1930’s in fashion for women. What did women really wear in the 1930’s? The trends, dresses, hairstyles and makeup and where to buy them.
The influence of Hollywood and Art Deco modernism on women’s fashion was never greater than in the 1930’s.
Costume designers names were almost as well known as the Paris couture designers. The crash of 1929 and the Depression which followed, only slowed the inevitable rise in consumerism and ready to wear clothing. Makeup and stockings sales steadily rose through the decade. Women’s day-wear became more tailored with single buttoned jackets and matching gored skirts.
Hems dropped to just above the ankle in 1930 and rose to below the knee by the mid 1930’s.
The gored skirt ( made from several triangular gores) created a more feminine flare at the hem.
Curves returned and newer synthetic foundation girdles were worn by women of all ages. Brassieres now came in cup sizes and 1930 saw the seamless bra go on sale.
In hairstyles, the Marcel wave replaced the 1920’s crop and bobbed hair look. Good for the hairdressers but hard on the pocket for a young woman of limited means. Makeup was now commonly worn in day time and the sale of swivel lipsticks and mascara pots soured.
These are just some highlights of the fashion trends in the 1930’s. Jump in to our time machine archive of posts on 1930’s fashion history.
Hollywood’s Loretta Young poses – 1.To the left above, Miss Loretta Young wears a stunning new fall coat modelled of brown duvet with seams forming the new princess line. Kolinsky cuffs and collar add a touch of luxurious warmth. To the right, a smart street frock worn by Miss Young boasts cap sleeves embroidered in …
All the beauty tricks of the stars – 1930s Beauty report by Caroline Van Wyck 1. Fall Coiffures. Joan Bennett presents the Riviera bob, her first distinct departure in coiffures in three years. Heretofore her bob has been long. This new coiffure emphasises three important trends. The bob is short. The ends are curled. The …
Top Costume Designers fall style 1938- by Gwenn Walters 1. Contrast costumes are headline news in Hollywood’s fall fashion picture. Barbara Stanwyck wears one of olive green and brown created by Royer. The jacket covers a short-sleeved, collarless frock that closes to the waist with large self covered buttons. A gold tassel chain loops through …
Autumnal dresses and shoes for cold days ahead – Daytime Dresses: To the left above, a darling outfit, the wool plaid and the cut of the sleeve make this Star maid dress something fresh and exciting to wear. the sleeve, a modified dolman, has deep armholes forming part of the shoulder and waist. The trimming …
The Woman Maketh the clothes in 1932- “Be nonchalant.” That’s the fashion creed of fast rising Hollywood starlet Karen Morley. In other words, Karen chooses her clothes with one effect in mind, a ‘careful’ carelessness. If you think that’s easy to do, you’re all wrong. It’s just as difficult, it requires exactly as much thought and …
The girls of Hollywood tip-tilt perky nose shapes, languidly lift the upper lip a trifle, and they win the race too – the race for beauty. The secrets to a beautiful nose – 1930s beauty report by Rosalind Shaffer. The saucy tip-tilted nose was much preferred in the days before Anita Loos let loose her …
Hollywood bathing suits and pyjamas 1930 – The newest in backless and sideless bathing suits demonstrated by Hollywood’s loveliest ladies. Above left Virginia Bruce wears a suit of red and white – the perfect eye catcher for the California sun. Stripes will be worn with plain trunks as also indicated by the new bathing suit …
A peek at Hollywood’s favorite swimwear Some of Hollywood’s brightest actresses model the latest in 1930’s Hollywood bathing suits. Including Bette Davis, Joan Blondell and Loretta Young. First up is Joan Blondell and the up and coming Bette Davis who both appear in this years Three On a Match. Here Joan sports a play-suit, and …
The Famous star poses in the new modes of 1930 – Photographed for Glamourdaze by Russell Ball. Gloria Swanson demonstrates the newest and smartest in 1930 dinner dress fashion. The gown is nude satin, in which both sides of the material are used. A circular cape collar falls over one shoulder to form a fetching train. …
Slenderizing flared lines in the new mode – The graceful evening gown worn by Norma Shearer is of pale powder blue silk and is divine. It is Grecian in line with bodice caught up over one shoulder and finished with a scarf of the material extended to the uneven hemline. The other shoulder is bare.Next, …