Baby,it's cold outside!

We're halfway through the month of October!  The leaves are turning, and so is the temperature.  There have been chilly days already, but temperatures will continue to drop, so it's important to stay warm, and to look good while doing so. So, if you're going to step outside to a chilly day in the fall of 1948, then I guess it's up to us to let you know how to do so in style. But first, there are a couple of important things you should know...

First of all, you should know that, no matter what, turbans are out! I know you still see them occasionally, and at times it is more than tempting to wear one (if for no other reason than to keep your ears warm), but don't commit that fashion crime! Now that war is over, you can find hair pins and curlers again, so it's time to get back into your beauty routine. Throw that turban out! A fashionable hat is more than acceptable, so try opting for that instead.

NO

Yes!

Due to WWII, there were many shortages on fabric, many warehouses and industries were shut down or put on hold--mass production on things like clothing articles was brought to a halt, and that effected even the Haute Couture fashion industry. WWII ended in 1945, so now, two years later in 1947, Haute Couture made a spectacular comeback thanks to Christian Dior, who developed the "New Look," which is a refined and elegant style, recalling previous eras of fashion that emphasize rounded shoulders, a tiny waist, tea-length and wider skirts, gloves, and hats. Oh, and high heels, of course! Even though this revolutionary "New Look" for Haute Couture took place in 1947, it is still prevalent now, in the fall of 1948.

Some of the haute designers to look for this fall are:

JACQUES FATH

This talented and self-taught French designer has some fabulous designs out for this fall. Look for his labels when shopping for a daytime outfit that is suitable for low temperatures on colder days, like this one, which is modeled by his wife, Genevieve:

ELSA SCHIAPARELLI

If the wider, more bouffant skirts are not really your style, then you might be interested in Italian designer Schiaparelli.  She sticks to the more classic and sleek lines, like this afternoon dress:

MADAME GRES

Perhaps you have an engagement or special occasion that you need to dress up for, but you don't need a fancy cocktail dress. You need something warmer, mores substantial. If that's the case, then Parisian designer Madame Gres has something for you:

CHRISTIAN DIOR

The French designer who brought about the comeback of haute couture will obviously always have something to suit your needs, no special occasion necessary:

ELIZABETH HAWES

American designer Elizabeth Hawes can keep you warm, yet simply elegant this fall, in a well tailored coat like this one:

MAINBOCHER

Perhaps you'd like a stylish coat to keep you warm for that special occasion you're headed to with that killer Madame Gres dress? If that's the case, American style guru Mainbocher is just the man:

It's definitely important to stay warm on these chilly days, but it's also of equal importance to look your best. So, hopefully this information can help you do just that during this Fall of '48!