One of the most beloved eras in women's fashions, the 1940s signature look of soft fabrics, cinched waists and strong shoulders truly has timeless appeal and this edition explains the impact of war on fashion and how the spirit of utility and practicality unleashed a wave of creativity for women in a time of hardship, rationing of clothing materials and the absence of fashion designers from the trendsetting runways of the world. Necessity became the mother of invention and trends emerged from the decade, many of which became timeless classics for today, such as short-sleeved rayon dresses or shirts paired with versatile, slim, pencil skirts; boxy, wide-shoulder blazers which were inspired by the utilitarian design of menswear and influenced by the lack of availability of many decorative details and adornments. This book illustrates all the trends within the social history context of the time, the war, and the changing role of women throughout the decade. It also shows how World War II shifted the center of the international fashion from Paris to New York which brought in a new more casual American style for women and men and it explores the exciting re-birth of Paris fashion with a revitalized New Look and glamour from Dior as the decade came to a close.