With the start of World War II life changed for the world. Women were required to make a contribution to the war effort and with women working, a huge impact happened to fashion. After decades of freedom and opulence, economic constraints and a feeling of social responsibility hit the fashion world creating a new utility and austerity: women were in uniform.

These fashion shots were taken by LIFE photographer Bob Landry—who had covered the war in North Africa as well as in other parts of Europe—in Paris in August 1944.

(Photos by Bob Landry—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)