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"Casablanca" is one of the most iconic films in American history. Set in Africa during World War II, the film stars a hunky Humphrey Bogart and a lovely Ingrid Berman. If you are attending a "Casablanca"-themed party, the key to remember is class. "Casablanca" was released in 1942; the styles were much different than they are today.
About "Casablanca"
The film "Casablanca" takes place in unoccupied Africa during World War II. Rick Blaine, played by Humphrey Bogart, is an exiled American who runs the most popular nightclub in town. He receives two letters of transit -- documents that will allow him to leave the country -- and plans to use them to escape Casablanca when he runs into Ilsa, his old love from Paris. Ilsa is now married to Victor Lazlo, a Czech underground leader. When the Nazis show up to capture Lazo, Blaine must choose between his own freedom and that of Ilsa and Lazlo.
Women's Styles
The women's fashion in "Casablanca" is true to the American style of wartime fashion in the 1940s, despite being set in Africa. Ilsa wears a knee-length skirt with a high-waist and a button-up jacket of the same color. She keeps leather gloves in her pockets, presumably for travel. Women wore modest heels in the 1940s, perhaps not more than 1 to 1 1/2 inches high. Due to war rations, women's clothing was more utilitarian and functional than beautiful.
Men's Styles
Men attending a "Casablanca" party have more options than women. Rick Blaine wore an iconic white suit with a black bowtie for much of the film. The servers wore fez hats and North African-inspired attire. The movie also featured French and German military of all kinds, predominantly officers. All these characters helped to make up the mixed "expat" vibe of the film.
Hair
Ilsa and other women of the 1940s wore their hair in soft curls, or "victory curls." The curls were usually pinned to the back of the head. Hair was usually shoulder-length or a little longer. Men wore their hair slicked back and almost always wore a fedora or other wide-brimmed hat.
