Recently I've been watching a lot of Glamour Daze's Youtube video clips from the 1940s, giving authentic beauty and dressing advice for women. Not only are these fascinating from a historical standpoint, they are a dream come true for a reenactor or someone who wants behind-the-scenes tips for the authentic look for costumes and hair styles.

(My version of how to make long hair short.)

After looking at this one, I determined to pay more attention to brushing my hair and its care in general, although I had to laugh when the narrator recommended girls to wash their hair often – at least once every two weeks! I usually have to wash mine 3 times a week, which is a pain for keeping curls. However, now I wonder if I have to wash so often because I don't brush as well as I should.

I love seeing the rooms and the dressing table sets these clips are filmed in, and the gowns and hair are a dream.

This clip about over dressing was helpful. I liked how Margaret was dressed, but as she took off her superfluous ornaments, I realized they had been…superfluous, and she was dressed in better taste without them. 

I especially appreciated this video, demonstrating good taste in dressing. When I want to dress in a 1940s costume, I tend to want to throw on all my authentic pieces at once. But the overall image of the era was reserved, elegant, and poised. Besides the tips that are always in style, like making sure your shoulders are brushed off and your hem is straight, this video reminds us not to be sloppy and make sure clothes are well fitting.

Also, for the vintage dresser, to get that really authentic, “stepped-out-of-the-era” look, we must have self control and, when wearing a tailored suit, make sure there is only one focal point or touch of extravagance. Necklaces were not worn usually if there was a contrasting collar at the neck – the contrast was the trim. With suits, nothing more sandal-like than slingbacks were ever worn, and usually pumps (although spectator pumps or peep-toes were common). 1 frill at the neck, or a pair of more elaborate gloves, or a dashing hat, are all fine to be worn with a suit – but never all at once. If you have a frilly blouse, make sure the hat is smaller and plainer, although still smart and stylish, and the gloves should be simple. A more elaborate hat should be worn with only plain accessories, etc.

Of course that was only street wear. A club-afternoon dress might have a frilly collar and more elaborate gloves or a larger hat with a bow.

These rules are fascinating as they give us a look into another world that yet is not so distant from this present generation. But more than that, they are often still applicable today, whether you're a costume-wearer or not, and are well worth paying close attention to if you wish to have that put-together, tasteful look of a well dressed, poised woman.