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Last Updated on August 9, 2022 by Dominique de Merteuil
Tips on how to dress like a 1940s Femme Fatale!
A while back I wrote an in-depth article about Femme Fatale depicted in 19th and 20th-century art focusing on literature and painting. In this, considerably lighter post, I would like to show you how to create a 1940s Femme Fatale look with original 1940s clothes, as well as modern reproductions.
I don’t believe that there is one quintessential Femme Fatale look. Black seems to always be the preferred choice for those trying to imitate the style of a Hollywood Fatale woman but I suspect that this is only because most of the iconic 1940s films were shot in black and white. I bet that you will get a bit of a shock next time you watch; The Postman Always Rings Twice, Leave Her to Heaven or Double Indemnity where the sirens wore predominantly white!
Table of Contents
Femme Fatale look – the essentials
- Definition
Femme Fatale
a woman who is very attractive in a mysterious way, usually leading men into danger or causing their destruction
2. Femme Fatale’s appearance characteristics according to me
Beautiful, mysterious, classy, irresistible, but never vulgar.
The Femme Fatale Clothes
The clothes don’t make the man, but they are certainly a big part of why the Femme Fatale is so irresistible.
- Big 1940s shoulder pads and colossal sleeves are the perfect way to start the Femme Fatale look!
I used to hate my broad Joan Crawford-like shoulders. Now, I emphasize them with a 1940s jacket and massive shoulder pads for a very strong and dramatic look.
- A long and figure-hugging dress or skirt accessorised with a statement faux-fur piece and a tilted hat is really all you need to create a 1940s Femme Fatale look.
- That being said, a pair of 1940s, or in the style of 1940s, slacks paired with a blouse with enormous sleeves will create a similar effect.
- Don’t forget about your hair and make-up! All you need is a beautiful shade of red or orange lipstick, eyeliner and false eyelashes/lengthening mascara.
- Every 1940s hairstyle I can think of will work for the Femme Fatale look so stick to what suits you best. If you are completely helpless with styling your own hair, I recommend you invest in a wig like the one below from Necia.
THE 1940’S Femme Fatale in Films
MILDRED PIERCE (1945)
My “Mildred Pierce” inspired look.
The colour black is, of course, synonymous with the 1940s Femme Fatale look, and it happens to be one of my favourites. I paired the 1940s skirt suit with a faux fur collar from Helen Moore and an early 1940s brooch, a gift from my mother-in-law.
GILDA (1946)
If you are looking for a black silk gown inspired by Gilda, the best one I’ve ever seen and tried is from the Australian brand Wheels & Dollbaby!
SHANGHAI EXPRESS (1932)
It’s a much earlier film, but I had to include it as it shows the most incredible and inspiring wardrobe.
Marlene Dietrich the ultimate Femme Fatale on and off-screen.
MY MARLENE DIETRICH-INSPIRED LOOKS
In the picture by Gregory Michael King, I’m wearing; a 1940s skirt and velvet cape, paired with a Couture top from Veroni Deco, a faux fur hat, a scarf and muff from Helen Moore, Wolford tights and 1950s gloves.
How to dress like a 1940s Femme Fatale. I paired my favourite 1940s top with the fabulous loafers from the German brand SPITZ.
Proper foundation garments under vintage clothes are a real game-changer. I hardly ever leave the house without one of my Orchard Corsets. I paired the mesh corset with a Dita von Teese bra and Vedette underbust bra booster that prevents back bulge. The “Bleeding Heart” necktie from Abbie Walsh really ties the look together. No pond intended. 🙂
I’m wearing Wolford high waist panty, an authentic Victorian cape, a Dita von Teese bra and a vintage hat designed by Irene Sharaff and worn by Faye Dunaway in Mommie Dearest.
THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE (1946)
As you can see, the colour white can be as dramatic as black!
LEAVE HER TO HEAVEN (1945)
More inspiration for the Femme Fatale in all-white garments.
THE ONLY WHITE PIECE OF GARMENT IN MY CLOSET
Old Hollywood Glamour. My only white, or actually more of a cream evening gown inspired by the one worn by Constance Bennet. Ironically it was her sister Joan who portrayed a Femme Fatale in many films.
DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)
Phylis Dietrichson is one of my favourite evil characters from the 1940s. Her wardrobe and hairstyle are immaculate.
MY BARBARA STANWYCK-INSPIRED LOOK
In the picture, I’m wearing a 1940s skirt suit with huge shoulder pads paired with a 1940s hat with a veil. Let’s face it, at my age I should be wearing a veil all the time.
One of my all-time favourite 1940s dresses.
Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell.
Joan Crawford
Vintage-Inspired Clothes & Accessories for the Perfect Femme Fatale Look
If you are new to the world of vintage, and instead of diving right into shopping for authentic 1940s pieces, you want to start with something vintage-inspired, there are few brands I can wholeheartedly recommend.
THE HOUSE OF FOXY
The House of Foxy has many wonderful vintage-inspired clothes worthy of a Femme Fatale. I’m a big fan of their 1940s-style blouses. One thing to note, I always replace contemporary buttons with original 1930s ones for a more unique look.
The House of Foxy 1940s-style Pussy Bow Blouse and shirt are perfect for the Cora Smith in The Postman Always Rings Twice look.
FREDDIES OF PINEWOOD
The Spellbound blouse by Freddies of Pinewood is a true wardrobe staple for the 1940s Femme Fatale look, regardless of the colour. As you can see in the picture below, I own one in a lovely shade of pink, and I’m also desperately waiting for the brand to re-stock the Burgundy-Pacific Spellbound. I paired the pink perfection with the most magnificent Edwardian-inspired hat from Birds and Fresia.
BIRDS AND FRESIA
Regina Bases is a milliner extraordinaire, founder of Birds and Fresia, the brand that’s on every vintage girl’s lips.
All her hats are of superb quality, hand-made and often adorned with vintage birdcage veils, silk flowers and vintage organza. Definitely a show stopper!
HELEN MOORE
The 1940s Femme Fatale look would be incomplete without faux fur from Helen Moore! I can’t praise the brand high enough, and if you wonder why, take a look at my article about the Helen Moore brand.
I paired the 1940s skirt suit with a luxurious faux fur stole from Helen Moore and Edwardian inspired hat from Birds and Fresia.
The Femme Fatale Footwear
SIMONA RUSK HEELS
I can’t think of more perfect heels for a 1940s Femme Fatale look than the decadent Allegra designed by Simona Rusk. The British shoe brand is my recent discovery and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
How did your business journey with Simona Rusk London begin?
“The sudden loss of my mother and my own serious illness made me question what I wanted to do. I had learnt to handmake shoes for fun and was wearing a pair when I was stopped by someone who admired them. I had lost a lot of confidence when I was ill and this simple gesture was such a boost. It made me realise that this could be a way to combine my love of design, to commemorate my mom and to do something that could also make other women feel beautiful and confident.”
What was the inspiration behind my favourite Allegra shoes?
“When I wasn’t well, I would spend time at the Wallace Collection in London to lift my spirits. In part, the Allegra mule was inspired by Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s iconic painting The Swing, which hangs in this beautiful museum. This rococo masterpiece depicts a young woman kicking off a pink-silk mule while gazing at her paramour. I love the romance and whimsy of the image and the casual decadence of a mule – a style favoured by Madame de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette.
The signature heel is inspired by a ceiling rose – in Tudor times, a rose carved into a ceiling symbolised the freedom to speak freely. In the same way, I hope my shoes are a way for women to express themselves and what makes them unique and beautiful. “
SPITZ LOAFERS & SADDLE SHOES
It’s not a secret that I’m a big fan of the German shoe brand SPITZ, and as you can see in the pictures below, their saddle shoes and loafers go perfectly with vintage clothes and are the best alternatives for those of you ladies who can’t wear heels.
FRENCH SOLE VELVET SLIPPERS
And last but not least, my favourite luscious French Sole slippers are the quintessential footwear for lounging in the boudoir.
I didn’t choose the 1930s kimono robe and the red slippers to match my hotel room, but what a happy coincidence!
French Sole Cherub slippers and my new Diana Ribbon Collar from Hellen Moore to keep me warm.
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Sharah
June 14, 2021I really liked the article. And Loved the pictures too!
Dominique de Merteuil
June 16, 2021Thank you.
Maria
March 24, 2021Love it!
Dominique de Merteuil
March 24, 2021Thank you!
Nikki
May 30, 2021Love this article, very inspiring and you’re gorgeous! I need all those shoes and Kimono for myself, lol. I’ve always been drawn to the femme fatale and the style. I recently had to cut my long hair to shoulder length. I was upset about it at first but it actually frames my face more and I can wear more 1920’s-1940’s femme fatale hairstyles!
Dominique de Merteuil
May 30, 2021Thank you for your comment!
It is so much easier to create vintage hairstyles on shorter hair! I know from experience how difficult it is to part with very long hair. Mine was so long at one point that I could sit on it but cutting it, and changing the colour from raven black to copper red, was the best decision I’ve ever made. 🙂
Ellie
November 30, 2021I love saddle shoes! What are the braces on the socks?
Dominique de Merteuil
November 30, 2021The saddle shoes and sock belts are from SPITZ Germany.
lenord
February 3, 2021Really loved your content- your images and your write up! Going through blogs I have seen you are interested in vintage wear, I would suggest Malco Modes for vintage wear
Dominique de Merteuil
February 6, 2021Thank you for your lovely comments. I had a look at your website, but I didn’t see any vintage clothes there.
Julia
December 21, 2020Love, love, love all your pictures! The Edwardian hat and faux fur stole are breathtaking!
Dominique de Merteuil
December 21, 2020Thank you, Julia.
You made my day!