Vintage Fashion:The 1940s

Each week starting from today we'll be bringing you our favourite pieces from each major era of 20th Century fashion.  With so many clothes from a multitude of  periods, it’s always great fun to piece together styles that epitomise a decade.  And with catwalk looks constantly taking inspiration from yesteryear, we’ve pulled together the best online products to complete your style retrospective.

This week, we begin with the decade that is set to be a huge trend for Autumn/Winter: the 1940s.  Specifically made to emphasize womanly features and define curvaceous shapes, the “new look” was mastered by one the most iconic designers in memory, Christian Dior.  Knee-length pencil skirts, nipped in dresses and pussy-bow blouses are an absolute must for this ladylike look, with layered knitted jumpers giving it a more casual feel for those ramblings across the English countryside a la Sienna Miller in The Edge of Love.  As original '40s items are quite hard to come by, look to pieces from the 1980s for alternatives: the harsh but womanly silhouette is surprisingly similar.  And we know we say it lots, but colour blocking will be equally as big as it was in the summer! This time around pick jewelled tones and Quality Street colours.