How to Dress Like a 1940s Pin-up Girl

Pin-up girls are a big part of the American cinematic culture. Seductive images of models, actresses and singers were usually found in magazines, calendars and other publications. The most envied and sought after images come from the 1940s. Some of the most beautiful women in Hollywood did pin-up photos including Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, Lana Turner, Betty Grable, Esther Williams and Jane Russell. These steps will help you to emulate the glamorous look of years past.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Corset
• High heels
• Opera gloves
• Evening gown

1. 
   Corset

   Buy a corset. A corset is the basic hidden or visible element to any pin-up outfit. The hourglass figure is what every pin-up girl has and needs. The clothes look better on a figure that is proportioned.

2. 
   Heels

   Wear heels with everything. In all of the pin-up photos one of the things that you always see are heels. It doesn't matter if you are wearing lingerie, a swimsuit or an evening gown, you have to wear high heeled shoes with it.

3. 
   Opera gloves

   Understand that opera gloves are the most elegant accessory a woman can wear. They are typically long enough to span above your elbow, and are usually made of lace or satin.

4. 
   Evening gown

   Buy an evening gown. The gown doesn't have to be extremely fitted, but enough that it shows your shape. Also the cut should not be too revealing, but still shows enough. Invest in a halter or a strapless gown.

5. 
   Hair

   Have big hair. Not 1980s big hair, but the soft curls and ringlets that you would see actresses wear in the 1940s. The curls were away from the face, and weren't abrasive.

Resources

• Hollywood pin-up gallery