You Were Never Lovelier (1942)

I just finished watching the Rita Hayworth and Fred Astaire film You Were Never Lovelier, and as always, loved the 1940s fashions.

I recently read that Fred Astaire said that Rita was his favorite dance partner.  I can't find the direct quote, but apparently he said that he could teach her a new dance routine before lunch, and by afternoon she had learned the whole thing and was ready to perform.


Here are few stills from the film:

Do you notice anything special about this dress? She has two giant hooks-and-eyes which are used to fasten the shoulder straps to the bodice.  Isn't that super cool?

I love the lace doily aspect of the dress on the left!  Below you can see a side view of it.  Also, plaid seemed to be in style for evening dresses in the 1940s.  Notice how the plaid fabric of the skirt is mirrored on the sleeve and along the neckline.

Oh, lovely Rita! Rita wears several dresses throughout the film which feature an illusion neckline.  She looks incredible with her lithe dancer's body and the style of dresses reminds me of the work of designer, Peggy Hunt.