The Second World War went on for the first half of the decade. Flowing gowns were out due to less fabric being available. Dresses with puffed sleeves, knee length skirts and a military silhouette were in fashion.
1940's themes - It's a Wonderful Life, Casablanca, Miracle on 34th Street, VE Day, The Wolfman (Lon Chaney Jr.) Red River
1940's characters - Bogart and Bacall, jazz musician, John Wayne, Sam Spade