Clara's 1940s Pajamas

This week, Clara has some more pajamas. Last week, they were from the 1930s, and this week, they're from the 1940s. Once again, the pajamas are two very different styles of nightwear — one is a lacy, ruffled nightdress, and the other is a practical, comfy pair of pajamas.

Clara would be very comfortable in either of these 1940s pajamas. The nightgown has a nice ruffled neckline trimmed with ribbon. The high geometrical waistline adds a stylish touch, and the soft a-line gown would create a flattering silhouette.

The two-piece pajamas are for a colder evening with long, blousy sleeves gathered loosely at the wrist. A sweetheart neckline was very popular in the 40s. The loose pants would be comfortable instead of restrictive.

To print Clara's pajamas, use this PDF file:

Clara's Dress 66 (764.5k)

Clara is a free, printable paper doll. Clara will be available on this blog as long as I continue to post new fashion pages for her. You can read the introduction for the Clara paper doll here.

To print the Clara paper doll, use this PDF file:

 The Clara Paper Doll (718k)

Clara's 1940s Day Dress

World War II had a huge impact on fashion in the early 1940s. Some clothing mimicked military uniforms (think shoulder pads), but mostly fashion was dictated by shortages in fabric and trim as supplies were disrupted and factories converted to war production. Neat tailored dresses — using minimal fabric and trim — were popular, with plain waists, narrow knee-length skirts, pockets at the hips, and gathers at the neck or waist.

Colors were conservative, fabrics plain. But with everyone wanting to look their best to counteract the worries of the war, hair was one way that women could dress up. Shoulder-length hair was worn in elaborate curls and rolls, copying the popular movie stars of the day.

Shoes in the 1940s were generally mary janes, oxfords, pumps, or sandals. Heels were increasing in popularity, varying from low to high, including wedges. Clara's peep-toe pumps have the taller Continental Heels, also called High Cuban or French heels. 

Tan stockings were popular, and always had a seam down the back of the calf. The challenge was to keep the seam straight. My grandmother told stories about drawing a line on the back of her legs when nylon stockings could no longer be bought due to war shortages. The only alternative to nylon at the time was rayon. Sold as  "Victory Stockings," the rayon stockings bunched, stretched, and sagged. So bare, tanned legs with a painted line were very much preferred to the wrinkly stockings.

The original dress was a blue denim colored dress. The shoes were back patent leather.

To print Clara's dress, use this PDF file:

Clara's Dress 59 (735k)

Clara is a free, printable paper doll. Clara will be available on this blog as long as I continue to post new fashion pages for her. You can read the introduction for the Clara paper doll here.

To print the Clara paper doll, use this PDF file:

 The Clara Paper Doll (718k)

Clara's 1940s Bolero Dress

In the 1940s, the fashion industry was heavily influenced by Spanish designers, such as Cristóbal Balenciaga. These designers made Spanish-styles in fashions quite popular. Additionally, the 1940s saw many famous Latin actors and actresses on the silver screen, making Spanish and Latin influence widespread.

Clara’s dress for today has a some Spanish styling with a false bolero jacket. The panels sewn into the bodice of the dress create the look of a bolero. The puffy sleeves and flared skirt also show the Spanish influence on this fashion design.

Clara also has some nice sling-back shoes, worn with ankle socks. Although the style is typical 1940s, these shoes could certainly be worn today – but maybe without the socks.

Finally, Clara has a popular hairstyle for young girls in the 1940s – some loose braids tied with bows, and worn with long bangs.

The original dress is coral pink with white daisies. The original shoes are white leather.

To print Clara's Dress, use this PDF file:
Clara's Dress 44 (791k)

Clara is a free, printable paper doll. Clara will be available on this blog as long as I continue to post new fashion pages for her. You can read the introduction for the Clara paper doll here.

To print the Clara paper doll, use this PDF file:

The Clara Paper Doll (718k)

Clara's 1940s Aprons

During the Thanksgiving holidays, I got to bake some pies at my mother's home. My sister was there, and we had a chance to look at the aprons in my mother's drawers. Some were from my great-grandmother, and I was reminded how beautiful vintage aprons can be. So, just in time for Christmas baking, Clara has two cute aprons from the 1940s.

Clara has a plain day dress that she would wear to attend school or help out around the home.

The first apron is a bib apron with a large scalloped hem. Large pockets would come in handy for a quick place to tuck something as Clara works or helps cook dinner. This apron, although definitely 40s in style, has a very traditional shape.

The second apron is less traditional, with a cute ruffle detail on the front, and a unique diamond-shaped pocket. The side straps and v-neck of the bodice are classic 1940s style, though.

Aprons were very popular — and useful — in the 1940s. Almost every woman owned at least one apron, since it protected her clothing as she cooked and worked. Many aprons were homemade from various patterns, so each was unique.

To print Clara's outfit, use this PDF file:
Clara's Dress 39 (745k)

Clara is a free, printable paper doll. Clara will continue to be available on this blog as long as I post new fashion pages for her. You can read the introduction for the Clara paper doll here.

To print the Clara paper doll, use this PDF file:
The Clara Paper Doll (745k)

Clara's Vintage Swimsuits

To celebrate the hottest August on record here in the Phoenix area, I have a few swimsuits for Clara. Considering the fact that it is still 111°F right now, I think swimsuits are the only outfits that will work this week. Maybe next week, too, if it doesn't start to cool down.

One of Allison's favorite things to do in the summer was to swim, and we would probably be going swimming tonight if she were here. Not having her with us turns fun things into difficult things to do, especially if the activity was something she loved. Perhaps that's why we've not been swimming much this summer, despite having access to some pretty neat swimming pools and beaches.

[ sigh ]

Ok, so these are some pretty fun swimsuits. Clara has three swimsuits for a hot summer day at the pool or beach.

The first swimsuit is from the late 1930s, and has a fitted semi-gathered skirt with a cute anchor trim. This is actually a little more risqué than many of the suits from the 1930s, but the skirt is still pretty long, at least compared to what we wear today.

The suit from the mid-1940s is rather plain in design, but has some bold stripes across the chest. The bottom looks almost like some of the swim shorts that are popular right now.

The swimsuit from the early 1950s is nearly form-fitting, and has some cute stripes and polka dots. The suit had two layers: the part that is visible, and a tight swimsuit underneath. I may not be making any sense right now. It's probably the heat. :-)

To print Clara's swimsuits, use this PDF file:
Clara's Dress 24 (741k)

Clara is a free, printable paper doll. Clara will continue to be available on this blog as long as I post new fashion pages for her. You can read the introduction for the Clara paper doll here.

To print the Clara paper doll, use this PDF file:
The Clara Paper Doll (745k)