Christmas play set in 1940s style suggestions?

[Curlsgirl]

I really really want to wear my length down for this because I just like it better on me. My part in the play is a woman (not age specified but not really young either, probably around 45-50 which is my real age) who runs an outdoor newspaper stand. I know I need to wear a hat and pointed collar coat. Other than that they don't really specify how my hair should be worn. I have looked at pictures and it looks like the style was not really beyond shoulder length :rolleyes:

Can anyone give me any advice here? Yes I am planning early but we have already been practicing for 2 months.

[Niftytiffs]

Unfortunately I dont think you will find much to back up your wish to wear your hair down. It really didnt happen when it was your length. Long hair tended to be constrained in snoods, maybe with a barrelroll on top of the head.

Here is a picture of a friend of mine in an original 1940's suit wearing her hair in a snood, with a barrelroll and a hat. I made the hat and her brooch :D

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b51/Tifferstools/wedding002.jpg

Tiffers

[Curlsgirl]

Oh I didn't think of a snood! What about a plain braid? I don't have to wear it all loose just want the length down if that makes sense.

[Niftytiffs]

Hmm, I doubt it. I think a braid would most likely have been twisted and pinned up into a bun. I dont think I have seen any period pictures of people with their hair down. Of course I am looking at it from a UK perspective but I dont think you were too different over there! :)

I'll keep looking for you to see what I can find!

Tiffers

[Niftytiffs]

Hmm, if you can do this you should get away with having the majority of your hair down :)

http://hairstyletwist.com/blog/2008/03/10/partial-updo-with-victory-rolls/

Tiffers

[Carolyn]

I don't remember seeing a picture of a woman of that age group with long hair worn down unless maybe it was a beach picture. The "Victory Rolls" are very typical of 40's hair styles. I think you could do something with a snood as in the other picture above. Be sure to do the red lipstick too. Do you have some platform pumps and stockings with seams?

[Kimberly]

http://www.btinternet.com/~brmerc/vargas/Var8.html
http://www.btinternet.com/~brmerc/vargas/Var1.html
http://www.btinternet.com/~brmerc/vargas/Var2.html
http://www.btinternet.com/~brmerc/vargas/Var28.html

[enfys]

A snood would really be your best bet for authenticity. What will the audience be like? If older people will go, they'll pick up on it. Long hair wasn't worn loose much, except for pin ups, which isn't what you're channelling!

ETA: I think her name is Daniella Turdich or something, who wrote a book on 1940s hairstyles. There are pdfs of it available for free online and they have a long hair section for things like curl patterns and things.

[rusika1]

You're playing the part of a working class, middle aged (sorry) woman? I think most of the hairstyles being suggested are too "glamor girl" for your character. Not to mention that anyone working in a newsstand in winter would need to dress warmly. I suspect your character should wear a warm scarf over her head.

Long hair was somewhat unpatriotic (I'm not sure why--maybe because of the extra soap, etc. you would use to wash it?).

Did you know the U.S. Government approached Veronica Lake and asked her to change her hairstyle to support the war effort? Evidently many of the young women working in the factories were copying her hairstyle, and it was quite dangerous for them.

[/URL] [URL]http://hairstyling.suite101.com/article.cfm/1940s_womens_hairstyles_for_long_hair (http://hitlernews.cloudworth.com/link.php?h3rid=4490)

[Curlsgirl]

Hmm, if you can do this you should get away with having the majority of your hair down :)

http://hairstyletwist.com/blog/2008/03/10/partial-updo-with-victory-rolls/

TiffersThanks SO much!!!


I don't remember seeing a picture of a woman of that age group with long hair worn down unless maybe it was a beach picture. The "Victory Rolls" are very typical of 40's hair styles. I think you could do something with a snood as in the other picture above. Be sure to do the red lipstick too. Do you have some platform pumps and stockings with seams?Yes red lipstick is great. I think the pumps and stockings would be a bit much for a newspaper lady outside but not sure.


http://www.btinternet.com/~brmerc/vargas/Var8.html
http://www.btinternet.com/~brmerc/vargas/Var1.html
http://www.btinternet.com/~brmerc/vargas/Var2.html
http://www.btinternet.com/~brmerc/vargas/Var28.html
GREAT! Mmmmmuahhhhhhhh!

A snood would really be your best bet for authenticity. What will the audience be like? If older people will go, they'll pick up on it. Long hair wasn't worn loose much, except for pin ups, which isn't what you're channelling!

ETA: I think her name is Daniella Turdich or something, who wrote a book on 1940s hairstyles. There are pdfs of it available for free online and they have a long hair section for things like curl patterns and things.It will be all ages. And yes the older ladies always pick but friendly-like. :D


You're playing the part of a working class, middle aged (sorry) woman? I think most of the hairstyles being suggested are too "glamor girl" for your character. Not to mention that anyone working in a newsstand in winter would need to dress warmly. I suspect your character should wear a warm scarf over her head.

Long hair was somewhat unpatriotic (I'm not sure why--maybe because of the extra soap, etc. you would use to wash it?).

Did you know the U.S. Government approached Veronica Lake and asked her to change her hairstyle to support the war effort? Evidently many of the young women working in the factories were copying her hairstyle, and it was quite dangerous for them.

http://hairstyling.suite101.com/article.cfm/1940s_womens_hairstyles_for_long_hair

That is very interesting! Thanks so much for the info!

[Curlsgirl]

Oh and yes I will be wearing a coat. Not sure how to do that and not burn up! It's an hour and a half play! I may not wear a scarf for that reason.

I am thinking making my hair look shoulders with a fake roll under and doing a few victory rolls. I think that will be fine. It's not like it's a Broadway play so even though I want to look fairly believable it is not crucial to be perfect. KWIM? I love these suggestions. I knew I could count on you guys! Now if I could just find a coat that looks winter but is not so hot but 40s style. Now that's a challenge!!!