1940's Casual Summer Styles // CATALOGING CATALOGS MW41

Plan to start lounging beach side because the forties have got a bunch of trousers, shorts, playsuits, and cotton dresses ready for summer time sun. Today we're diving into the earliest catalog in my collection, Montgomery Wards spring summer 1941.
The scans of these pages over on Pinterest: / 1941-montgomery-wards-...
The Schiaparelli jackets I mean: www.metmuseum.org/art/collect... www.metmuseum.org/art/collect... www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
Lacis Museum shop for slips! : www.etsy.com/shop/LacisMuseum...
Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.
Where I get my pattern drafting paper: atlaslevy.com/Paper_c_13.html (not sponsored)
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Blog: theclosethistorian.blogspot.com/
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But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@tiamatmichellehart6821]

INTERNET: Yeah, they all wore suits back then, but they didn't have the sweet bling we have toda- 1940s: *Crystal Heels.*

[@marymary5494]

I remember as a child looking through my Mothers catalogue in the 60/70’s. I would daydream about what I wouldn’t wear when I grew up. ☺️

[@cherylrosbak4092]

I just want those amazing full-skirted house coats. I could lose both cats under there and not even notice. My house was built in 1941, so I love seeing what colours it should be.

[@ladyjo581]

I love when you share these, and like the way you zoomed in and transitioned the pictures! Brava!

[@michellecornum5856]

Heartily Agree!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jo!

[@marjoleinsmolders1630]

45:30 Bianca: I need some hiking boots because I might go into nature in the fall My imagination: Bianca stepping foot outside the house in the most beautiful stylish outfit and vintage boots. Shiny beetle comes flying by. Bianca: NOPE runs back inside

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I went out to take photos of a new dress last week and there was indeed a beetle! You predicted that beetle 😂 It was definitely hefty enough I was like "no you cross the path first there sir" and made a wide detour. Luckily it did not fly while I was around. The good news is that my hiking boots came in the mail and they are very cute ✨🐞

[@marjoleinsmolders1630]

@@TheClosetHistorian Haha I would have the same reaction if it had been a big spider 😜

[@kathrynmccarthy]

If there is such a thing as fashion history ASMR this is it. I love watching your cataloging catalogs videos while I'm pattern making or embroidering. I can learn something and get inspired for new projects while keeping my hands busy. Thank you for scanning all of these and sharing them on your Pinterest btw!

[@ssanderson91]

These videos are so relaxing to watch! It's also great to see 'real' 1940s as opposed to our 'idea' of 1940s

[@k1tkat-kate]

As much as I love the more formal attire, the dresses, the suits.... I just get really excited about the casual wear. Especially for summer! Dresses, for my workplace anyways, aren't always the best option.

[@lelaniadam]

I think these catalog page-throughs are very special. I imagine my grannies being young ladies and looking at the pictures. It brings me joy to see an object - like the catalog - how they would have. Thank you for sharing it Bianca!

[@KMx108]

My granny was 32 when this catalog came out and she seemed to stick to this style even when I knew her (when she was in her 70s and 80s.) She never wore jeans and always looked well put together.

[@kaytiej8311]

I agree! "I'll take one of each" with suitable emphasis! And I appreciate the wander through the earlier year.

[@EmmaLemmon]

Hawaian print beach pyjamas 😍 I didn't know I needed those but apparently I do.

[@foxylovelace2679]

The two-color bell hop dress caught my eye! I love to see all of the military inspired stuff with more structure and shiny buttons.

[@kimbetts4282]

Thanks for sharing these. I always find them interesting from the Rosy, The Riveter styles to the innocent photos with puppies and kittens and jodphurs......which were a thing in the 80's. I had a pair of pastel lilac ones from the Corfu brand. Just goes to show how fashion circles back around again.

[@blairviolet_]

I love Lacis museum! I go there once a week, surprisingly pronounced "luh-sis". Great antique items and they have stories to tell about them. They are a non-profit in Berkeley, CA and yes I saw those rayon slips in person and they were ah-mazing.

[@littlehouseinthebigapple5716]

I love the more masculine styled lines! I also think I prefer the less nipped style in this early 40’s catalog. ❤️ this is fun. I used to love dreaming my way through catalogs back in the day.

[@seriouslyinsanediva]

wonderful video to "nerd out " on this Saturday night. I love this series. It reminds me of looking through my grandmothers magazines from the 40's when I was a teen in the 70's. oh, the beautiful tailoring and those glamorous platform peep-toe shoes. Thank you Bianca for your great content.

[@believeinfaeries8713]

I love from mid 1930s through mid 1950s so I'm just gobbling up these videos. So many things that I wish I could purchase now. I agree that the 1960s/1970s wool coats really work well for 1940s coats. I have one that was my aunt's and I really wish I had more call for a calf length wool coat here in Texas.

[@firewordsparkler]

I'm currently writing something that takes place in the 1940s and this is amazingly helpful. Thank you!!

[@waterbitten]

Fashion really does go around, going through this I'm realizing how the "modern" dress styles I like now are actually 40s styles. Great video, I'm going to look up gore a line skirts because modern African wax print fabrics are still quiet narrow.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

We really are just recycling old fashions for the most part anymore for sure 😂 Ankara fabrics are so gorgeous and make such fabulous dresses!

[@nono-io5kt]

@@TheClosetHistorian Very true if you think about it the”New Look” really was not all that new.

[@alexandragatto]

What a fabulous catalogue. I was especially tickled by all the incredible odds and ends from the back pages, from horse tack to musical car horns! P.S. I ran straight to the Lacis Museum Etsy page and grabbed a slip and two hats, thanks for the tip!! I credited you at check out and they said at least one other lady had done the same. Hopefully they send you a generous coupon as a thank you for the free publicity!

[@maryanne1367]

When I was growing up, my Dad worked in a Dyeing and Finishing Company. My Mum was all happy that she would get swatches of the fabrics and colours that would be out the next season ! I’m like: What? …does it come in black?

[@emilymcdanel538]

I'm so happy to see you do another of these! I, too, love the hats and wish it was still socially acceptable to wear a hat/ coordinate it with your outfit. Logically I know I can wear whatever I please in 2021 but it would be nice to blend in fashionably rather than having people look at me like I have a creature snarling at them from atop my head.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

As someone who wore feathered hats to high school in suburbia in the height of the Hollister era, I got used to the stares early and now have no fear 😂

[@Topazera]

Oh my gosh, give me that Change-abouts set, please! As I've gone on in my vintage journey, I've definitely come to realize how much I love sportswear and separates. As much as I love a great dress, the clothing I pick up to wear most of the time is what I can feel free to sweat in, lol. I was really interested to see the slacks with the front fly, I was expecting them all to have a side closure? Augh, this is such a good time for pants imho, I love when you get a wider leg but not TOO wide and the crotch hasn't been dropped too low. I was lucky enough to find a pair of unworn wool slacks from 1940, tags still attached and dated and everything, recently and they are so beautiful! Thanks for this video series, I absolutely love getting your commentary on the catalogues, it really adds a lot! 💕

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I made a pair of wider leg 1940's trousers in a fun palm tree print recently and now I sort of want ALL THE TROUSERS!!! Which is a problem because...not enough time to make it all 😅

[@dianavoermans]

Thank you for another window in time! So fun to see what people wore on a daily basis 🤩💃🏻

[@helenasnopek5431]

Love love love this! This is one of my favourite eras - I’m definitely one of those people who’s into the “juvenile” styles like playsuits, pinafores, etc. As always, your commentary is so fun to listen to!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Helena!

[@raraavis7782]

I love, how carefully they describe the outfits and fabrics used. You can really tell, that prospective buyers were actually interested and knowledgeable about these things and not just after 'the look'. And those striped dresses at 9:11 are really darling!

[@michellecornum5856]

I LOVE THESE!!!! But then I have to pause and jump down a rabbit hole! MUCH JUMPING this time!

[@nerdisaur]

Just what I needed! I love these videos, the catalogues aren’t nearly as interesting without the context you add

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤

[@Mantuamaker]

Thank you for these videos, they always provide inspiration. At 25:43 I really like the bodice of the first dress on the left page. The gather/pleat at the center is something I haven’t tried yet. It’s the panel right next to the wild stripe dress so it’s easy to miss. I have some really light striped linen. I wonder if it would drape similarly.

[@TheVioletWolf]

I really appreciate you covering the time period and styles you're not entirely too fond of, because you're right... late 40s/early 40s fan here! I stop at about 1950-1952 tops. I love your commentary, too. Cracks me up.

[@janatherton9194]

The dark blue suits top left at around the 37 minute 50 second mark remind me very much of my Granny's blue wool wedding suit, she wore it with a white blouse and a crystal brooch on the lapel. Many Scottish women at the time wore suits for their weddings, as they could be worn many times afterwards. You may be able to find similar shoes that were made in the 70's and 80's, I used to work for Clarks shoes in the 1990's when I was a student and we still did shoes that were similar to the 40's/50's styles then. Norvic Kiltie was another UK brand I remember from the 70's and 80's, that often sold old fashioned styles and kids shoes. You could also look at Ballroom Dancing shoes for strappy high heeled sandals that are similar to 40's/50's shoes, I have small feet, so I sometimes buy them if I need high heels.

[@dinahfreeman4886]

Thanks for sharing! I agree. I love that we can see how things would have been styled at that time.

[@LRWdesign]

Just goes to show if you look back at the decades and even centuries, current fashions just repeat the styles. I wish I could by fabric cheaper again. I’m finally using up some fabrics I have held onto for over 30 years and purchased for $1.25 - $3.50 yard. So far they have made gorgeous cotton and rayon dresses. 🥰👍

[@DulceZo]

Great video! I love how you show the detailing and do the modern day pricing conversions. Your videos have always been awesome and I am loving this series. Thank you for taking time to create it! 🙏🏽💐💕🥂✨

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤

[@lilayogaom]

I would love to see you do a video on how to pattern draft different types of a-line skirts. Great job and very entertaining commentary as always! ❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lindsey!

[@r.e.beaulieu9501]

Worth noting that to my modern brain, $10 for a five-piece set was nothing. But I looked it up and it would be close to $200 today! Wild.

[@marimba26]

I now need to order...badly haha. Or make something. Stat. I love this period, the square shoulders, the A-line skirts. I just love those styles. And if you find peep toes like that, please share!

[@theresacopeland2451]

thanks for sharing this! I loved the fabric section and was nodding and sighing right along with you-- the vintage eyelet! the mini swiss dot! what I wouldn't give to get some of those rayons!

[@snooksmcdermott]

OMG, those pants. Pants make me happy.

[@KatherineYoung]

I am amazed anytime vintage ephemera survives. There is just something about it. The looks… graphic designer dreams!

[@kristinafricker9351]

Oh my goodness, I ordered one of the slips you mentioned from the Lacis Museum and it just arrived today and I’m SO pleased. It’s the cutest 10/10 thanks for the recommendation.

[@brendabijak7171]

I would have gotten kicked out of school, or led a storming of the bastille or something. Love those trousers!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Yay for rebels! I HATED wearing dresses and was one of those in the 1960s arguing to be rid of dress codes.

[@khaxjc1]

7:00 I love the style of wide leg pant where it hangs in such a way that they can often be mistaken for skirts depending how the person wearing them is moving, or is standing still. 18:00 I love the hooded dresses of this time. And the fact that they actually used the hoods. Its so so rare I see people actually use the hoods on there clothes. Even with hoodies, at least in my area, they tend to stay down. 26:48 30:30 I want to know how to make that lantern bell sleeve thing lol. I like the look. 38:44 that hat on the right is just gorgeous. I dont know why but I seem to really be drawn to hats that bring the trim, particularly flowers, down under then brim. There is a show called Rosemary and Thyme. Its a murder mystery I watched with my grandmother and when the characters attend an outdoor party one of the leads wears a hat where the underside of the brim is loaded with flowers and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it for years. Lacis lace museum? Wait wait wait please tell me this is the same lace museum that featured in an old Costuming Drama vlog? Oh please let it be. id looked into them after that video and checked in a few times since as they were selling so much amazing stuff but the site and the store on the site were so outdated and hard to navigate. Or so it was when last I looked. They had so much when it came to all kinds of fashion and textile hobby/creation fun. Sewing, hat making, purse making, and so much more. They had things I hadn't come across in years if ever and for a decent price. Now the video is done Im off to investigate! Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I'm sure it must be the same museum, as their website indeed looks like it is from 1998 😂

[@VerbenaComfrey]

Seeing you go through these os so relaxing!

[@karensykas3809]

Your comment about the ladies holding things made me laugh out loud that is so funny! This is such a funny video! I love these catalogs

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Karen!

[@LightningValkyrie]

Sweetheart neckline overalls? Be still my heart. I screen shotted those and the reference is heading right over to my patterning table.

[@myrna_m]

I just came across your channel and I cannot thank you enough for doing these catalog videos! It has helped me pinpoint my favorite era of fashion, between 1938 and 1942. It's incredibly helpful to see exactly what was fashionable in specific years vs. general aesthetics of a decade or half decade! Many thanks for also including zoomed in pictures in the video and sharing all the scans on Pinterest.

[@Mamado88]

We were only allowed to start wearing tartan trousers to highschool in the early 2000s! I stuck with my kilt to my ankles as most did though, could wear our PJ bottoms underneath lol

[@thirza9508]

Ugh I love these videos so much

[@PeacefulMaelstrom]

I vibe with those patio pajama pants

[@JessicaReinke]

I love this series

[@christyogle_thedinnerbell]

I'm such a sucker for enormous pants. I wish I had the budget for that kind of yardage 😂

[@ReneePowell]

My husband asked me why I didn’t already have one of those cat ear clutches, but I can’t get over what are essentially jellies, way back in 1941. With super cute clear heels no less! 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I have totally seen clear flat sandals from the 40's too! I want the dang cat ear bags but I've never seen one 😍

[@kosmosjk]

Thanks for sharing another one of these, they are a real journey back through time. Can't wait to see the next one :-)

[@jgirvin5460]

The sets concept inspired me to buy multiple colors of the same fabric (navy blue, cadet blue, and Dresden blue) to make basic trousers, skirts, and blouses. I want that mix and match capability! And thank you for the scans on Pinterest.

[@nb594]

Excellent video, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks!

[@e_viola]

The color palette on the change-abouts is so me

[@juliaforsyth8332]

The shorts are so lovely.

[@whitalleys5893]

YESSSS I love these!! I had the opportunity to look through some vintage sewing, crocheting, and macrame guides last weekend. It’s so relaxing and informative.

[@debbiewakeland1353]

I can’t tell you how much I loved this. As a teenager I loved old catalogs. This brought that back and I really enjoyed it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Debbie!

[@rachelchapman6706]

Shockingly, my school in England only started letting girls wear trousers frim 1993! I was very glad to be allowed. It was still uniform itchy wool jumpers, shirts and ties though. I'm very tempted to make some of the beach pyjamas.

[@ruthmeow4262]

Yeah, all the hats. That's what I want as well.

[@amandahestdalen9751]

“Femme on femme on femme” …lmao….if you made this a tshirt I would wear it every day!

[@ukehimesama]

The shoe pages have to be my favorite, I cried a little. Dream is cute peep toes, high coverage, detachable bow clips and about 3 inch heel that is perfectly shaped, patent option also would be nice, sling back would would also be nice. I have all my Oxford style needs covered I need other options shoe repro brands

[@hannahgreen681]

I don't usually watch videos of this sort but I figured this could be fun to flip through with you. Some of these I would consider to buy even today, too bad the prices wouldn't stay lol. But I have to say that Hawaiian cabana at 9:03 is something I want to make and add to my summer wardrobe. Looks so comfy and cute.

[@msandigail]

omg the rayon slips at Lacis!!!

[@LadyGemaux]

Love this videos ❤️

[@katherinemorelle7115]

Some of the large, detailed lapels on those coats really remind me of mid-late Edwardian coats. Nicole Rudolph did a lovely recreation of one, and the lapel detail is just gorgeous- simple, because it’s just lines of top stitching, but it add so much, especially on a lapel of that size. Also, I now really want some ditzy floral fabric. Some of those floral dresses remind me of a knee length sort of “prairie work dress” of the late Victorian era. The same floral cotton, and with that gathered yoke, then gathered, slightly high waistline. And it reminds me that I really want to make one. I do love the style of the early 40s, it’s just that I much prefer longer skirts. I haven’t made anything above tea length in years now, and I tend toward ankle length generally. Protecting my legs from the strong Australian sun, I guess. That, and I find them more flattering when I’m sitting (which I do rather a lot as I’m a wheelchair user). So as I get older, my skirts get longer. But I think it might be just as easy to find a 40s style yoked dress, and then maybe add a bit of flood into the skirt, and lengthen it a bit. These videos of yours are so bloody dangerous! My poor projects list is long enough as it is, and then I watch one of these and it’s like “ooh! I could do this, or that, or I really want this (only with a longer skirt)”. Like I said. Bloody dangerous!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I definitely prefer longer skirts too, which may be part of why the later 40's and early 50's are my most favorite of all. The tiny florals are totally Victorian looking I agree!

[@nevem5010]

Woohoo! More catalogs! I love these videos 😺.

[@samatiesse]

Loved this video !

[@Leanimal]

I could watch these for hours. I’m so in love!

[@rocks2wear270]

Love when you look thru the catalogs and highlight the yummy outfits. Thank you!

[@marcco44]

very detailed research, impressive!

[@josie8581]

So much inspiration for outfits!!! I love when you share these, your commentary is 😙👌 the best!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Josie!

[@emmadavey3892]

So good 🥰 thanks Bianca for the excellent vintage enabling 😎

[@lindabrown7374]

Thank you for doing these videos. Love them!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Linda!

[@willynthepoorboys2]

Thanks for the video.

[@ClaireSalati]

being able to hear that thunder in the background is soooo soothing

[@shirleydrake1602]

Best one yet! Just my time frame.

[@robyn3349]

Thank you! I wore many of these dresses in miniskirt length to high school in the early 70s. Like the date dress with the frilly collar, minus the collar! Fun to see!

[@amandaworden2]

Thank you for doing these! love them! cant wait to watch over and over. love the commentary.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Afreshneedle]

Love these videos! Theyre the best to watch/ listen to while sewing!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@bucharestangst3745]

I want everything, thank you :D. I love this series. As someone with zero access to this stuff, this is very educational :)

[@l.r.heichelbech9926]

Love these videos and 1940s is my favorite era. It's such a treat to see the designs (and the shoooooeeees). Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@themaddiemads]

I adore these videos, the way you zoom in and isolate what you're talking about is so great. If you ever wanted to go through the soaps and cosmetics, I would be sooo down, but I understand that isn't quite the point of these videos. I do love that you showed some flatter options for shoes, because my mobility issues make heels a bit impossible, but some of those sandals?? delicious!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

There are a lot of amazing sandals and low wedges from the past that I would love to have 😩❤

[@trantnguyen817]

So, if you ever go to Vietnam, Ho chi Minh specifically, visit our shoe road , a whole road full of old and established shoe stores (some renovate but still use the same mold and techniques). They have many designs of that canvas shoes you like and also leather shoes meant for warm weather ( stiff and soft). Many of them still use the same style and techniques like back then and has styles from 1940s and 1950s ,from American and French culture.

[@annesullivan1171]

As always very informative, Thankyou ❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Anne!

[@bonniecolleenpappin8807]

Thank you so much for sharing. My mom was born in Spring 1941 and it was very interesting seeing the clothing and the prices they paid for their clothing. We really have it cheap today (I won't go there just now!). Thanks again.

[@janethagy8871]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

[@marieokamoto8791]

Yes, please!! It’s like when you enjoy looking at the art on your patterns but x 1000 .

[@coffemuse]

Love it!!

[@nono-io5kt]

I think the zipper on the wedding gown could be inspired by Schiaparelli. If I recall there is a mid to late 30s evening gown in Patterns of Fashion 2 where Schiaparelli placed the zipper front and center to be both decorative and functional.

[@yomama8873]

Love this thanks🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩💖💖

[@judimoss3250]

You are so knowledgeable; it’s great to hear you talk about fashion.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Judi!

[@zorayagaray9301]

Thank you Ms. Bianca. Inspiring dresses and suits. I look forward to more!!!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Zoraya!

[@mfg2324]

Thanks for all the work you put into this video and for sharing your knowledge! The 1940s are very new to me, I'm wearing 1890s/1900s, so it was very interesting!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@raraavis7782]

Those hats, though! And the shoes. WOW. 🤩

[@conniehensley5568]

Your show is fascinating!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@kaoim5045]

wow,so cool!!! how modern and clever! and so cheap if i understand right ....thanx so so much for sharing!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@jennidumlao4754]

I love this