For those who know me you can say that I have slight obsession with “Hair Flowers” as seen in my collection below (and this is partial, I left out the Snoods, ribbons and hair scarfs I also own). I feel that they can brighten up a drab outfit or even a day in a second! They can also help the lazy ladies like myself who during the week for work cannot be bothered to do vintage hairstyles, keep that “vintage feel” in their look.
Now if you are looking to top off your 1940’s outfit and hair with something “extra”, let me suggest a hair flower or even a pretty bow (for this post I will be focusing on these adornments only) to complete the look.
Below are some inspiration pictures of vintage ladies wearing the flowers so you can get an idea of placement for your own lovely hairstyles for a night on the town (or day at the office).
Then if you scroll to the end I have shared hair flowers you could buy at time of this post (they are also super hair inspiration).
MARCH 2023: I did a detailed blog post on “1940s Women’s Hair Accessories” that includes links to hair flower suppliers (plus so much more).
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 you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.
Examples of how to get a 1940’s Vintage Hairstyle Look with Hair Flowers
The below image is my favorite because it’s an awesome example of how you can use not just one flower in your hair, but multiple flowers to fancy up your vintage do.
Another idea for hair flower placement..tuck it just slightly off to the side to finish off a style at the top of your hair (bangs, curls etc.).
Here is an example of a “bow” and how the placement of the bow means more than you think:
- Bow at the top of the head: Means that your out to get yourself a man
- Bow a the back of the head: Means that you are not interested in men
- Bow on the right side of the head: Means that you are deeply in love
- Bow on the Left: Means that you are going steady
Real life hair inspiration:
Here are some pictures of myself with some of my “hair adornments.”
Note: A couple of these looks venture into the 1950s category, but that is okay you do whatever you like!
Double up your flowers! Triple up your flowers! More the merrier!
Christmas Gift Decorations make for the perfect hair accessory.
LOVE this flower…I wear it all the time.
Not a hair flower but cute “hair cherries”. This is one of my early days vintage hairstyle trials (2012). The first image in this group is my more recent style. I have been practicing quite a bit.
Note: This is me at the beginning of my vintage hairstyle journey circa 2011/2012. I have come a long way since then.
Work Look Suggestion:
At work I tend to wear a small flower on the side of my head or sometimes at the back if I’m wearing a bun or a roll. Too big or even too flashy and it will not be professional so keep that in mind when adding this accessory to your work wardrobe.
Last Hair Flower Tip:
Lastly, hair adornments not only jazz up an outfit but are also excellent accessory for when you go out dancing as hats tend to get in the way if your on the dance floor all night.
Where to buy Hair flowers, Bows, Ribbons:
A Vintage Guide to 1940s Hair Accessories (and where to buy, including hair flowers) &
Vintage Hair Tools: Hairstyle Books 1940s & 1950s
Lucky for us today buying hair flowers is super easy (online and at brick and mortar stores), but I thought I would share where I have gotten some of mine in case you saw a flower that you liked.
Etsy: Just type in “Flower Hair clip” or “Rockabilly/ Pinup hair flower“ and see what happens. Lots and lots of beautiful hair flowers/adornments appear made by many different talented artists. So many beautiful choices, like the ones below.
Examples of Online Purchases that were available at time post (super vintage hairstyle inspiration):
Large peony hair flower with a strong alligator clip to attach to your locks from LadyLucksBoutiqueUK (avail as of August 2022 HERE).
Source: Etsy
Sunflowers, glitter and Autumn…oh my! This gorgeous white sunflower, autumn flowers and bronze glitter sprays (avail as of Oct 20th, 2020 HERE).
Source: Etsy
Double White Hibiscus Pin Up Hair Flower (avail as of Oct 20th, 2020 HERE).
Source: Etsy
White Delphinium Clip Hair Flower. Buy two and wear them like our 1940s lady below (available as of Oct 20th, 2020 HERE).
Source: Etsy
So there you have it my vintage loving friends, an easy and inexpensive way to get a 1940’s vintage look.
FURTHER READING:
- Take a look at my ‘Women’s Vintage Hairstyle‘ archive HERE
P.S. Follow me on Instagram too see more ideas of how I wear my flowers.
Liz 🙂