The term ‘teenager’ was coined in 1941, and Seventeen magazine printed its first issue in 1944, showing off young teenager-targeted clothing and interests. It was a new market, one that was somewhere between girls and college-age young women.

Teenagers were obsessed with crooner Frank Sinatra, hung out at soda fountains, and danced all night to jazz and swing music. 1940s teenage f ashions reflected this new, carefree outlook on life.

In the life of a 1940s teenager, there was a war going on, but it was something that only seemed to affect their parents. The teen girl uniform of the 1940s was a pleated plaid skirt, snug fitting sweater over a blouse, white bobby socks, and a pair of loafers or saddle shoes. This was a simple, easy, comfortable outfit that was dressy enough for school yet informal enough for after school fun.

Here below is a set of vintage photos that shows teenage girls wearing skirts and saddle shoes in the 1940s.