1940s street suit on Anita

This smart wool skirt suit is an authentic 1940s piece, labeled only as a “1942 street suit,” and it fit Anita perfectly. It was part of my photo project to document and style the extensive clothing collection housed at the Carondelet Historical Society in St. Louis. For this particular shoot, we chose South Broadway, a historic hub of activity in St. Louis, Missouri. During the 1940s, South Broadway was a bustling commercial and residential district, lined with shops, theaters, and restaurants that catered to the city’s growing population. The old streets and architecture still echo the vibrancy of what the city must have been like during that era—making it the perfect setting to capture the essence of this vintage outfit in the environment it would have been worn.

This “1942 street suit” is a quintessential example of wartime fashion in the early 1940s. The suit’s clean, structured silhouette reflects the practical and resourceful designs of the period, dictated by World War II rationing and fabric restrictions. The fit and cut are tailored without being overly extravagant, a nod to the government-enforced austerity measures that limited excess in materials like wool, silk, and nylon. The slightly padded shoulders in the jacket gave a strong, commanding shape—emphasizing the influence of women stepping into the workforce during wartime. The skirt, with its modest length just below the knee, adhered to conservation guidelines while maintaining a classic, feminine appeal.

Golden yellow, while not common during this time, is an eye-catching choice that elevates the sophistication of this particular suit. Styling it with vintage nylon stockings, gloves, real pearls, and a 1940s hat added touches of artistry and elegance, elements that women of the time would use to personalize and elevate their otherwise simple wartime wardrobes. Anita pulled it off effortlessly, bringing this historical piece to life.

Through this styling project, it was easy to imagine women walking down South Broadway in the 1940s wearing something similar—balancing practicality with poise, as they adapted to the rapidly changing world around them. From its tailoring to its subtle details, this suit embodies the resilience, elegance, and resourcefulness of the early 1940s.