The 1940's

From 1941 to 1945, the U.S. was fighting alongside England and the Allied Powers against the Nazi Germans and the Japanese. Although the war had very negative and devastating effects on the people, it also gave them the opportunity to work in factories supplying for the Allies. Women took the jobs that were previously reserved for men. Because men were fighting in the war and women had to work to provide for their children, we began to see the beginning of teenage delinquency. If we had lived in these times, we would have found an escape from reality in Hollywood movies, radio broadcasting, and Seventeen magazine, which came to existence in 1944.

During these life-changing times, many advances were made in science and technology. For example, frozen dinners were first introduced in the 40’s making life so much easier for women and without which, most of us would have probably starved to death by now.  Synthetic fibers were created for the first time ever. Also, the federal government told the people what shoes, fabrics, and food were allowed for them to have. Thus, imagine living in those times and owning only one or two pairs of shoes…Impossible! At the time, the U.S. found itself isolated from many European countries. This isolation soon proved to be the commencement of many of our favorite American designers we have today, Claire Danes being one of them.

Claire Danes was an important designer in the 40’s who created separate clothing garments with rationed fabrics. If we had lived in these times, we would have seen most of our friends wear platform shoes and hats. In addition, the 40’s was a time when hemlines became higher at the same time that necklines became lower. We can also thank the 1940’s for introducing padded shoulders. On the other hand, stockings, which had become very popular, could not be found during the 40’s, but that did not stop the ladies from looking fashionable. We would have improvised drawing seams in the back of our legs with eyeliner! Also, ladies wore evening dresses that were long and showed off their backs. Following this trend were Joan Crawford and Rita Hayworth, the Scarlett Johansson and Sarah Jessica Parker of the 40’s, dressing to impress. Moreover, 1947 was the year when Christian Dior introduced feminine flared dresses with very tight waists.

So as you can see, the 1940’s introduced us to so many new trends in fashion that we now have and love. After the launching of Seventeen, many more fashion magazines followed. Also, the number or department and retail stores increased soon after everywhere around the world, letting us shop ‘til we drop! The 1940’s influence on fashion can be seen today including men’s polo shirts and sportswear and the elegant glamorous dresses the stars wear on the red carpet.

Science, Vampires, & Sexy Leather

When thinking about science, fashion is not the first thing we picture in our minds. What does the color red represent to you? Love? Passion? Blood? And would you be willing to dress in leather from head to toes?

Red is going to be everywhere. Hair will not be the only place we find different hues of the color red. Handbags, shoes, hats, lipstick, nail polish. Everything goes. I think we are all loving red so much in part due to our fascination with vampires lately. Who hasn’t seen Twilight or the Vampire Diaries? I mean even real people are biting other people. But that’s a whole different topic… If you feel brave enough you can wear different shades of red from head to toes and make a statement.

Leather is making a comeback. And it is not just your typical leather jacket. We are going to see leather handbags, leather pants, leather corsets, leather lingerie, leather dresses. Punks, bikers, cowboys, and James Dean are no longer the only ones allowed to wear leather. Anyone, male or female, can wear leather and look good in it. And prices range from really expensive to affordable and styles range from classic to very out there. Although black leather is what will be popular, other colors will not be off limits. So, again, if you can pull it off, anything goes. However, if you are really against wearing animal skin, there are other options for you like synthetic leather or vinyl that pretty much contain the same features.

Star Trek, the Fifth Element, Resident Evil. What do these Sci-fi movies have to do with fashion you say? Futuristic prints, colors, and shapes are taking over. Think of the movie “The Hunger Games.” One of the reasons the movie was so popular was due in part to the one of a kind fashion portrayed in it, like the red dress on fire that Katniss wore for her interview. An important part of this futuristic trend is the use of color. Neon highlighter colors were really popular back in the 80’s and we are going to see them again. Sort of the “80’s Meets Science.” Simple geometric shapes in very bright colors and different textures; what Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga’s cyber fashion would be in their music videos. We can even see some of this futuristic trend taking over hairstyles and haircolors already.

All three of these trends can be worn together. It’s important to know, that you decide how you want to wear these colors, prints, or textures. What’s good about these trends is that you can dress them up and wear them to an elegant occasion or keep it plain and just wear it as an everyday look. You can look sexy or trendy, whatever you choose. They’re perfect for day or night. So which do you think will be your favorite trend this fall?