Dressing Swing - Woman

Hats
Ladies in the 1930s-50s generally wore a hat or scarf when leaving the house. In the 1930s, berets and pillboxes were popular, but a brimmed hat, worn at a jaunty angle, more typifies the look of the era. During WWII, women's hats often resembled military hats and berets, but large-brimmed hats were worn, as well. For ladies engaged in factory work or labor, turbans, snoods, or scarves were a necessity to hold hair out of harm's way. This style was soon taken up by the general population for casual dress. In the 1950s, the pillbox hat was all the rage, and it looked very charming with the suits of that decade. By the 50s, though, it had become acceptable for a woman to go out without a hat.

Gloves
In the 30s and 40s, women generally wore gloves, as well. In both decades, two styles were common: shorter, wrist-length gloves or longer gloves worn pushed down. Gloves were made of cotton, chamois, knit, or jersey. During the war, however, they slowly went out of style, and by the 50s, were only worn for the dressiest of occasions.

Purses
A clutch purse was by far the most popular style during the 30s, 40s, and 50s. It was sometimes beaded or made of mesh, knitted or crocheted, or made of leather or even felt. Shoulder bags gained popularity after the war, and were a common choice for everyday.

Shoes
In the 1930s, women's shoes were generally made of leather. Two-tone wingtips, pumps with a buckled ankle strap, and high-heeled lace-ups were all popular. Heels were thick, usually one to four inches, and the entire shoe had a clunky appearance.

In the 40s, after M-217 mandated the conservation of leather, shoes were limited to six colors and one-inch heels. Wood or cork soles were common as leather became harder to find, and the wedge heel was both comfortable and popular. For dressier occasions, "peep" toes and sling-backs were often worn. The college set took to wearing saddle shoes toward the end of the decade, and ballet slipper-type shoes enjoyed some popularity with the New Look.

For the 50s lady, the classic pump in a one to two-inch heel fit most everyday needs, and a higher heel was worn for evening. Flat shoes rose in popularity, as did tennies.

Undergarments
In general, 1930s-40s underclothes were quite similar. Underclothes of the 1950s generally resembled the most modest of underclothes available today.
   • PANTIES were usually boxer-style, falling to mid-thigh or knee. They were either pull-on or button-closed with either flared or elasticized leg openings.
   • GARTER belts were worn with stockings and were made of sturdy cotton, nylon, or silk. Often, these were incorporated into girdles or panties. The All-In-One became popular around 1935; it served as bra, panty, girdle, and slip.
   • STOCKINGS before the war were made of silk with seams running down the back. They were available in neutral colors and were always worn. One of the first restrictions of the war, however, was a ban on Japanese silk. Stockings were then made of nylon for a few years until that, too, was needed for the war. After that, women either went without and wore bobby socks during the day or painted their legs "suntan" with eyeliner "seams" up the back. During this time, it became acceptable for a woman to go out bare-legged, and stockings haven't been a social necessity since.
   • GIRDLES were always worn in the 30s/early 40s. Dresses were manufactured to be worn over girdles. Early 30s girdles were made of cotton with boning to give it shape, but this soon gave way to rubber. Once rubber was deemed necessary for the war, women quickly became used to going without them.

Bloomers
I can not overemphasize the importance of bloomers for dancing. Some people wear tap pants or bike shorts under their skirts. However, many prefer to get actual bloomers; knowing that what is under their skirt will be seen, they take advantage of this to show off a pair of stylish bloomers.

Hair
If you have long hair, do your partner a favor and tie it up.

Jewelry
If you value it, take it off before going out dancing.