Have Your Own 1940's Burlesque Photo Shoot for Men and Women
By tammyswallow
A Guide to Vintage Style
If you are looking to experiment with vintage clothing, celebrate the femininity of classic styles, or create photos that are unique and original, a 1940's photo shoot is a creative way to express yourself.
The 1940's in Fashion
While this era of history is considered to be one of the most glamorous, the style of clothing and hair were actually inspired by the Depression and necessity to be simple during WWII when women entered the workforce in record of numbers.
1940's fashion seeks to draw attention to the shoulders of both men and women. Elbow length gloves were a hallmark for women while fedoras and suspenders were staples in men's wardrobes.
Styles became less fashionable in 1942 when the onset of WWII caused a shortage of an already limited supply of nylon and polyester which were seized by the government to make uniforms and parachutes for US Soldiers. In these years, women began wearing pants due to shortages in fabric and because they were called to work in factories to produce war equipment. Popular magazines and pattern companies advised women on how to remake men's suits into smart outfits, since the men were in uniform and the cloth would otherwise sit unused.
Hairstyles
One way women in the United States showed support for the victory of the war was to wear their hair in a "Victory Roll" as listed below. This hairstyle also enabled women to keep their hair out of their faces while they were working in the factories.
Make Up
Make up styles in the 1940's varied greatly from the styles of today. In this era, woman were very natural and did not go to tanning beds. Make up was light, soft, and natural. There was no "smokey eye" or heavy eyeliner.
To achieve the 1940's look in makeup, start with a light foundation to the entire face. Dust your foundation with a light powder foundation with pink undertones to keep the natural tones. Instead of highlighting eye lids, ladies of the 1940's accentuated their eyebrows with a powder matching their natural color and accented arches. Sheer, light colored eye shadow was used instead of today's dark colors. Great emphasis should be placed on eyelashes- making them long, black, and lustrous. If you have sparse lashes, falsies will give you a great 1940's look. Rose colored blush should be used on the apples of cheeks and blended to avoid creases. Last, lips should look glamorous and soft. Lip liner in a red, burgundy, or crimson should be applied heavily to the top lip followed by a thick, luscious lipstick in the same color.
Jewelry
Jewelry was not a highlight of the fashion of the 1940's. Fresh out of the Great Depression and jumping straight into WWII, jewelry making in the US practically stopped. The most popular jewelry of the time were "Sweetheart" necklaces in which a woman wore one half and her lover off to war wore the other half.
Background
Because the subject of the photo should be the focus, backgrounds should be minimal and not distracting or competitive with the model. Simple matte backgrounds are perfect. If you are taking photos indoors, consider having your subject lay on a couch in an "S" position. Plain furs and adornments should be used. If shooting photos outside, consider your surroundings. You will not want to include ultra modern buildings or implements in a 1940's photo shoot.
Popular 1940's settings would include a Hollywood Red Carpet, a movie set, a military ship depot, or cars from the time period.
How to Create the Victory Roll Hairstyle
A Look Into a Real 1940's Photo Shoot
Men's Style in the 1940's
In this era, there were no jeans or sweat pants. The clothes made the man and every man wore a suit with wide legged trousers. Jackets could either be double or single breasted, although double is more stereotypical of the 40′s. Men's jackets were padded in the shoulders to give men the appearance of stature. Facial hair of any kind was not popular. Men took pride in great shoes and it was typical to wear oxfords daily.
Men's Style in the 1940's
Kitty The Dreamers' How Too on Burlesque Styles
- How to Dress Like Dita Von Teese, Pin-up Burlesque-Style
Do you love Dita Von Teese and her sexy retro pin-up burlesque style? You can dress like Dita Von Teese in pin-up burlesque style with this quick and easy tips.
A Guide to Vintage Shopping
Vintage clothing items aren't hard to find, but you must know where to look. EBay offers a great deal of great vintage items. There are many "specialty shops" on the net that offer fabulous items with a money back guarantee. Here are a few highly rated sights:
 | Amazon Price: $17.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $69.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $21.99 |
Gifts for Soldiers
If you are the wife or girlfriend or a man stationed away from home.. God Bless You!! This would be a wonderful surprise for your military solider!
Comments
Thanks Audrey.. stay tuned.. I am going to do a hub on boudoir photography.. :)
Oh! This looks fun! I should get a few friends together and try it out in the future. I also love the photo's in this hub.
Thanks Blair Tracy.. it is really fun.. they look really good when they are finished and you photoshop them to black and white or the antique look. I appreciate the comment!
This is nice Hub! Some parties out there are themed to be back in 1940's and up! This article will be very helpful Hub!
What a great way to spice up a photo. Voting this Up and Awesome.
Thank for reading brandasaur.. it is really fun to do. It is just a different kind of beautiful.
Hi alcosin.. thank you for your nice comments! It is a very unique creative idea that also makes for a good gift.
A great hub which I vote up and bookmark.
Take care and enjoy your day.
Eddy.
Thank you so much Eddy. I hope you have a great day too!
Hello, tammyswallow,
As you may have picked up with my "surprise video" of the Andrews Sisters, I really do like what could be described as the 1940's style.
I love the way people dressed back then, the music, the way the men and women conducted themselves, and I could go on.
Also, when I was a little boy in the early 1950's, I had a lot of exposure to the "1940's style" because my very beautiful mother was a "'40's Child."
Hi Feenix,
There is just a certain class that all people had in the 40's that is so appealling. I bet your Mom was a classy lady. Sometimes I wish I couldv'e been born in that era.. Life was so much simpler! Good to see you as always.
Wow...you have done a great job, my friend. Very inspiring hub, especially for us who love photography. Thank you very much for share with us. Rated up!
Prasetio
Thanks Pras.. it is so much fun and the guys get to have some great photos. A good time time for all. Thanks for stopping by!
I really like that style.....no pants hanging down past the butt-crack, and the ladies all look like ladies.
very cool.
Chris
Thank you CMerritt. This style seems to appeal a lot to the men because it is so classy. I like it because ladies don't need to look like tanned raw hide leather from a tanning bed..lol. Thank you for reading and stopping to comment!
This was so much fun to see. I love the older styles where fashion and sexy mixed to create classy. And the hair and makeup - so sleek! Now Im inspired to try a 1940's photo shoot. I just need to find a model...
I am glad you enjoyed it Ardie.. I love the classiness. It is a fun girls night to get everyone together to take eachother's photos. I hope you will give it a try! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a wonderful comment.
Voted up and awesome, Tammy! You've covered my absolute FAVORITE decade of fashion and style here. I have an obessession with the 40s (and 50s)! I've also written hubs on how to do vintage hairstyles and dress like a pin-up girl...but this hub is one of my favorites. Great writing and ideas!
Thanks Kitty! My daughter in law got me started on this. She has all the hats, bolero fur coats.. She has a real tutu dress from the 1950's.. Everything about that era is just so natural and beautiful. I will take a look and see what I can link.. Thanks!
I really enjoyed watching the videos and looking at the hairdo's .. AND THE CLOTHES WOW..great HUB... I voted up and awesome...
Hi Ms. Deborah. I am glad you enjoyed it. I think the beauty of the 1940's speaks volumes that less is so much more beautiful. Thank you for stopping by!
Love this! Very creative.
Thank you mason!
Costume-parties are in fashion down here. So every occasion gets a theme and guests dress accordingly. I find the swing of Fashion from decade to decade interesting and amazing. I've bookmarked this one... perhaps it is time for me to organize a party...
All thumbs up for this hub.
Thanks for reading Martie. A costume party would be fun too.. It would be a fun party. It is so glamourous yet so simple. I hope you try it!
I do so love the '40s look, especially the shot of Dita Von Teese. Nicely done!
Thank you Diana.. She is stunning isn't she!
One of my favourite era. You do inspire me tammyswallow. :)
Luscious and lovely Hub! My mother was a "war bride," married in 1943. I've always loved her elegant fashion from those years and am glad to see interest in the period continue to grow with articles as informative and engaging as yours. LOVE the Victory Roll video. So that's how they did it! Up and awesome.
One day I really have to try this! Your hub has me more tempted! You should receive a commission!:)
Tammy, this is a fantastic Hub! What a great job you did. The photos and video are terrific.
This looked so much fun...great idea/hub!
This hub was definately a blast. Last year right before Valentine's Day I found a meetup group that did Pin-up shots. For a day, I got the opportunity to wear vintage clothing and have my hair done vintage style. They even taught us the pin-up makeup. It was such a blast and this really gave me a lot more insight into that. If you ever get a chance to do a pin-up photo shot, I would definately give it a shot. It is completely like going into a whole different world! :)
What a unique and fun idea. Voted up & awesome.
I love the idea of a 1940s photo, the elegant style, the music, the clothes- everything looks great! Voted up, shared and more!
Thanks Jacy! You should give it a try!
Thanks thoughtforce! That is one of my favorite time periods and definatley one of the most elegant.
I love Vintage fashion and love 1940s films. I have been in an historical show through my cousin Ivan Sayers. I got to be a Bobby Soxer and wear a red dress from the 20s. It was fun!
Thanks Flora. I love this era too. What a unique experience! That must have been fun! Thanks for sharing that!
This looks like a lot of fun, dressing up in vintage clothes for a photograph shoot. Sounds like a great party idea as well. Voted up.
Thanks Millionaire Tips! It is a blast. That would be an awesome party. Everyone could bring their makeup and vintage dress up clothing.. have a little wine.. Much fun to be had! Thanks so much for reading!
This is awesome! What a terrific idea and very informative. Tell me, are the pictures yours?
Thanks Duchess OBlunt,
These photos are not mine. My daughter in law is my model and she is shy and to beautiful for comments. :)
I love the look of this era - but then, I'm a vintage film buff! Great hub, Tammy, and very well written. I love the details about make-up and jewelry. Now, if only I can find a photographer near me who can do this! Thanks for the fun read!
Thanks for reading and commenting Marcy. Women had a different beauty back then. I love catching a good old film. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting.
she most definitely is beautiful!
Thank you Duchess!
Great hub Tammy. It just dawned on me that people spend a great deal of time discussing what look men find appealing in women, but you rarely ever hear what look women find appealing in men.
Nice hubs. I like the nurse look, speaking from a male point of view.
Take care and voted up on your interesting article.
John
Thanks for visiting this hub John Sarkis. This is a very true observation. I appreciate the comment and vote up.
AudreyHowitt 5 months ago
What a fun and lovely idea!