Goodwood Revival is a one of a kind event, a weekend where the golden age of motor racing meets the timeless charm of vintage fashion. Held each September in West Sussex, the Revival is much more than a motorsport festival! It’s an immersive experience that celebrates the spirit of the 1940s, 50s and 60s - and for many, the 1940s is where true vintage glamour begins.

At Revival Vintage we believe in dressing the part with confidence and authenticity, so if you’re planning to attend this year's Goodwood Revival and wish to channel 1940s elegance, this guide is here to help you create the perfect period accurate look- with a little help from our carefully handpicked collection!

Why Choose 1940s?

The Goodwood Revival eras span from the 40s to the 60s, giving you the choice of three decades of vintage fashion, each with its own distinct personality. At Revival Vintage, we pride ourselves on being midcentury fashion experts, and the 1940s is our favourite era to style!

The 1940s was shaped by wartime resilience and post war optimism. Fashion during this time was practical yet stylish. With fabric rationing in place, women became creative with limited resources, while men embraced smart tailoring and military style. The beauty of 1940s fashion lies in its timelessness- flattering cuts, structured silhouettes and effortless sophistication that still feel relevant today. At Goodwood, it’s one of the most popular decades to dress for, and for good reason!

Ladies 1940s Style: Practical Glamour

The 1940s was a decade defined by contrast. Wartime austerity gave rise to a fashion sense rooted in function, while the post war years welcomed a return to softness, femininity, and refinement. For modern day vintage enthusiasts, the era offers a wealth of inspiration, silhouettes that celebrate the female form, styles that balance utility with beauty, and details that speak to a spirit of resilience and grace.

Whether you’re drawn to the clean lines and structured tailoring of wartime utility wear or prefer the romantic elegance of post war fashion, the 1940s has something for every vintage lover. High waisted skirts, structured blouses, strong shoulders, and elegant floral tea dresses form the backbone of this enduring aesthetic. These looks remain as relevant today as they were then - flattering, wearable, and deeply expressive of the era's identity.

At Goodwood Revival, 1940s style comes to life in all its nostalgic glory. It's a chance to step back in time and embody the grace and grit of women who made the most of fashion under pressure. Think 'make do and mend' with a dash of glamour!

Key Looks For Inspiration

Tea Dresses

A quintessential piece in any 1940s inspired wardrobe, the tea dress embodies the era’s perfect balance between practicality and charm. Originally worn for informal afternoon occasions, these dresses became everyday staples during the wartime years, offering comfort without compromising on femininity. At Goodwood Revival, tea dresses remain a firm favourite, thanks to their flattering silhouettes and timeless appeal.

Look for mid length hemlines, softly gathered skirts, and waists that are gently cinched to create an hourglass shape - a nod to the era’s emphasis on structure, even in more relaxed styles. Shoulder pads or pleated details often feature in authentic 1940s cuts, lending a subtle strength to the overall silhouette, while dainty floral prints, polka dots, and muted pastels evoke the quiet elegance of the time.

Whether you opt for one of our original vintage pieces or our carefully crafted reproductions, a tea dress is effortlessly elegant and endlessly wearable, perfect for strolling the Revival circuit, enjoying a picnic by the track, or dancing the night away at the parties. 

40s Skirt Suits & Tailoring

For those seeking a sharper, more sophisticated look, a tailored skirt suit or separates in wool or tweed is the perfect choice to channel the polished style of the 1940s. The decade’s tailored pieces exude a sense of power and elegance, making them ideal for the post war city girl who navigated both the workplace and social scene with grace and confidence.

These suits often feature structured jackets with strong, boxy shoulders - designed to create a more assertive silhouette that was a direct reflection of women's newfound roles in the workforce. The iconic padded shoulder, popularized during the wartime years, became a defining feature of post war fashion, adding both structure and a sense of strength to the overall look. The jackets were typically cropped or hip length, cinching in at the waist to accentuate a feminine shape, while skirts were often pleated or A-line, grazing the knee for a flattering yet modest effect.

Fabrics like wool, tweed, and heavier crepes were commonly used, offering both warmth and durability. The use of these fabrics was practical, allowing women to transition seamlessly from day to night. Rich, neutral tones like charcoal grey, navy, and beige were staples, though the addition of subtle patterns, think houndstooth or plaid, added visual interest without detracting from the overall sophistication of the outfit. 

When paired with a slim fitting blouse, heels, and accessories like a structured frame handbag and delicate crochet gloves, this ensemble effortlessly captures the essence of wartime resilience and post war chic. Top marks if you add a matching hat! A tailored 1940s look is the epitome of timeless elegance, making it just as suitable for a formal event as it is for a modern vintage inspired look.

Womens Utility & Casual Looks

For those seeking comfort with a nod to wartime practicality, utility and casual looks are the perfect choice. Channelling the style of the iconic Women’s Land Army, these ensembles combine both function and style in a way that’s ideal for a full day of walking the circuit at Goodwood Revival or just enjoying the vintage vibe of the weekend. High waisted, wide leg trousers or workers denim are a must have for achieving that effortlessly chic, utilitarian look. The high waist is not only flattering, elongating the legs, but also embodies the practical nature of the era, ensuring ease of movement and comfort for the working women of the time.

Paired with a simple tucked in blouse, this combination offers a classic and timeless silhouette. For added vintage flair, choose a check or gingham print. These bold, graphic patterns were a signature of midcentury casual wear and add a sense of laid back, country charm.

To finish the look, accessorise with a working girl’s basket bag, practical yet charming. Whether it's a woven basket for your essentials or a sturdy cotton bag with leather straps, this piece brings an extra touch of effortless style. Top it all off with a headscarf, tied in a practical knot to keep your hair in place, while giving you that retro 'girl on the go' vibe.

This look is the perfect blend of comfort, style, and nostalgia. It's not only functional, which is ideal for staying comfortable during the busy Revival events, but also speaks to the strength and independence of the women who donned these outfits during the wartime years. A utility inspired outfit ensures you're dressed for both style and substance.

1940s Accessories & Details

• Hats: From neat berets to dramatic tilt hats, 1940s headwear will add instant authenticity to your outfit

• Gloves: Short or wrist length gloves, in particular crochet styles, add that final vintage polish.

• Hosiery: Seamed stockings are a signature of the decade, but modern replicas in the form of tights are comfortable and practical!

• Bags: Look for small structured handbags, leather satchels or envelope clutches.

Tips On Hair & Makeup

Victory rolls, soft curls, and updos were all popular 1940s styles. If you're not confident styling it yourself, many salons offer vintage hair packages during the Revival weekend, but for low maintenance ladies a simple quiff swept up and over the side of the head is just as good. Add a hair flower just above the ear and you're good to go!

As for makeup, keep it classic - groomed brows, subtle eye makeup, and that unmistakable 1940s red lip. YouTube has a great selection of tutorials for vintage inspired makeup, at all levels of expertise.

At Goodwood Revival The 1940s Comes to Life

Creating a vivid celebration of the era’s most defining elements, the event itself a time capsule of retro glamour, provides the perfect backdrop for embracing the fashion of the time. As you stroll the Revival circuit, it’s not just about donning a vintage outfit, it’s about stepping into the shoes of the women who lived through it all - the strength, the elegance, and the grace they exhibited in both everyday life and the high pressure circumstances of wartime.

The 1940s was a decade of transformation for women’s fashion, blending the soft femininity of the post war years with the practicality demanded by a time of hardship. Embracing this era's style at Goodwood Revival is more than just wearing a beautiful dress or suit, it's a chance to honour the legacy of women who dressed for the challenges of their time, and in doing so, created a look that still resonates with modern day vintage lovers.

Shop our Goodwood Revival collection here:
https://revivalvintage.co.uk/collections/womens-trackside-heritage-collection

Shop our Vintage Festival collection here:
https://revivalvintage.co.uk/collections/womens-vintage-festival-outfits

Shop our Women’s accessory bundle offers here:
https://revivalvintage.co.uk/collections/womens-cardigan-handbag-offers