“You know how to whistle, don’tcha, Steve? You just put your lips together, and blow.”So said Lauren Bacall in 1944’s “To Have & Have Not,” one of a wealth of wow moments among women in films of the 1940s. They were dangerous, they were sexy, they were strong, confident, independent and sassy. And very often, their clothes reflected all of these traits. No wonder some top designers were inspired by the era in their fall 2013 collections, from Prada with its film-noir vibe to the exquisite menswear-inspired suits and slim dresses at Dolce & Gabbana.Perhaps the 40s appeal is rooted not only in its strength in styling, but also because the era is well-suited to a variety of body types, enhancing or embracing curves or offering details that cater to women who perhaps have felt challenged in the past by racks of clothes that feel too young for their demographic.Want to try the trend? Here’s a quick checklist of the key pieces you’ll need to inject a bit of fab 40s into your fall wardrobe:

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