1930s Fashion-Popular Fashion Styles During the 1930s

For those of you who read my blog, All About Fashion, you will know that my favorite fashion decades are the 1920s, 1950s, and 1960s. Although the 1930s is really not my favorite decade, the fashion styles during this era were timeless.

The 1930s. The decade of Hollywood Glamour. Actresses like Marlene Dietrich and Mae West were dominating movie screens, and taking over fashion. Fashions of the 1930s were thought to be glamorous and sensuous. This was also the era of big bands, dancing, and night life. Women quickly grew tired of the slim figure of the 1920s, so they started wearing dresses that gave them a natural, curvaceous figure, also known as the bias cut dress, which was introduced to the world by French Fashion Designer, Madeleine Vionnet.

Vionnet's main goal for her designs was to accentuate a woman's natural curves, plus, she wanted to make it easier for a woman do get dressed without having to use pins, tucks, and buttons to hold the dress in place. Women's casual looks were very easy to style with a lot of curve appeal, plus the dresses were also very flowing. Sleeves and cap sleeve dresses became very popular during this time period. Bishop sleeve, dolman sleeve (also known as the batwing sleeve), and tailored looks were also very popular. Each style contained unique details of soft, draped lines that showed a woman's natural curves.

While fashion was evolving during this time period, it was also the time of the Great Depression. The stock market had crashed in 1929, and almost all of the U.S. citizens were looking for work. During this time, more people were going to the movies, known during this time as "the picture show." It was during this time that fur became very popular (for those who could afford it).

Hairstyle during this era were worn in waves and soft pin-curls. Most hairstyles were short, shoulder-length, or pinned closely to the scalp. Some women also started dying their hair blonde. Popular styles of hats included derby, cloche, and berets.

By the end of the 30s, skirts were slightly fuller and shorter, and shoulders were wider. By 1939, WWII had begun. I hope you enjoyed this fashion history lesson. There will be more to come.