fashion, 1940s Photo, 1940s History 


Aug
2020

The Skirt Suit: A Fall Fashion Trend. The 1940s Edition

categories: 1940s, Vintage Fashion

Updated September 2023

Trending on Pinterest right now is Fall Fashion Trend and since I’m not one to wear modern clothes on the regular I always look for how you could turn a modern trend into a vintage one. Of course all fashion inspiration comes from what came before so it makes sense that one of the trends this fall, ‘The Skirt Suit” is a throwback to the popular 1940s Women’s Two Piece Suit.

1940s skirt suits with long jacket a 1940s vintage ad

Today’s post is going to showcase vintage images (catalogs, sewing patterns, photos) of women wearing this look in the 1940s, so you too can be inspired to rock this trend with a vintage angle this fall!

Let’s begin!

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy 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 you click on a link and the item you are looking for is no longer available, don’t fret. Etsy is filled with 1000’s of options and updated daily. Do a search and see what comes up. You just never know what you will find!

1940s Fashion-The Skirt Suit

Brief History of the “Victory Suit / Utility Suit”

In the United States during the 1940s, it was patriotically called the victory suit. In Britain, it was the utility suit.  Started in the 1930s it became a practical edition in wartimes women’s wardrobes due to how verstaile it was. As clothes were being rationed the 2 piece suit could be broken apart and worn in different ways (change the blouse and BAM! new outfit).

1940s vintage advertising for women's 2 piece suit make do and mend. new clothes from old during world war 2

Source: Pinterest

Women wore these suits day and night and even for their weddings. They were really great editions to one’s wardrobe.

NOTE: Vintage Dancer gives a fantastic breakdown of what the suits were made of, what the restrictions were when making them and so much more. Instead of recreating the wheel I encourage you to head over there after you done my post and give it a read HERE.

Now let’s take a peek at some fantastic examples of these suits…

(vintage photos, patterns & real life examples)

1940s vintage photo of a woman wearing a 2 piece skirt suit with brooch. Great Street Style!

1940s vintage photo of a woman wearing a 2 piece skirt suit with brooch. Great Street Style!

Source: Etsy

Two Black women, including Velma Pratt Bell, holding handbag and fur in stylish skirt suits, standing in Schenley High School for Beauty Shop Owners’ Fashion Revue, circa 1945. Photo by Teenie Harris.

Two Black women, including Velma Pratt Bell, holding handbag and fur, standing in Schenley High School for Beauty Shop Owners' Fashion Revue, circa 1945. Photo by Teenie Harris. They are wearing stylish Skirt Suits

Source: CMOA

A 1942 reproduction sewing pattern features a ladies two-piece suit. The crisply tailored, unlined jacket is finished with a notched collar, and welt-style pockets. Attached belt finishes the waistline (Avail in instant PDF format HERE)

1940s Fashion: 1940s Ladies Two Piece Suit Dress - Instant download - Reproduction 1942 Sewing Pattern.

Source: Etsy – Vintage Pattern Girl

Another 1940s two piece skirt suit sewing pattern (I own a similar hat that the lady on the left is wearing).

1940s Two Piece Suit Sewing Pattern Vintage 40s McCall Women's Skirt Suit fashion illustration

Source: Etsy

1940s photo of Elsa Lee Elliott Harris, wife of Charles “Teenie” Harris, with University of Pittsburgh and Cathedral of Learning in background, Oakland. Elsa is wearing a beautiful skirt suit in the photo.

1940s Photo of a Black Women Elsa Lee Elliott Harris, wife of Charles “Teenie” Harris, with University of Pittsburgh and Cathedral of Learning in background, Oakland

Source: CMOA

1940s navy blue wool gabardine women’s suit.

1940s Fashion: vintage 1940s suit, made of a high quality navy blue wool gabardine ➡ quintessential 40s silhouette with very .thick padded shoulders + sleek waistline + A line skirt

Source: Etsy-LiliesandRemains

1940s Rayon Wool Gaberdine Skirt Suit (avail as of Sept 2023 HERE)

1940s Fashion: 1940s Rayon Wool Gaberdine Skirt Suit

Source: Etsy

Vintage 1940s Off White Crochet Skirt Suit -STUNNING!

1940s Fashion: A Vintage 1940s Off White Crochet Skirt Suit

Source: Etsy

1940s Suit ~ Brown Wool Scallop Collar Tailored suit skirt Set. Love the Collar Detail.

1940s Suit ~ Brown Wool Scallop Collar Tailored Suit Skirt Set -1940s Fashion

Source: Etsy

“Victory Fabrics” as seen in my personal collection ‘Montgomery Ward, Fall/Winter 1942-1943‘ Catalog.

What is a Victory Fabric (According to Montgomery Ward)? To make wool go further or to replace it replace it completely, as it grows scarcer – these ingenious new fabrics were developed to give warmth, quality, long wear. The new wooly effect casein fiber Aralac, for instance.

1940s womens skirt suit from a montgomery ward 1942 Fall/ winter catalog

1940s Womens skirt suit pattern from DuBarry with double pockets on the jacket and a niped waist.

1940s Womens Skirt Suit Pattern from DuBarry with double pockets on the jacket and a niped waist.

Source: Etsy

1940s lightweight gabardine wool skirt suit with not one but two skirts! Jacket shows off oversized contrast collar, oversized double breasted buttons and feminine fitted shape.

1940s lightweight gabardine wool suit with not one but two skirts! Jacket shows off oversized contrast collar, oversized double breasted buttons and feminine fitted shape.

Source: Etsy

1942-1943 Fall/ Winter Montgomery Ward Catalog page (from personal collection) featuring a pretty women’s skirt suit telling you how to measure to insure best fit.

1942-1943 Fall/ Winter Montgomery Ward Catalog page (from personal collection) featuring a pretty women's skirt suit telling you how to measure to insure best fit.

1940s women’s skirt suit in rare and exquisite lavender wool.

1940s women's skirt suit in rare and exquisite lavender wool.

Source: Etsy

Anyone getting married this year? Since everything is low key why not go with this stunning ivory 2 piece skirt & jacket Fred A Block set from the 1940s? You would 100% stand out from the wedding dresses you see today.

Awesome ivory 2 piece skirt & jacket Fred A Block skirt suit set from the 40s.

Source: Etsy

1940s Vintage Weddding Photo of a Soldier and his Bride in her wonderful two piece suit wedding outfit.

1940s Vintage Weddding Photo of a Soldier and his Bride her wonderful two piece suit wedding outfit.

Source: Etsy

Vintage 1940s WW2 brown houndstooth skirt suit.

Vintage 1940s 40s war era WW2 brown houndstooth skirt suit

Source: Etsy

Vintage 1940’s Sewing Pattern: Women’s Two-Piece skirt suit has inverted pleats in front and is finished at upper edge with a belt.

Vintage 1940's Sewing Pattern: Women's Two-Piece Skirt Suit has inverted pleats in front and is finished at upper edge with a belt.

Source: Etsy

Original 1940s Vintage Grey Taupe Cream Houndstooth Check Wool skirt suit from the Ruth Davy Shop in Flint Michigan.

Original 1940s 40s Vintage Grey Taupe Cream Houndstooth Check Wool Skirt Suit Ruth Davy Shop

Source: Etsy

1940’S Hollywood Sewing Pattern 850 featuring Wendy Barrie of RKO Radio Stardum. Misses skirt suit pattern with box pleat skirt.

1940'S Hollywood Sewing Pattern 850 Wendy Barrie RKO Radio Misses Suit Pattern with Box Pleat Skirt

Source: Etsy

Another catalog page from my vintage 1942-1943 Montgomery Ward catalog featuring a group of women’s 2 piece suits in full colour. How wonderful are they? I would order them all!

Another catalog page from my vintage 1942-1943 Montgomery Ward catalog featuring a group of women's 2 piece suits in full colour. How wonderful are they? I would order them all!

Lastly, I cannot leave this post without mentioning that the skirt suit was the popular uniform for women serving in the military during WW2.

Below is a WW2 Air Force Uniform worn by Canadian Women. Read all about these uniforms on my guest Blog Post from Elinor Florence HERE.

“WW2 Air Force Uniforms for Canadian Women”

How to find Women’s 1940s 2 Piece Skirt Suits on the web?

  • Visit a website like Etsy and type in search terms like: “1940s women’s suit” & “1940s 2 piece skirt suit” with variations of those terms (or anything you saw above).

OR is vintage not for you? Then don’t worry, I have you covered with modern day skirt suits in a 1940s style (and modern day sizes).

Two-piece stylish 1940s style suit in a fine grey and dark blue check cloth (other colours & lots of sizes avail).

The Victory suit is a replica of an original forties (avail HERE)

1940s fashion: Forties Two Piece Skirt Suit - 1940s Authentic Vintage Replica - Socialite "Victory" Women's Skirt Suit in Grey Check - Retro Womenswear

Source: Etsy-RevivalVintageUK

Handmade, ladies reproduction 1940’s suit made of heavyweight polyester reflecting the times and replicating Rayon. The suits are available in a mix and match combination of jackets and skirts from sizes 10-18. The suits are available in three colours , blue , green and beige (Avail HERE).

1940s Fashion: Women's Two Piece skirt suit vintage reproduction.

Source: Etys-Mapledoram

Question Time! Would you wear this season Fall trend of the 2 Piece Skirt Suit? I know I would because it I have always loved this look. Share your comments below.

Do you love vintage Fall fashions? Then take a look at my always updated Etsy Collection of Fall Fashions from the 1920s-1960s that you can purchase right now.

Further Reading:

Liz


May
2020

Canada Celebrates V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day) May 8th, 1945: The Vintage Photos

categories: 1940s, Vintage Canada, vintage images, WW2

Today is the official 75th Anniversary of the end of WW2 in Europe (May 8th, 1945). So in honour of this very important day, I thought I would share photos from the celebrations that happened in Canada (and Canadians in Europe). Let the Party Begin!

1940s vintage photo of V-E Day May 1945 photo of Canadian's holding a newsapaper saying "Unconditional Surrender". Women are wearing 1940s hairstyles & 1940s fashions.

Source: Canadian Encyclopedia via Memory Project

Canada Celebrates V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day) May 8th, 1945

The Vintage Photos

The Toronto V-E Day Celebrations

Among the first Canadians to celebrate were the sailors on naval and merchant ships on the Atlantic, and soldiers and airmen based in Europe. Their long ordeal would soon be coming to an end, although many would still be tasked with providing security to occupied Germany, and bringing aid to the Netherlands, where the Dutch were desperate for emergency food and medical supplies distributed by Canadian forces. Across the Netherlands, Canadians were cheered and welcomed as heroes.

Check out this BRAND NEW Heritage Minute that showcases the Liberation of Netherlands (Video Clip).

At home in Canada, massive crowds filled city streets. There were parades, band concerts, tickertape dropped from the sky by aircraft, and spontaneous singing, dancing and exuberance. Offices, stores and some factories closed for the day, while other factories remained open, churning out war material for the ongoing battles in the Pacific.

Canadian students also left their classrooms to take part in the festivities, or to attend special religious services of thanksgiving. In towns and cities and rural villages there were prayers and tears of relief, as well as music, happy shouting and, for the most part, good-natured partying.

“The silencing of the guns in Europe,” said The Globe and Mail, “brought release from bondage of the spirit.” (Source).

In Toronto (my adopted Home town), the city organized concerts, parades, religious services, and fireworks in the parks (Source).

1940s vintage photo: May 7th 1945 picture of VE Day Celebrations in Toronto. Germany Surrenders as seen in the Toronto Star

Source: Toronto Archives

V-E Day celebrations on Bay Street in Toronto May 7, 1945.

1940s vintage photo of V-E Day celebrations on Bay Street in Toronto May 7, 1945.

Source: Toronto Archives

Women walking arm-in-arm down Bay Street on V-E Day. Fantastic 1940s Fashions!

1940s vintage photo of Celebrating VE Day on Bay Street in Toronto. The image features 4 women hand in hand walking down the street in 1940s fashions.

Source: Toronto Archives

P.C. Harry Carroll at V-E Day celebrations, looking north on Bay Street towards Queen Street, May 8, 1945.

1940s vintage photo of P.C. Harry Carroll at V-E Day celebrations, looking north on Bay Street towards Queen Street May 8, 1945

Source: Toronto Archives

Children celebrating V-E Day on May 8, 1945 in Toronto.

1940s vintage photo of Children celebrating V-E Day May 8, 1945

Source: Toronto Archives

Victory in Europe Day (VE-Day) celebrations, Toronto, Ontario, May 1945.

1940s vintage photo of Victory in Europe Day (VE-Day) celebrations, Toronto, Ontario, May 1945

Source: Flickr

For more photos please visit the city of Toronto Website dedicated to this special day HERE.

Other Canadian Cities Celebrations

Crowd celebrating VE-Day, Montréal, Quebec, May 8, 1945.

1940s vintage photo of a Crowd celebrating VE-Day, Montréal, Quebec, May 8, 1945

Source: Flickr

The Halifax VE–Day riots, 7–8 May 1945 in Halifax and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia began as a celebration of the World War II Victory in Europe. This rapidly evolved into a rampage by several thousand servicemen, merchant seamen and civilians, who looted the City of Halifax.

Raucous crowds on Barrington Street in Nova Scotia celebrate the end of the war. Tip Top Tailors in the background is a men’s store that still exists today .

1940s vintage photo of Raucous crowds on Barrington Street in Nova Scotia celebrate the end of the war.

Source: CBC.ca

Crowd at the Victory Loan Indicator, Confederation Square, on VE-Day, Ottawa, Ontario (Canada’s Capital for those not in the know).

1940s vintage photo of a Crowd at the Victory Loan Indicator, Confederation Square, on VE-Day, Ottawa, Ontario

Source: Flickr

Vancouver Celebrates V-E Day.

1940s vintage photo of VE Day in Vancouver, May 8, 1945.

Source: Daily Hive

The After Party from the above Vancouver Celebrations.

1940s vintage photo of Leftover revelry lines the streets after V.E. Day celebrations conclude.Vancover, BC 1945

Source: Daily Hive

I LOVE this Photo!  A group at SHAEF Headquarters reading the special VE-Day edition of the Maple Leaf newspaper, Paris, France, May 11, 1945.

1940s vintage photo of a group at SHAEF Headquarters reading the special VE-Day edition of the Maple Leaf newspaper, Paris, France, May 11, 1945

Source: Flickr

Canadian Women’s Army Corps, World War 2, celebrating VE Day in London on May 7th 1945.

1940s vintage photo of the Canadian Women's Army Corps, World War 2, celebrating VE Day in London

Source: Flickr

Canadian soldiers celebrating VE-Day, Piccadilly Circus, London, England, May 8, 1945.

1940s vintage photo of Canadian soldiers celebrating VE-Day, Piccadilly Circus, London, England, May 8, 1945

Source: Flickr

I hope you enjoyed my post on Canadian Celebrations near and far. It was a great post to put together for my reader. I also want to thank you to all our veterans, men and woman who served during WW2 that helped make V-E Day possible. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Lastly, for fantastic reading on Canadians during WW2 please check out my friend Elinor Florence’s Blog, ‘Wartime Wednesday‘. Her interviews with veterans are fascinating and worth a moment (or two) of your time.

Have a nice weekend friends!

Further Reading:

Liz