Gorgeous Holiday & Christmas Outfit Ideas From the 1940s
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Early vs late 1940s fashion, and 1940s holiday outfits including loungewear, casual dresses, coats and jackets, old hollywood glamour, and vintage holiday pin-up girl outfits
This post is all about 1940s holiday outfits
”Sleigh all day, then cabernet.”
Looking to usher in the most wonderful time of the year–in style?
Whether you’re looking for something a little naughty or deliciously nice, we’ve put together the most fabulous, unexpected, and dazzling holiday styles of the 1940s.
On the search for festive loungewear, chic day dresses, glam winter coats, the perfect evening dress, or an unexpected pin-up girl style?
There’s something for everyone!
Today we’re looking at fashions from the most famous pin-up models in history, like Rita Hayworth and Betty Grable, and Old Hollywood fashion icons, like the violet-eyed Elizabeth Taylor, the timeless Bette Davis, or our favorite spicy redhead, Lucille Ball.
”You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.” — Edith Head
1940s Fashion: Historical Style Setting for Holiday Fashion
“Fashion changes, but style endures.” — Coco Channel
The 1940s sure produced some iconic and timeless dress styles.
Early 1940s fashion was heavily influenced by World War II and practical menswear.
The classic button-up shirt dress with boxy padded shoulders, it’s simple a-line cut was so “in”.
With fabric shortages due to the war, hemlines were shortened to hit just below the knee.
After World War II, the Paris fashion scene revived, with Christian Dior’s debut of the ‘New Look.’
This introduced softy rounded shoulders, narrow waists, and flared skirts with longer hemlines.
To fully geek out on 1940s fashion, check out the related links below.
Now that you understand the broader style setting for the 1940s, let’s explore the best holidays styles of the decade.
Holiday Season Outfits: Loungewear
“Holiday to-do list: Eat, Drink, Nap.”
Looking for a chic and cozy style for lounging at home next to the crackling fire, or for opening presents on a crisp Christmas morning?
A fitted lounging robe, also known as a housecoat, is the perfect holiday outfit.
Notice the defined waist. Talk about a comfy and classy figure skimming style.
Or perhaps it’s a winter wonderland outside, and you need stylish lounging robe with more “warm and fuzzies”?
How about opting for one of the textured terry cloth styles, like the Old Hollywood stars, Priscilla Lane and Barbara Stanwyck are wearing? (Below)
Bonus points, if you pair these with a tinsel covered 40s Christmas tree, or tall dark, and handsome someone next to a crackling fire!
1940s Vintage Glam Christmas Outfits: Chic Day Dresses
Looking for some holiday outfits that are elegant, yet not too fancy?
What better inspiration than publicity shoots from Old Hollywood stars in the 1940s?
Just like today, Old Hollywood had a major influence on the fashion of the decade.
How about a simple a-line dress, with a pert collar? In true 40s fashion, shoulder pads were oh so “in” and fabulously dramatic.
The classic film legend and style icon, Bette Davis, opts for a classy plaid style. (top left)
Her holiday accessories? Simple earrings and statement broach. Talk about chic and festive!
Ann Rutherford, the Canadian American actress, looks delightfully chic in her red long sleeve a-line dress. (top right)
1940s Holiday Outfits: Blouse & Skirt Styles
“What happens under the mistletoe stays under the mistletoe.”
Another popular holiday outfit style in the 1940s was the classic blouse and skirt.
Deanna Durbin, a popular musical film star in the 1930s and 1940s, stuns in her peasant style blouse and skirt ensemble. (top right)
Did you know that “peasant style” (think boho chic) was actually a very popular 40s style?
To learn more about 1940s dresses:
1940s Summer Dress – Your Casual Vintage Style Guide post.
Also, notice Deanna Durbin adorable homemade Christmas ornaments and décor. (top right)
Given the shortages resulting from World War II, this publicity shot is plugging homemade Christmas decorations!
Fun fact!
According to the Old Hollywood tabloids, there was a bitter rivalry between Judy Garland and Deanna Durbin, after they starred together in a 1936 film. However, this actually was just a rumor. Sound familiar to today’s star studded supposed feuds?
1940s Holiday Season: “Prep Time!” (“40’s Housewife!”) Styles: The Apron & Pinafore
Ready for the practical festive “working” style inspiration?
Think Cinderella at Christmas… you know, scrubbing the toilet, and endlessly cooking, while getting the house presentable for the guests?
Well, glad you asked. We’ve got you covered.
Need a comfy practical style, that’s not sloppy and blah?
Say hello to the favorite fashion accessory for busy chic ladies in the 1940s. The apron.
Layer this on top of your favorite figure skimming dress to look like a million while you work your magic around the house!
Another fabulous practical option is the classic pinafore dress.
This style looks like an apron has already been pinned on the front of the dress. So easy!
1940s Holiday Season: “Prep Time!” (“40’s Housewife!) Styles: Two Piece Styles & Pinafore
Time to decorate the tree? It’s the 40s, so don’t hold back on the tinsel!
Want to channel Margaret Sullavan’s vintage style outfit as you scurry around decorating the house this year?
Simply pair a short sleeve button up cardigan with a skirt.
Or need a festive outfit when meeting up with your secret penpal?
We love Margaret Sullavan’s practical, and yet chic style, as she falls in love with her unknown correspondent.
For a perfect holiday running around outfit, pair a red frilly polkadot blouse with a black pinafore dress.
Little does she know that her secret penpal is that annoying hottie at work!
The Shop Around the Corner (1940) is a must watch Christmas rom com. Many of you have seen the remake with Meg Ryan, You’ve Got Mail.
Need more heart warming movies for holiday season?
Best 40s & 50s Christmas Movies & Vintage Holiday Fashion
“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas. But if the white runs out, I’ll drink the red.” — Unknown
Holiday Season: Coat & Jacket Outfits
There were so many fabulous holiday winter coat and jacket styles that it was hard to narrow down our favorites.
Need a festive style for your next sporting adventure in winter wonderland?
Or perhaps an unforgettable look for that ice skating date with a special someone?
Or maybe you just are looking for an ultra-glam look for walking your Foxie in the wee hours of the morning, or stealing the limelight, as you arrive at your holiday party?
From the violet-eyed Elizabeth Taylor, to the curvy Janet Leigh, to the pin up legends Rita Hayworth and Betty Grable, we’ve got some fabulous and unexpected coat and jacket outfit inspiration.
These will ensure your holidays are even more cozy and unforgettable!
Holiday Season: Coat & Jacket Outfits for Skiing
Grinning ear to ear, two of our favorite Old Hollywood glamour girls hit the slopes during the holidays.
What glitters more, their pearly whites or the glistening snow?
In Idaho, Claudette Colbert (top left) pairs bright orange accessories with her muted retro snow suit.
I can’t figure out whether I love her retro snow goggles or her brightly colored scarf more!
Meanwhile Rita Hayworth (top right) hits the Swiss Alps in cozy style, opting for a simply classic outfit.
Notice the vintage trousers style on their skiing pants.
Although Claudette Colbert is in Idaho and Rita Hayworth is in the Alps, yet notice who is wearing a lot more layers! Haha.
Looking for style inspo for ice skating?
How about a red skater dress with matching earmuffs and… socks?
Or perhaps you’re more intrigued by Loretta Young’s stunning ice skating outfit, as she is about to go ice skating with a handsome someone. (Image above)
In this Christmas classic, little does she realize that he is actually an angel in disguise!
Holiday Season: Coat & Jacket Outfits for Ice Skating & Shopping
Holiday Season: Ultra Glam Coat & Jacket Outfits
Need some Go Glam or Go home inspo?
It’s all about the furs… about the furs… about the furs….
The gorgeous redhead Lucille Ball and the world famous pin-up girl Betty Grable show us just how this style oozes Old Hollywood glam!
What makes these looks pop, besides the luxurious full length fur coats?
Lucille Ball (top left) pairs, not one, but two colorful scarves with her outfit. Plus her red hair and oversized jade cocktail ring add a certain pizzaz to her style.
Betty Grable (top right) shows off her famous legs, which are accentuated with some eye catch retro red pumps.
“There’s nothing mysterious about me. My legs made me.” — Betty Grable
Can you believe she insured her legs for $1 Million? Talk about some important assets!
For the decade overshadowed by World War II, it appears that the far the most popular glam style for special occasions and holiday parties was…. (drum roll)… The Little Black Dress.
It’s time to get the inside scoop from Old Hollywood Glamour girls on how to style the Little Black Dress.
“What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day.” — Phyllis Diller
Old Hollywood Glamour Holiday Outfits: #1 The Classic Little Black Dress
The first Little Black dress holiday style is the short sleeved figure skimming a line dress.
Notice how classy this look is.
A black sheer ruffle is the only adornment for Loretta Young’s chic dress in “The Bishops Wife.”
Old Hollywood Glamour Holiday Outfits: Evening Dresses – The Little Black Dress
Old Hollywood Glamour Holiday Outfits: #2 The Chic Little Black Dress
We also love this second festive variation of the Little Black Dress.
This style is simply a long sleeve figure skimming a-line style that is accentuated with white.
Notice the white lace collar on Donna Reed’s dress in the timeless Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life (1946).
Similarly Barbara Stanwyck pairs a fluffy white bolero jacket with her Little Black Dress as she falls for the handsome soldier in Christmas in Connecticut (1945).
The white and black color blocking makes these little black dress styles absolutely pop!
1940s Style Christmas Outfits: Santa Themed
“Dear Santa…I can explain.”
Need some cheeky, yet chic Santa Themed outfits for your holiday party?
How about a red Santa’s helper dress, lined in fur?!
Pair this with a matching white fur cape or white fur line gloves. Talk about elfin’ cute!
Rita Hayworth (above) stuns in her santa inspired red outfit.
Now, who’s being naughty and who’s being nice?
If you love Rita Hayworth as much as we do, you might also like:
15 Greatest Rita Hayworth Movies & Films Ranked
Old Hollywood Holiday Outfits: Pin-Up Styles
The 1940s were the heyday of the pin-up girls!
Santa’s Sexy Helpers are the first set of festive 1940s pin up styles.
Notice how these are cheeky and festive, yet not too revealing?
Fun fact!
Anne Gwynne (top left) a strikingly beautiful and talented Old Hollywood actresses was Chris Pine’s maternal grandmother! Not only was she a top pin-up model, but she was a top star for 1940’s “B” horror films.
The next two pin up styles ooze with equal amounts of humor and sizzle.
Above the Christmas mantel, the matching pin-up beauties sizzle in their lacey black lingerie and fishnet stockings.
On the right, a gorgeous and curvy Jane Greer stuns in per polkadot swimsuit pin-up style, as she writes out her Christmas list to Santa.
What’s on her Christmas list?
– 6 dozen nylons (that’s a lot of nylons!)
– 1 Club Coupe (that’s a snazzy 40s classic car)
– Cary Grant (talk about the ultimate hottie!)
– 1 Mink Coat (the ultimate glam winter style!)
Notice how her Christmas list includes chic clothes and lingerie, a snazzy car, and a gorgeous hot man.
Sounds like a vintage version of a Christmas list that any romantic would write!
If you love the vintage pinup girl aesthetic, then you’ll love:
20 Wildly Popular 1950s Pin Up Models
The Golden Age of the Pinup – Pin-up Girl History and Style
This post was all about 1940s holiday outfits
”It’s the most winederful time of the year.”
Did any of these festive Christmas styles inspire you?
We wish you a very Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
