Figure 1.--This articles from the November 1941 issue of "Modes et travaux" offered patterns for fancy outfits for younger boys, a suit for a younger boy, and three different capes. Pictured in passing were short and knee-length white socks, leggings, and strap shoes. Also pictured are rather English-looking Wellington boots. The title reads, "Filles ou Garçons aiment le Capuchon". That would translate as, " Girls or boys like capes". |
French mail order catalogs and clothing advertisements offer a very useful time line on changing fashion trends. France in 1941 was under German occupation. Unlike other countries invaded by the Germans, war damage in 1940 was rather limited. The Germans thus gained control ober a country that was relatively undanahed. In addition, throughout most of the year it looked like the Germans had essentially won the War and there would be no hope of liberation. As a result there was little resistance to the Germans in 1941. Many French councluded that they would have to simply make do as best they could. Fashion magazines continued to publish in 1941. The fashions do not appear to be notably different than befpre the German occupation in June 1940. One magazine offered patterns for fancy button-on outfits for little boys and cape type rain coats for boys and girls.
Rompers were a popular outfit for younger boys and continued to be so in the 1940s.
Modes et travaux in October 1941 offered a pattern for a flannel romper suit for little boys. The pattern shown was for a 3 year old.
There are several names for coats in French. The principal one is "manteau". One used by "Modes et travaux" is "pardessus".
Modes et travaux in October 1941 offered a pattern for a little boys' double breasted coat ("pardessus") with trendy styling. The pattern was for a 5-year old.
Capes were reportedly popular for both boys and girls. Some were styled specifically for boys or girls. Some could be worn by both. They had separate but matching hoods.
Modes et travaux in November 1941 offered a pattern for a capes in wool tartan plaid that could be worn by either a boy or girl. The child is shown wearing leggings.
Modes et travaux in November 1941 offered a pattern capes for a girl and a boy. The children are pictured wearing wellies.
Quite a few different styles were available for younger boys, both dressy and play styles. This included styles of dressy button-on shorts and fancy blouse outfits. There were also button-on pants suits. One summer style looked rather like shortalls.
Modes et travaux in June 1941 offered a pattern for a little boy's Spring outfit of fancy blouse and button-on shorts. The pattern shown was for a 4-year old.
Modes et travaux in October 1941 offered a pattern for a fancy button-on velvet outfit for little boys which included button-on shorts, a small jacket with puffed sleaves, and a ruffled collar blouse. The pattern shown was for a 4 year old.
Modes et travaux in November 1941 offered a pattern for a fancy button-on velvet outfit for little boys which included button-on shorts, puffed sleaves, and ruffled collars. The pattern shown was for a 4 year old.
Modes et travaux in November 1941 offered a pattern for a woolen play suit outfit for little boys which included button-on shorts, puffed sleaves, and ruffled short sleave trim. The pattern shown was for a 6 year old.
Modes et travaux in June 1941 offered a pattern for a Shantung silk play suit outfit for little boys which looked rather like shortlls worn with a blouse. The pattern shown was for a 5 year old.
Bous wore a variety of standard suit types. An outfit for a younger boy was a rather plain suit, but with a short jacket.
Modes et travaux in November 1941 offered a rather plain suit for a younger boy with a short jacket. It wassimilar to thE eton suits younger American boys were wearing, but the short jacket had lapels.
Magazines ciommonly showed boys wearing white socks, both ankle and knee-length socks. Many of the illustrations of younger boys showed ankle socks.
One magazine showed children wearing leggings. The illustration suggests both boys and girls wore them.
Modes et travaux in November 1941 offered a pattern for a cloak in wool tartan plaid that could be worn by either a boy or girl. The child is shown wearing leggings.
Magazimes showed boys wearing both strap shoes and lace-up shoes. Also depicted are Wellington boots for both boys and girls.
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