1940s Women’s Fashion Ideas For Your Next Vintage Dance

One of my very first blog posts I ever did was for a yearly big band 1940s dance we have in Hamilton (outside of Toronto) called “Swing Out To Victory“.

My post was about what to wear to a 1940s vintage dance and I showed “vintage images” from magazines, catalogues and patterns for inspiration. None of the images I presented were actually for sale though, so I thought since the dance is right around the corner that I would supply my readers with ACTUAL pictures of outfits you could own tomorrow if you wanted (unless they get purchased before you can hit buy).

Now obviously if you don’t live in Toronto you won’t be attending this dance BUT you can certainly purchase these outfits for your own 1940s vintage dance where you live. Happy Shopping!

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

Note: If an item is no longer for sale, don’t worry Etsy and eBay are updated daily with new content. Just hit search and good luck!

To start off here is what I have worn to last years Swing Out To Victory’s….

2013-I’m helping with the candy toss and wearing my Vintage 1940s Gown I found for $30 in Toronto

Now here are ideas on what YOU can wear to your next Vintage Dance….

This post was updated on October 20th, 2022

Note: Due to the fact that all the dresses below are no longer available, I have created an updated collection of 1940s Fashions (dresses, skirts etc.) avail for sale on Etsy, found HERE.

1940’s evening gown. Maxi-length cream gown in nylon fabric with red soutache embroidery on bodice.

Source: Etsy

1940s fabulous European-made rayon beauty in a black floral with fuchsia and mustard hibiscus blossoms and a skirt of soft pleats. Stunner!

Source: Etsy

Late 40s full length evening gown with a patterned silk (or blend) voile bodice and skirt, velvet bow waist and black netting overlay on the sweeping skirt.

Source: Etsy

Lets just start with a beautiful 1940s Crepe Beaded Gown. Wearing this at your next dance will 100% get you noticed that is for sure!

Since you might be dancing you want to make sure that you can move in what you are wearing (see my post on “real life vintage images of swing dancers“) and this dress looks like it would fit the bill while looking immensely stylish.

I love the Peplum detail on this novelty print 1940s dress.

I do adore a good green dress! Especially around the Holiday season and this 1940s Taffeta Cocktail Party Dress with the black accents would fit that bill nicely. How lovely would it look on the dance floor, spinning around?

I kind of want the below dress in my life..right now because it would be so fantastic for SOTV. Sadly it won’t fit, so someone else take it home and wear it dancing..Please!

I’m a sucker for a good floor length 1940s evening gown, like this beauty below.

Can’t you just imagine yourself being Ginger Rogers and dancing with Fred Astaire in this dress? I sure can.

Keeping with the “Gowns” theme, this 1940s black sequin gown with the swooping skirt is Gorgeous with a capital G!

If dancing is not your thing and you just want to stand around oozing glorious drama then this coral 1940s stunner of a dress needs to be in your closet. Oh la la is all I have to say 🙂

Now for a little novelty in our lives. The braided detail is delightful and so different right?

Lastly lets not forget about the Shoes Shoes Shoes! Oh so important and if you are looking for a vintage pair there are lots out there. Here are small sampling of some for sale right now.

1940s..ohhhhhh the blue is so pretty and the strap will ensure your shoes don’t go flying off your feet during that song you just love to dance too.

Peep toe shoes are a vintage 1940s must! and the sensible heal could work for a night out on the town.

Now here is a good sensible BUT stylish shoe for dancing.

FYI the oxford below has never been worn…score!

1940s Red Wedge Shoes Alert! Now these are shoes for a night of dancing…oh yes they are.

Then you have it my friends. I hope you found something you liked or maybe inspired you to go on the hunt for.

If you do go to a vintage dance, please share some pictures with me! I love seeing how everyone styles their clothes (especially from the 40s, but it can be any era).

Further Reading:

• Collection of vintage fashion blog posts from the 1920s-1960s

Liz 🙂