Wearing White - 1948

Wearing white in the heat of summer is a smart choice, as it reflects the sun's heat and also has a soothing psychological effect. Here's how women wore white for the summer of 1948. Included are our tips for the modern woman who wants to wear white, republished from an earlier post.

Left: Silver Fashions white cotton pique suit with gold buttons. Sold for $28 in 1948 (about $255 in today's dollar).
Center: Glamour Apparel white cotton blouse and skirt. Sold for $18 in 1948 (about $164 in today's dollar).
Right: Nancy Hood white pique suit. Sold for $23 in 1948 (about $210 in today's dollar).

Tip #1 - Choose the right white for your skin tone. Clear, bright white looks best on skin with blue undertones. For those with warmer complexions, cream or ivory is a better choice.

Left: Harry Keiser white cotton organdy dress with eyelet ruffle. Sold for $35 in 1948 (about $319 in today's dollar).
Right: Mary Stevens white dotted swiss dress. Sold for $35 in 1948 (about $319 in today's dollar).

Tip #2 - Select high quality fabrics with enough body to diminish show-through. Lighter weight fabrics should be lined for the best result.

Left: De Pinna white cotton pique dress. Sold for $40 in 1948 (about $365 in today's dollar).
Center: Cameo white cotton pique dress. Sold for $35 in 1948 (about $319 in today's dollar).
Right: Sol Meyerson white cotton dress with gold belt. Sold for $25 in 1948 (about $228 in today's dollar).

Tip #3 - Wear skin-toned underwear with white. White underwear will show through your dress! Choose a bra and panties in a color as close as possible to your skin tone. If your dress is not lined, a nude color slip will work wonders.

Judy Bond white cotton batiste gypsy blouse can be worn on or off the shoulder. Sold for $5 in 1948 (about $46 in today's dollar).

Tip#4 - Choose the proper shoes or sandals in soft beige, camel, silver, or bronze. Avoid wearing heavy colored shoes like black or dark brown. Bright pops of color like red or yellow on your feet can work if they are balanced with a matching accessory. White shoes will give a look that is too "matchy-matchy".

June Arden white eyelet peplum dress. Sold for $15 in 1948 (about $137 in today's dollar).

Tip #5 - White can appear too virginal, too sweet. Offset that tendency by showing enough skin. Choose sleeveless or low-cut styles over being too covered up.

First 3 photos by Landshoff.