5 Pieces That Defined 1930s Fashion
- 1930s Floral Feedsack Dress. THE PIECE: A “feedsack” dress, which is a dress made from the material of a sack of animal feed. ...
- 1930s Green Knit Day Suit. THE PIECE: A two piece jersey knit suit in a light green. ...
- 1930s Black Chiffon Beaded Dress. ...
- 1930s Art Deco Knit Sweater. ...
- 1930s Bias Cut Floral Silk Dress. ...
What was fashion like in the 1930s?
Fashion in the 1930s was just as glamorous as the 1920s, just in a different way. Read more about the fashion trends of the 1930s with our year-by-year timeline below.
How did men’s fashion change in the 30s?
As the ’30s wore on, men’s fashion began to change with the seasons. Spring and summer looks included single-breasted suits with patch pockets and a panama hat. In the fall and winter months, suits were more likely to be in darker colors and double breasted with wide cuffs and double-pleated pants.
What did evening wear look like in the 30s?
While daywear had gained ground in the ’30s due to economic times (less changing of outfits) and more active feminine lifestyles, evening wear was still elaborate and most typically black in color. The long and lean styles of a dress like this represented the influence of Hollywood Glamour in the ’30s.
What was the hair like in the 30s?
30s hair was mostly bobbed - although the middy style (A U shape at the back) started to some into fashion in the late 30s. Styles were curly and the marcelle wave was very popular. For those who have longer hair or lack the time to get the curl - get a good hat or even a simple beret will do the job.
What is the 30s?
The ’30s represent an important transition period between the extravagance of the ’20s and the conservative looks of the early ’40s, but more than that, the decade has a style all its own. I’ll take you through it below.
What was the trend of the 1930s?
As the stock market crashed in late 1929 and America began to feel the effects of the Great Depression, conservative fashion styles began to replace the glitz of the ’20s. Waistlines nipped back in and skirt lengths dropped back down. ’30s fashion placed an emphasis on a strong yet feminine silhouette with bias cut dresses and v line silhouettes with shoulder pads and exaggerated sleeves becoming all the rage.
What was the most popular silhouette in the 1930s?
One of the most popular silhouettes of the ’30s was a V-shaped look , which helped to flatter the presence of the corset. This v-neck shirt carries an art-deco themed print which was very prominent in the 1930s. I styled it up for a modern look with of-the-moment skinnies and strappy heels.
What were the eyebrows like in the 1930s?
1930s beauty revolved around pencil thin eyebrows. While I wouldn’t recommend plucking your brows out, I included eyebrow-specific cosmetics to help define your arch.
When was the Little Black Dress invented?
Though the Little Black Dress was introduced by Coco Chanel in 1926, it didn’t truly become a must-have item until the 1930s, when simplicity and versatility were the name of the game. This strappy LBD is a modern take on the classic, while maintaining a very simple look, perfect for combating the intense summer heat.
Why is costume jewelry so popular?
Costume jewelry became trendy during this time period, due to the cheapness of the product, which made it more accessible to a wider range of women than fine jewelry. The statement quality of the piece that I picked is a play off of this theme, while adding to the femininity of the outfit.
1930s Fashion for Women
The young, boyish silhouette of 1920s women evolved into a conservative, sophisticated shape in the 1930s. The ideal, popular profile was tall and thin, with strong shoulders and slim hips.
1930s Fashion for Men
The male silhouette had wide, padded shoulders, a broad chest, defined waist, and straight legs. The overall trend was looser and a little more casual.
What Did Children Wear in the 1930s?
Many children wore homemade clothing or items purchased from mail-order catalogs. During the Great Depression, mothers often remade children’s clothing from other items, including flour and feed sacks. These items would have been unique and perhaps well-worn, but many were styled after prevailing trends.
Fashion in Your Family History
What did your relatives wear in the 1930s? Look for photos of them in the free, crowdsourced collections of FamilySearch Memories. Or upload your own family photos to share memories of your loved ones—and of what they wore.
What was the 30s fashion?
The 30s was and is still seen by many as the ‘Decade of design’ and saw many technological advances and changes in attitude towards design as a profession. This clearly had an influence on fashion during this time - as clothes for all classes became became an outward expression.
What was the fashion of the 1930s?
1930s clothing brings to mind bias cut evening gowns in liquid satins and silks, tweed suits, flounces and frills and topped off by a cute beret or tilt hat. 30s Fashion certainly seemed fussier than the 1920s with its relentless ornaments of bows, trims and frills.
What to wear in the 30s?
Whether you are wanting a scene from a hollywood movie or something more Poirot, getting the 30s look is more difficult to recreate. But a few key garments will go a long way... (enough to get you started):- 1 Silk or chiffon blouse 2 Calf length skirt with inverted front pleat or slightly flared at bottom 3 Bias cut tea dress – puff sleeves 4 Wide leg pants for the sporty look. 5 Bias cut floor length gown in silk satin or rayon 6 A silk or rayon slip
What was the fashion industry like in the 30s?
The 30s saw the birth and rise of ready to wear clothing and the production of cheaper, man-made fabrics. Fashion was now available to most not just the privileged few and it was beautifully designed, cut and made.
What was the style of hair in the 30s?
30s hair was mostly bobbed - although the middy style (A U shape at the back) started to some into fashion in the late 30s. Styles were curly and the marcelle wave was very popular. For those who have longer hair or lack the time to get the curl - get a good hat or even a simple beret will do the job.
What were the changes in fashion in the 1920s?
Socio-economic changes can be tracked through changes in fashion and style. In the 1920s, Women had more freedom than their mothers due to economic and social change and this was reflected in their simpler and more comfortable clothing. No curves, higher hemlines, a flat silhouette and an emphasis on youth. The 1930s, represented something quite different. A more sophisticated, grown up and womanly silhouette influenced by the rise of female designers Madame Vionnet, Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli.
What was the trend in the 1930s?
Sports Causal:-. During the 1930s, sports and outdoor actvities became fashionable. Being fit and healthy was encouraged and this extended into ideas on clothing. This period saw the rise of the lounge pant and wide leg trouser heralding a chic and casual look. Further influences came from sailor and military styles.
What was the fashion of the 1930s?
In the 1930s, fashion saw a profound influence from films and specifically Hollywood. Men’s, women’s, and children’s styles were based on fashions seen on screen with stars like Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, and Shirley Temple among the many who directly influenced fashion. A return to conservatism after the Roaring Twenties also marked fashion during this period.
What were men wearing in the 1930s?
When suits were worn, jackets had wide, padded shoulders and tapering sleeves. Perhaps foreshadowing what was to come, military-inspired trends such as the trench coat and the leather “Bomber” jacket also saw popularity in the 1930s as casual outerwear. An enduring image of the Great Depression are men, like those in Fig. 18, in worn boots, large overcoats, and a flat cap. For some, this was all the fashion they could afford during the thirties.
What were the influences of men's fashion in the thirties?
Sports, physical activity, and the sun continued to have an influence on men’s fashion in the thirties as they had in the twenties. Tennis, golf, and a healthy suntan, which all saw a rise in popularity in the 1920s, continued to hold sway in the thirties (Fashion and Textile Museum).
What was the style of the 1930s?
Despite these departures from the prevailing mode of the previous decade, the popular styles of the early 1930s were similar in their simple lines to the popular garçonne look of the twenties. But while the simplicity of the 1920s created a sack-like silhouette free from curves, the simple lines of the early thirties hugged those curves, creating a soft, feminine silhouette. Cally Blackman, a lecturer on the history of fashion at Central Saint Martins, writes in 100 Years of Fashion, “By the early 1930s, the fashionable silhouette was evolving into a slender, elongated torso with widening shoulders and a neat head with softly waved short hair” (13). Though the lines were simple, the overall effect was one of complete sinuous femininity with a natural waist and skirts flaring out slightly at the ankle, as seen in a fashion illustration from 1935 (Fig. 1).
What happened in 1930?
Events: 1930 – As fashion becomes more conservative, dresses are generally styled with a lower hemline. 1932 – Flying Down to Rio pairs Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers for the first time. Astaire was an impeccable dresser on and off the screen, favoring suits made on London’s Savile Row.
What was Shirley Temple's style in the 1930s?
Shirley Temple’s little girl style made an indelible mark on 1930s culture. Her party dresses with layers of petticoats influenced formalwear while collared and smocked shift dresses were easily emulated on a day-to-day basis. Contests, like the one held in Sydney, Australia in October 1934, saw young girls turned out in their best dresses and Shirley Temple ringlets (Fig. 28). Even today, when 1930s children’s fashion is mentioned, your mind probably jumps to Shirley Temple, such was her influence on the enduring image of little girls during the Depression.
How did the Great Depression affect fashion?
However, as the Great Depression affected all areas of business and life in the US, new duties of ninety percent were imposed on the cost of these copies (Laver 246). However, toiles (a muslin or other cheap material pattern of a garment) were allowed in duty-free. Fashion historian James Laver writes, “Each toile was supplied with full directions for making it up, and although the original dress may have cost a hundred thousand francs, it was now possible to sell a simplified version for as little as fifty dollars” (246).
What was the fashion of the 1930s?
Toward the end of the decade, 1930s fashion became more extravagant. A popular look for women was a black skirt and blouse with a fur coat, a flashy hat, and oversized jewelry. Other daytime looks were more whimsical with bold patterned full skirts, blouses, tightly fitted jackets, and sailor hats adorned with feathers and flowers. For formal occasions, strapless dresses or long skin-tight dresses with short embroidered jackets were popular go-to looks.
What were the most popular fashions in the 1930s?
By the mid-1930s, some of the biggest style icons were actresses like Jean Harlow, Greta Garbo, and Joan Crawford. Many high fashion outfits made for them by successful designers were produced as ready-to-wear clothing for the average consumer. Padded shoulders, bolero jackets, and puff sleeve blouses were worn with flared mid-calf skirts. Furs, hats, gloves, and matching purses were still popular accessories paired with pumps, peep-toes, and slingback shoes. While the little black dress started to gain popularity for formal occasions, many women preferred the Garbo inspired bright evening suit.
What is a two toned suit?
A common year-round look was the two-toned suit in vertical stripes or windowpane checks made from cotton, wool, nylon, or silk.
What were the fashion trends of the 1920s?
As the 1920s ended, the loose straight silhouette of women’s clothing was replaced with a long slender look that highlighted curves, broad shoulders, and standard waistlines. Day dresses often fell between the mid-calf and ankle and came in a variety of prints like florals, plaids, and polka dots. Accessories were important to 1930s looks and outfits were not complete without a hat and gloves. Women’s hats were close-fitting in both large and small brims and were regularly worn over one eye. For formal wear, the form-fitting backless silk dress was a popular Hollywood look that wealthy women emulated. Furs were also popular accessories, but many women couldn’t afford them.
What were the most popular hats in the early 30s?
Hats were also a must-have accessory for men of all classes. The round derby/bowler hat was still popular in the early ’30s, but most businessmen opted for a felt homburg or fedora in black, gray, dark brown, dark blue, or tan. For casual looks, the fitted Ivy hat was common in brown and green tweed, plaid, and herringbone patterns.
How to put together a 1930s look for set?
Your details will include your category information, wardrobe notes, hair and makeup instructions, and everything you need to know about your booking. On period pieces, like projects set in the 1930s, productions may provide wardrobe to Background Actors. Please be sure you arrive with clean and sufficient undergarments and that any clothing you bring makes it to set unwrinkled (unless your category calls for something different).
What was the color of the decade?
High end fashion, especially women’s evening dresses, often came in shiny metallic silks.
Trends of Fashion in the 30s
In addition to 1930s fashion reaction to world events, Hollywood style influencers and designers promoting prêt-à-porter, other key trends of 1930s fashion are explored below:
Fashion in the 30s Reworked for Today
1930s fashion pioneered some trends and styles that are both classic and timeless and will bring a unique modern-retro spin to your wardrobe today.
Making the 1930s your own
Let your personal style compass guide you in your choices of fashion in the 30s as you select 1930s fashion trends that speak to you and that mesh well with your current favourite clothing and accessories. Then mix and match retro 20 th century fashion pieces with modern separates for a put-together look that is all you.
But, always remember
Picture yourself in timeless 1930s fashion favourites like vintage brooches, multi-stranded pearl necklaces or classic trench coats. Pair these vintage items from fashion in the 30s with your fave blue jeans, cropped skinny pants or floral maxi dresses for a throwback look that is still very au courant.
Some tips to personalisation
Source some timeless 1930s fashion accessories from your local antique market, estate sales or consignment stores, then wear with everything from day to night for an amplified look.
Spark your imagination
There are so many other sources of inspiration for fashion in the 30s that will spark your style imagination and get your fashion creativity flowing. From the movie “Mary Poppins Returns”, enjoy the visual bounty of Mary Poppins in her 1930s fashion double-cape longline coat, a homage to the traditional nanny uniforms of the age.
Why were sweaters so popular in the 30s?
This is part of the reason why sweaters became so popular in the ’30s, because they were just much easier to wear when leading a more active lifestyle. This piece’s diamond design is a style influenced by the era’s Art Deco aesthetic, a trend which originated in the ’20s.
Why did women wear knit suits in the 30s?
THE CHANGE: The knit suit became a trend because even the wealthy felt the pull of their purse strings in the ’30s and had to shift their styles to keep with the economic realities of the times.
What was the feedsack dress trend in the 1940s?
The feedsack dress trend continued into the ’40s but not so much for economical reasons, and more so for patriotic ones. With rations on materials, feedsack companies released patriotic prints with “V” for victory that women would sew their daywear dresses from.
What is a green knit day suit?
1930s Green Knit Day Suit. THE PIECE: A two piece jersey knit suit in a light green. The top has an eyelet treatment, and it fastens with lucite buttons. TREND HISTORY: Influential ’30s designer Coco Chanel introduced the jersey knit two-piece suit as an economically fit and relaxed option for daywear women’s fashion.
What is a feedsack dress?
THE PIECE: A “feedsack” dress, which is a dress made from the material of a sack of animal feed. TREND HISTORY: The trend of the feedsack dress began in the ’20s when resourceful women realized they could upcycle the material of sacks into clothing for themselves and their family.
Why was knit suiting a hit?
It was a surprise hit to the high society market because knit suiting was new to a woman of that caliber’s closet and pedigree of taste. But it was the attitude that a woman could live an active and productive lifestyle which changed the way all women dressed for the period.
Why did women change their clothes in the 20s?
Through the ’20s, women would change outfits multiple times to appropriate fit the activities of their day.
What was the fashion of 1930?
This unsteady feeling can definitely be seen in the fashions of 1930. Both day and evening wear strive for an elongated body, with a slight emphasis at the waist. Daytime hemlines gradually lowered as the year progressed. At the beginning of the year, they were at about the knee. By the end of the year, most sat at about mid-calf, with some daring designs falling just above the ankle (Fig. 2). Evening wear, too saw gowns lengthening, but with much more variance throughout the year.
What was the trend in 1930?
Designers were earnestly moving away from the 1920s look. There was a push towards more femininity in fashion by 1930. An ad for Armand cold cream in American Vogue (June) proclaims: “Boys will be boys as usual, but girls will be girls again, this summer!” (Fig. 1). Cameron Silver and Rebecca DiLiberto write in their book Decades that:
Why did women wear pants on the beach?
Pants thrived in beachwear design because the beach was one of the first locations where women could wear pants in public (Fig. 19). Despite being in the midst of the Great Depression, beach vacations were still being marketed to the readers of fashion magazines. Magazines used fashion and travel as a way for the reader to escape the harsh realities of the Great Depression by including travel ads and features dedicated to both vacationing and what to wear while on vacation. Articles from the January edition of Harper’s Bazaar, the June editions of Vogue, and the December edition of Les Modes all discuss and promote beachwear to their readers (Figs. 20, 21, 22).
What was silk chiffon used for?
Silk chiffon was used in both day and evening wear, as in this Chanel design worn at the races (Fig. 8). An article in Women’s Wear Daily (June 25) dedicated to silks declares that “Crepe roma, flat chiffon, and Canton crepe are cited by the Wollman Silk Corp. as the most important plain fabrics for early fall” (2). A report on French fashion in Harper’s Bazaar’s April 1930 issue shows that many designers incorporated silk chiffon in both their day and evening wear looks (175-188). Printed chiffons utilized large motifs, usually a floral or abstract design (Figs. 9, 10).
Why did fashion designers move away from the flapper shape in 1930?
Not yet at the height of glamour reached later in the decade, designers’ 1930 collections moved away from the flapper’s boxy shape in an attempt to define the look of the modern woman who must navigate through the Great Depression.
When were bows used in fashion?
The trendy use of bows in fashion seems to be another way designers were trying to separate their new designs from the designs in the 1920s. Bows were used frequently in both day and evening wear. “The bow is proving to be more than a mere motif” declared an article in Vogue’s July 19th edition (Fig. 15).
Who put Marlene Dietrich in a tuxedo?
Marlene Dietrich’s first American film Morocco was released. In that film, costume designer Travis Banton put Dietrich in a men’s tuxedo for her first musical number.
