Summer Dresses
Posted on Thursday, September 24th, 2009 at 6:47 am |
 EUC Sz Small REVERSIBLE Strapless Summer Party Dress $0.99 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 42m |
 Women Bohemian Maxi Long Colorful Beach Sundress Summer Girl Boho Halter Dress $15.27 Time Remaining: 17d 16h 18m Buy It Now for only: $15.27 |
 RARE EDITIONS GORGEOUS SPRING SUMMER DRESS SIZE 14 JUNIORS OR GIRLS $10.00 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 59m |
 NWT Girls HM Plaid Summer Dress Size 7 8Y $12.00 Time Remaining: 31m |
 GIRLS DOMINO GIRL SUMMER PARTY WHITE HANDKERCHIEF DRESS 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 YEARS BNWT $20.42 Time Remaining: 20d 1h 30m Buy It Now for only: $20.42 |
 S008 Girls Kids Boho Summer beach Halter Smock Floral Print Sundress Mini Dress $7.99 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 38m |
 EUC GIRLS HALTER JEAN SUMMER DRESS SZ 6X BY NO KIDDING SUPER CUTE $4.99 Time Remaining: 39m |
 NEW WHITE FLOWER GIRL WEDDING SUMMER PARTY DRESS ALL SZ $17.23 Time Remaining: 21d 12h 22m Buy It Now for only: $17.23 |
 S001 Girls Kids Boho Summer beach Halter Smock Floral Print Sun Dress $8.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 41m |
 Watermelon Spring Summer Dress Sweet Heart Rose Brand Size 6 Cute $5.00 Time Remaining: 42m Buy It Now for only: $10.00 |
 Fashion Cute Kids Children teen Girls Chiffon Satin Flower Summer Dress 4 10Year $12.99 Time Remaining: 9d 17h 41m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 BOUTIQUE CUSTOM GORGEOUS RED SUMMER Dress size 4 5 or 6 MSRP 79 $39.99 Time Remaining: 42m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 |
 S015 Girls Kids Boho Summer Beach Green Sleeveless Floral Print Mini Sun Dress $5.50 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 45m |
 Girls Red Blue Gingham School Summer Dress 4 11 Years $6.27 Time Remaining: 21d 3h 38m Buy It Now for only: $6.27 |
 w058 White Christmas Gift Summer Cotton Casual Red Flower Girls Dress 5 6y sz 90 $8.99 Time Remaining: 48m |
 Girls fancy dress size 7 8 handmade pouff skirtSPRINGSUMMER $6.99 Time Remaining: 59m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 Sweet Fashion Chiffon Summer Ruffled Flowr Strap Girl Dress 4 10 Years 4 Sizes $7.99 Time Remaining: 9d 16h 40m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
 NWT YOUNG GIRLS BLACK WHITE SPRING SUMMER DRESS MSRP 35+TAX $15.00 Time Remaining: 1h 12m Buy It Now for only: $25.00 |
 NWT YOUNG GIRLS BLACK WHITE SPRING SUMMER DRESS MSRP 35+TAX $15.00 Time Remaining: 1h 13m Buy It Now for only: $25.00 |
 Fashion Kids Toddlers Girls Polka Dots Falbala stretchy tunic summer Dress 3 7Y $10.28 Time Remaining: 15d 19h 56m Buy It Now for only: $10.28 |
 Girls summer dress 18 months $1.56 Time Remaining: 1h 26m |
 EUC GIRLS BABY GAP LIGHT BLUE SUMMER DRESS SZ 4 WORN ONCE RETAILS 2950 $0.99 Time Remaining: 1h 29m |
 Girl Minnie Mouse Summer Top Dress T Shirt 2 7Y Party Costume Skirt Tutu DISNEY $12.77 Time Remaining: 10d 16h 54m Buy It Now for only: $12.77 |
 SOPHIE ROSE SUMMER SUNDRESS HALTER TODDLER DRESS SIZE 4T $6.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1h 38m |
 Girls Gap Kids Summer Dress $8.00 Time Remaining: 1h 51m Buy It Now for only: $9.50 |
 NEW Spring Summer Girls Flowers Dress Kids Clothing Outfit Set Wears SZ5 D1796 $7.50 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 3m |
 Girls Polyester Sz L Casual Summer Dress Butterflies $6.99 Time Remaining: 28d 14h 9m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 |
 Ladybird girls blue gingham school summer dress with white collar 7 8 years $1.56 Time Remaining: 2h 16m |
 hanna andersson 110 4 6 YR POLKA DOT SUMMER DRESS EUC $6.50 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 33m |
 HANNA ANDERSSON NEW hot pink tiered A line dress 120 6X 7 nwt great for summer $24.95 Time Remaining: 6d 13h 56m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 p006 White Pageant Pink Christmas Fancy Summer Flower Girls Dress 7 8 y size 110 $11.99 Time Remaining: 2h 33m |
 GAP SZ 5 DARLING SUMMER DRESS EUC $6.50 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 38m |
 Fashion Baby Girls Polka Dots Princess Falbala Sleeveless Kids Summer Mini Dress $8.29 Time Remaining: 16d 14h 51m Buy It Now for only: $8.29 |
 hanna andersson 110 4 6 DARLING SUMMER DRESS 4TH OF JULY OR ANYTIME EUC $7.75 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 38m |
 Pretty Brand New NEXT Burgundy Abstract Print Summer Pinafore Dress Age 4 5 $6.27 Time Remaining: 2h 41m |
 ROXY GIRLS SUMMER DRESS SIZE XL NWT $11.99 Time Remaining: 29d 17h 18m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 LILLY PULITZER SZ 7 PRETTY SUMMER DRESS EUC $4.25 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 43m |
 LILLY PULITZER SZ 7 PRETTY SUMMER DRESS TULIPS EUC $9.50 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 43m |
 SenSkids dress size 4 4T VGUC EUC sequined floral summer strappy beautiful $8.95 Time Remaining: 6d 5h 38m Buy It Now for only: $8.95 |
 hanna andersson 140 9 11 YR POLKA DOT SUMMER DRESS EUC $5.01 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 48m |
 LILY PULITZER SZ 6X DARLING SUMMER DRESS FLAMINGO EUC $12.50 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 48m |
 Girls Dress Designer Summer Party Wedding Special Occassion RRP 28+ NEW+TAG $14.13 Time Remaining: 19d 10h 39m Buy It Now for only: $14.13 |
 Hanna Andersson Multi Color Girls Summer dress size 120 $9.00 Time Remaining: 2h 49m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 |
 Monsoon gorgeous coral flower detailed summer dress aged 3 4 years $11.16 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 49m |
 Girls Kids Size 2 3 4 5 6 6X Disney Princess Ariel Mermaid Summer Dress Skirt $15.99 Time Remaining: 7d 23h 58m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 |
 LILLY PULITZER 6X ADORABLE SUMMER DRESS BEES EUC $5.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 53m |
 hanna andersson SZ 120 6 8 YR STRIPED SUMMER DRESS EUC $6.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 53m |
 Girls Children Summer Cute Causal Gladiator Baby JR Strap Size Kids Dress Shoes $13.90 Time Remaining: 7d 11h 40m Buy It Now for only: $13.90 |
 PLUM PUDDING SZ 7 POLKA DOT GORGEOUS SUMMER DRESS EUC $4.80 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 9m |
 Lot 24 items Girls Size 12 SUMMER dresses skirts shorts tops bras pjs cute stuff $39.57 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 9m |
 Beautiful Polly and Friends size 5 summer dress EUC colorful $5.00 Time Remaining: 3h 11m Buy It Now for only: $7.00 |
 Bonnie Jean Girls Pink White Stripe Rosette Flower Spring Summer Sun Dress 6 $24.95 Time Remaining: 7d 7h 49m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 Girls Summer dress by Jona Michelle in 6X ruffled EUC $3.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 12m |
 Girls Laura Ashley Cotton Summer Dress with Smocking size 4T $5.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3h 16m |
 Rare Editions Toddler Girls Shopper w Poddle Fuschia Zebra Mesh Summer Dress 6 $31.99 Time Remaining: 29d 10h 37m Buy It Now for only: $31.99 |
 NWT GYMBOREE BATIK SUMMER EMBROIDERED GEM TIERED HALTER DRESS 5 $5.50 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 24m |
 5 6 years Girls Mini Mode Dress Pink with pretty flowers ideal for summer $6.27 Time Remaining: 3h 26m |
 Bonnie Jean Girls Floral Rose Ruffle Mesh Easter Spring Summer Dress size 5 New $33.99 Time Remaining: 7d 6h 56m Buy It Now for only: $33.99 |
 Summer dress by Jane Seymour size 6 $2.99 Time Remaining: 3h 31m |
 Summer NEXT Girls dress sz13 NWT $10.00 Time Remaining: 3h 35m |
 Girls Dresses Chiffon Leopard Print Frilly Childrens Summer Clothes Kids 4 12yrs $14.13 Time Remaining: 19d 10h 12m Buy It Now for only: $14.13 |
 r059 2 Xmas Birthday Party Summer Red White Cotton Girls Dress 5 6y sz 90 $10.99 Time Remaining: 3h 37m |
 Hanna Andersson Summer Dress 120 US 6X 7 Summer flowers $5.50 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 48m |
 New WHITE CHAMPAGNE flower girl dress summer style $15.25 Time Remaining: 25d 14h 35m Buy It Now for only: $15.25 |
 4T 5T Summer Spring Dresses Skirts Lot Chaps Circo LEI and more $8.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3h 54m |
 Hanna Andersson Summer Dress 120 US 6X 7 Sundress $7.50 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 54m |
 Girls Kids SZ 4 5 6 7 Minnie Mouse Costume Summer Fancy Dress Tutu Skirt Outfit $14.98 Time Remaining: 6d 9m Buy It Now for only: $14.98 |
 Juicy Couture Girls Dress Sz 5 Summer Terry Heart Pockets $11.49 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 58m |
 OSHKOSH SIZE 6X GIRLS FLOWER PRINT SUMMER DRESS $1.25 Time Remaining: 4h 17m |
 New Girls Bonnie Jean sz 6 Ribbon FLOWER Halter Dress Seersucker Summer Clothes $22.95 Time Remaining: 28d 11h 56m Buy It Now for only: $22.95 |
 NWT LOW PRICE mini skirt dress pants Perfect for the Summer $10.00 Time Remaining: 4h 18m Buy It Now for only: $30.00 |
 EUC CARTERS SZ 6 PINK BUMBLEBEE FLOWER SUN DRESS SUMMER DRESS $0.99 Time Remaining: 4h 22m |
 Girls Kids 2 7Y Disney Princess Costume Summer Party Fancy Dress Skirt Outfit $10.99 Time Remaining: 9d 22h 47m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 EUC Naartjie Girls Summer Spring Dress Handkerchief Bandana 8 SET $14.99 Time Remaining: 4h 23m |
 EUC CARTERS KIDS SZ 6X ORANGE FLOWERS AND CHERRIES SUN DRESS SUMMER DRESS $0.99 Time Remaining: 4h 27m |
 Adorable GIRLS SPRING SUMMER DRESS by ZOEY Sz 5 NWOT $8.99 Time Remaining: 4h 28m |
 Girls 4 5 6 7 Princess Cinderella Fairy Summer Party Fancy Dress Tutu Skirt NWT $14.66 Time Remaining: 24d 2h 57m Buy It Now for only: $14.66 |
 Girls EUC BCX Sz 16 Pink Black DressOrg 70 GREAT 4 SUMMER EVENTS $10.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4h 30m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 Circo Girl 5T Brown PInk Apple Dress Cute for Summer $6.50 Time Remaining: 4h 32m Buy It Now for only: $8.00 |
 NEW STARS STRIPES Sun Dress Girls Summer Clothes 6 Patriotic 4th of July $22.99 Time Remaining: 3d 6h 21m Buy It Now for only: $22.99 |
 Spring Summer GYMBOREE Patchwork Popsicle Party Girls Halter Dress SZ 12 $8.99 Time Remaining: 4h 38m |
 Girls Dora Top Dress Skirt Size 4 5Y Party Summer Flower Costume Shirt Tutu New $9.50 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 39m |
 Girls Kids Dora SZ1 5Y Costume Summer Fancy Dress Tutu Skirt Outfit Clothes $12.77 Time Remaining: 7d 20h 59m Buy It Now for only: $12.77 |
 MARKS SPENCERS M S HELLO KITTY GREY SUMMER DRESS TOP AGE 13 YEARS $1.56 Time Remaining: 4h 43m |
 Girls size 4 hawaiian style spring summer dress worn once $9.99 Time Remaining: 4h 46m |
 Girls Beach Dresses Summer Cotton Tie Dye Frocks Childrens Clothing Kids 2 12yrs $12.56 Time Remaining: 14d 11h 51m Buy It Now for only: $12.56 |
 Girls EUC HYPE Sz 16 Blue Dress w braided straps beads GREAT 4 SUMMER $9.99 Time Remaining: 4h 47m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 HARTSTRINGS GIRLS PONY TOP 3YEARS BUST24 DESIGNER SUMMER DRESS NEW 19LONG JMex $4.70 Time Remaining: 5h |
 Purple Spring Summer Flowers Girls Dress 3 4 5 6 7 8Y $12.99 Time Remaining: 6d 16h 18m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 BEAUTIFUL ROSE FLOWER GIRL SUMMER DRESS WITH SWEATER SIZE 5 6 BONNIE JEAN NICE $14.99 Time Remaining: 5h 14m |
 goregous MICHAEL SIMON designer girls pink summer dress 6y $1.56 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5h 21m |
 NWT NEW GIRLS Youngland Polka Dot Dress Cardigan Shrug SUMMER Set 5 6 $20.69 Time Remaining: 24d 15m Buy It Now for only: $20.69 |
 GYMBOREE SLEEVELESS JUMPSUIT YELLOW GARDEN SUMMER DRESS SZ XX LARGE $9.99 Time Remaining: 5h 26m |
 GIRLS BONNIE JEAN SUMMER PARTY ORANGE MULTI PATTERN MAXI DRESS NWT 6X $16.99 Time Remaining: 5h 31m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 New Girls Boutique Red White Polka Dot Eyelet Ladybug Summer Dress 6 6X NWT $24.99 Time Remaining: 25d 9h 22m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 TALBOTS KIDS NWT SLEEVELESS RED FLORAL GIRLS SUMMER DRESS SZ 7 $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5h 31m |
 GIRLS LOT SUMMER SUN DRESSES SIZE 6 7 OLD NAVY CHILDRENS PLACE $14.99 Time Remaining: 5h 32m |
 Girls CWD Lab dog dress size 7 Hatley Summer blue white nwot $25.99 Time Remaining: 29d 22h 29m Buy It Now for only: $25.99 |
 NWT Fashion Girls Summer Pretty Dress Pink 5T 6T DER1006 $0.99 Time Remaining: 5h 32m |
 MAGGIEZOE BOUTIQUE STYLE DRESSES SZ4 SUMMER 2 IN ALL GORGEOUS $24.99 Time Remaining: 5h 32m |
The Many Styles of 1940s' Summer Dresses
Summer time in the 1940's meant it was time to play. Trips to the beach. Lunch with the girls at a café. Garden parties with the neighbors. All these events required you to wear one of your 1940's summer dresses. These dresses were made to be light weight, colorful, and flattering on your body. Let's take a look at what 1940's dresses looked like and where we can buy vintage 1940's summer dresses today.
In the 1940's Dresses were made using rayon. Rayon came in thick wool like material for winter garments or light weight crepe or jersey in warmer months. Crepe was very light and airy- like a silk handkerchief or sheer drapery. American cotton was also used for summer dresses for home wear.
Dresses were much more colorful than suits and skirts. They could be plain, in blues, greens and reds, but patterns in a rainbow of colors were used a lot in dress fabrics. Small floral patterns in blues, purples, pinks and yellows were popular. Gingham checks and colorful stripes were equally common. During the war in the early 40's patriotic patterns, using red, white and blue colors and a 'V' for victory motif was frequently seen. After the war, Hawaiian prints became very popular for women's dresses as well as Hawaiian style sarong dresses. Decorations like bows, ruffles and lace were rare . Colorful brooches, earrings, and bracelets provided sparkle.
Dresses in the summer were all knee length, otherwise known as a tea length dress. The skirts were a-line with a little swing to them. Pleats and gathers were minimal until the late 40's and sleeves gradually became shorter too. The most popular style dress was the button down shirtwaist dress with the apron dress being a close second. These dresses were easy to button over a playsuit or swimwear, which made them versatile and practical. Another fun summer outfit was a Dirndl skirt with a peasant blouse top. Fun and girlish, this two piece outfit was a must for any young women's wardrobe.
Shopping for a 1940's summer dress shouldn't be too hard. Most 40's dresses were made of rayon or cotton and could be worn year round. The key it so find a dress that is colorful and light, wear appropriate undergarments, and complete with a pair of fun wedgies or sling back sandals.
The best placed to find vintage 1940's summer dresses is at your local vintage thrift store, antique store or estate garage sales. Online there are a plethora or vintage retailers. Make sure to take correct measurements befor shopping so that you don't order the wrong size. Another option is to make you own summer dress or have one made for you.
About the Author
If the thought of spending hours looking for the ideal summer dress sounds daunting, there is an easier way. Pick up a copy of the 1940's Style Guide: The Complete Illustrated Guide to 1940's Fashion for Women. With it you can find out everything you wanted to know about 1940's clothing, shoes and accessories (with pictures) and then checkout the best places to shop (over 160 shopping links.) It will save you a lot of time and headaches searching on your own. Pick up your copy at 1940's Fashion today and find your 1940's summer dress in time for the next pool party.
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