I found this wonderful image on Pinterest. I'm posting it extra large so you can see the detail.        

It's just ideal for a perfect encapsulation of three of the distinct 1940s styles that were worn then – and an example of how you can wear so many different styles-within-styles and still be authentic.

The suede shoes are all a similar common mid-high heel height – one is peeptoe, one a plain pump, and one looks like it has a little platform.

The skirts are all the same length – two are straighter suit-type skirts, one has more flare. Two of the ladies are wearing two piece solid color suits; the other, a one piece printed dress. The dress has (most likely) mock pockets on the skirt with gathers underneath, contrasting buttons past the waist and a wide fold down collar. The suit in the center has a cute peplum, fancy buttons, and some tab and yoke detail, while the collar is narrow. The suit on the right is plainer in cut, which sets off perfectly the scoop neckline with the pleated ruffle. I can't quite tell if she is wearing a dickey with it or not, but it would work either way.

Accessories are well represented here too! One lady has a corsage, one has no necklace, the other a double strand of pearls – the classic necklace. Two of the ladies have earrings. One bag is a classic satchel-type, one is a cute novelty (possibly crocheted) tube or roll purse, the other is an unusual drawstring envelope style almost like a larger evening bag. Gloves are the three basic styles from the era – short (white) ones, long (black) ones, and a mid-length gauntlet – my personal favorite! The hats are all shady summer ones and different in brim and crown style.

You can't see the hair well here, but it still shows both the highly structured roll or bun and the loose, more casual curls of several lengths.

Such photos are so much fun to find and study, and no end helpful for putting together authentic costumes or, if you're a seamstress, finding the right styles, buttons, and accessories for an outfit.