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WHAT: 1940's screen queens Lauren Bacall, Joan Crawford and Marlene Dietrich knew what they were doing when they let glamour and elegance ooze from their pores in a decade otherwise distracted by an ongoing world war. For Fall/Winter 2009 designers like Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen, Prada, Behnaz Sarafpour, Roland Mouret, Lanvin, Dolce & Gabbana and even Victoria Beckham herself took inspiration from a decade that let the glamor shine through even in times of peril. From belted waists, exaggerated shoulders, houndstooth checks and platform pumps the elegance of the 1940s was back on the runways of Fall 2009.

WHO: Victoria Beckham loves the body hugging tailoring of 1940s styles in both her own designs and Roland Mourets while Amy Adams, Diane Kruger and even Beyonce have embraced the glamorous gowns inspired by the decade but designed by Zac Posen, Dolce & Gabbana and Rouland Mouret.

BEST BUY: Nothing says glamour better than a luxurious pair of elbow-length leather gloves and a fuzzy fur (in our case, faux fur) stole. Our top picks for the season include these Tarnish leather gloves ($98) and this faux fur pull thru scarf from Express ($58).

TIP: A simple houndstooth blazer or overcoat is a great way to add a hint of 1940s inspiration into your everyday wardrobe. Pair it with a solid pencil skirt on the bottom for your very own Lauren Bacall or Joan Crawford moment.