1940s Utility Belle Suit - Red
A fabulous new addition to our 1940s collection - the 'Utility Belle' suit was inspired by photographs and vintage originals and has been carefully created in homage to the utility styles worn by women from this era.
A fabulous wartime style suit consisting of blazer jacket and skirt combo that will give you a plethora of elegant options.
This jacket was deliberately designed to get the best fit out of the least amount of fabric, in keeping with CC41 utility guidelines, Britain's WWII scheme regulating fabric use and limiting non-essential detailing like extra panels or trim. Hence the 8-panel construction and two-piece sleeve, which minimise fabric waste without sacrificing fit.
This suit jacket is perfect for fans of the 1940s silhouette and packed with vintage details. We've paid particular attention to the fit to really nail that 1940s 'look' - as such the Jacket is tailored to fit nicely on the waist to give a slimming and elegant silhouette...with its double padded shoulders, curved peak lapel (a lapel with an upward-pointing tip at the collar, giving a sharper, more structured line than a notch lapel ), 8-panel pattern and three self-covered buttons.
The skirt has a flattering cinch-like deep waistband to really emphasise the waist, is slightly flared at the hem and has back fastening and zip. Both the skirt and the jacket are fully lined.
We love that this suit will give 1940s fashionistas so many options as both items are pieces of tailoring that will partner perfectly with all your 1940s styles. It will go perfectly with all red twill styles, such as our red swing pants and 1940s Rosie trousers and pairs just as beautifully with dresses and contrast skirts.
Made from our mixed fibre twill fabric and is fully lined in viscose satin.
Key features - Jacket:-
- tailored fit - with 3 button fastening
- peak lapel
- 8 panels
- 2 piece sleeve
- 3 self covered buttons
- fully lined in viscose satin
Key features - Skirt:-
- deep waistband
- back zip and button fastening
- fully lined
Approximate measurements size UK 10:
Length of jacket from back of neck to hem - approx 63cm
Length of sleeve from shoulder seam - approx 60cm
Proudly made onsite in Yorkshire, England
What is CC41?
CC41 was Britain's WWII Utility Clothing Scheme, regulating fabric use and limiting non-essential design details during wartime rationing — reflected here in the jacket's fabric-efficient 8-panel construction.
Is the Utility Belle jacket sold separately?
Yes — it's available on its own as the Bacall Blazer, for those who just want the jacket.
What does the Utility Belle suit pair with?
The jacket and skirt both work as separates too — pair with red twill trousers for a matching look, or with contrast skirts and dresses for more variety.
Is the Utility Belle suit made to order?
Yes, it dispatches in approximately 2 weeks.
Love this era? Read our 1940s Vintage Style Guide →
A fabulous new addition to our 1940s collection - the 'Utility Belle' suit was inspired by photographs and vintage originals and has been carefully created in homage to the utility styles worn by women from this era.
A fabulous wartime style suit consisting of blazer jacket and skirt combo that will give you a plethora of elegant options.
This jacket was deliberately designed to get the best fit out of the least amount of fabric, in keeping with CC41 utility guidelines, Britain's WWII scheme regulating fabric use and limiting non-essential detailing like extra panels or trim. Hence the 8-panel construction and two-piece sleeve, which minimise fabric waste without sacrificing fit.
This suit jacket is perfect for fans of the 1940s silhouette and packed with vintage details. We've paid particular attention to the fit to really nail that 1940s 'look' - as such the Jacket is tailored to fit nicely on the waist to give a slimming and elegant silhouette...with its double padded shoulders, curved peak lapel (a lapel with an upward-pointing tip at the collar, giving a sharper, more structured line than a notch lapel ), 8-panel pattern and three self-covered buttons.
The skirt has a flattering cinch-like deep waistband to really emphasise the waist, is slightly flared at the hem and has back fastening and zip. Both the skirt and the jacket are fully lined.
We love that this suit will give 1940s fashionistas so many options as both items are pieces of tailoring that will partner perfectly with all your 1940s styles. It will go perfectly with all red twill styles, such as our red swing pants and 1940s Rosie trousers and pairs just as beautifully with dresses and contrast skirts.
Made from our mixed fibre twill fabric and is fully lined in viscose satin.
Key features - Jacket:-
- tailored fit - with 3 button fastening
- peak lapel
- 8 panels
- 2 piece sleeve
- 3 self covered buttons
- fully lined in viscose satin
Key features - Skirt:-
- deep waistband
- back zip and button fastening
- fully lined
Approximate measurements size UK 10:
Length of jacket from back of neck to hem - approx 63cm
Length of sleeve from shoulder seam - approx 60cm
Proudly made onsite in Yorkshire, England
What is CC41?
CC41 was Britain's WWII Utility Clothing Scheme, regulating fabric use and limiting non-essential design details during wartime rationing — reflected here in the jacket's fabric-efficient 8-panel construction.
Is the Utility Belle jacket sold separately?
Yes — it's available on its own as the Bacall Blazer, for those who just want the jacket.
What does the Utility Belle suit pair with?
The jacket and skirt both work as separates too — pair with red twill trousers for a matching look, or with contrast skirts and dresses for more variety.
Is the Utility Belle suit made to order?
Yes, it dispatches in approximately 2 weeks.
Love this era? Read our 1940s Vintage Style Guide →
| SIZE | BUST | WAIST | HIPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6* | 79cm 31" |
61cm 24" |
84cm 33" |
| 8 | 84cm 33" |
66cm 26" |
89cm 35" |
| 10 | 89cm 35" |
71cm 28" |
94cm 37" |
| 12 | 94cm 37" |
76cm 30" |
99cm 39" |
| 14 | 99cm 39" |
81cm 32" |
104cm 41" |
| 16 | 104cm 41" |
86.5cm 34" |
110cm 43" |
| 18 | 110cm 43" |
91.5cm 36" |
116cm 45.5" |
| 20* | to 117cm to 46" |
to 97cm to 39" |
123cm 48" |
| 22* | to 124cm to 49" |
to 104cm to 42.5" |
130cm 51" |
| 24* | to 131cm to 51.5" |
to 110cm to 44" |
137cm 54" |
| 26* | to 138cm to 54" |
to 117cm to 46" |
144cm 57" |
Delivery
Enjoy free delivery on orders over £150.
For orders under £150, UK standard delivery is 2 to 4 working days — £4.50 EU standard delivery is 3 to 6 working days — £15 USA standard delivery is 3 to 6 working days — £20 International standard delivery is 5 to 10 working days — £20
Need it a little sooner? Express delivery is available.
A little note on duties: any applicable import taxes are calculated and added at checkout. We ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), which means we take care of everything on your behalf — your parcel passes straight through customs and arrives at your door with nothing more to do.
A little note on duties: any applicable import duties are calculated and added at checkout. We ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), which means we take care of everything on your behalf — your parcel passes straight through customs and arrives at your door with nothing more to do.
A little note on duties: import duties or taxes may be applied by your country's customs authority when your order arrives. We'd recommend checking your local customs guidelines before ordering if you're unsure — we'd hate for any surprises to take the shine off your new piece.
Returns
We offer a 30 day return window, just in case your piece isn't quite the one.
For all the finer details, you can visit our Delivery & Returns page.
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