1940s Dresses

Our 1940s dresses bring together the elegance of a decade that made the most of every metre of fabric: nipped waists, structured shoulders, mid-calf lengths and neat, tailored cuts. It is the front door if you are after the spirit of the forties before choosing a specific style.

The look of 40s style dresses is easy to spot: a defined waist, softly padded shoulders, a skirt that skims the knee or the calf, and fabrics in stripes, checks, small florals and deep colours. Whether it is a tea dress, a shirt dress or a wrap style, each one is a trip back to wartime chic, and flatters every shape.

Carry on exploring with our 1950s dresses for a more exuberant glamour, or our Charleston dresses for a touch of the Roaring Twenties. Find all our vintage dresses in one click.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise a 1940s dress?

A nipped-in waist, softly structured shoulders, a skirt that falls to the knee or mid-calf, and prints such as small florals, polka dots, stripes or checks in deep, muted colours.

Which 1940s dress suits my shape?

The nipped waist and the gentle volume at the shoulder balance the silhouette, while a wrap or shirt dress flatters almost every figure. All our styles are also available in plus sizes.

What is the difference with a 1950s dress?

1940s dresses are more tailored and understated, with a slimmer skirt and structured shoulders. 1950s dresses are more exuberant, with a very full skirt. See our 1950s dresses to compare.