Are you ready to elevate your fashion game? Look no further than the 1930s for inspiration! Women’s fashion during this decade was characterized by elegant, feminine silhouettes and Art Deco-inspired details. From bias-cut dresses to tailored suits, there is something for everyone in 30s fashion. Whether you’re looking for a vintage-inspired look or just want to add a touch of glamour to your wardrobe, read on to discover the top women’s 30s fashion trends.
The 30s: A Decade of Fashion
The 1930s was a decade that made a significant impact on the fashion industry. During this era, fashion took a new and exciting direction unlike the conservative styles of the 1920s. The Great Depression, which greatly affected the economy, influenced the fashion trends of the time. The clothes were designed to appear more sophisticated and stylish, while also being affordable and practical for everyday wear. Let’s delve deeper into the fashion of the 30s and how it continues to inspire modern-day trends.
The Rise of Hollywood Glamour
The 1930s saw the rise of Hollywood glamour, where fashion was heavily influenced by the movie industry. In the movies, women wore extravagant and luxurious clothing made from expensive fabrics. This trend trickled down to the masses, and women started opting for more elegant attire. Dresses were designed to highlight the feminine silhouette, with a focus on accentuating the hips and bust. Popular fabrics included satin, silk, and velvet, often adorned with intricate beading and embroidery. The bias cut became a popular style and was created by cutting the fabric on a diagonal to create a sleek and flowing silhouette.
The elegant attire worn by movie stars in Hollywood also inspired the trend for fur coats and stoles. Furs were seen as a symbol of wealth and became a staple of 30s fashion, particularly during the winter months. Women would wear long fur coats in a luxurious shade of brown or black to keep warm.
The Rise of Hollywood Glamour
In the 1930s, Hollywood was a place of inspiration for fashion trends across the United States. With the rise of talkies and film becoming a form of mass entertainment, it wasn’t long before the fashion of Hollywood’s most iconic stars became all the rage. Women looked to them for inspiration on what to wear and how to style their hair.
Iconic Hollywood Stars
Some of the most iconic Hollywood stars of the 1930s included Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, and Marlene Dietrich. Each celebrity had their unique sense of style that was copied by women across the country. Garbo was known for her minimalist style, while Harlow had a signature platinum blonde hairstyle. Dietrich was famous for her androgynous fashion sense that included wearing pants and tailored suits.
- Greta Garbo – Her style could be described as simple, chic, and minimalistic. She preferred long dresses with minimal jewelry.
- Jean Harlow – She was known for her platinum blonde hair, glamorous dresses, and jewelry.
- Marlene Dietrich – Her androgynous style included wearing tailored suits and pants. She also favored wearing a top hat.
These women were not just style icons, but they also had an impact on the film industry. Their presence in films and their style was highly influential in shaping women’s fashion in the 1930s.
The Feminine Silhouette
The 1930s saw a shift in the mainstream fashion industry towards a more feminine and chic look for women. Women’s 30s fashion trends were dominated by the feminine silhouette, which emphasises curves and celebrated the natural waistline. During this period, skirts became longer, and women’s clothing designs reflected the feminine curves, which replaced the slim boyish look of the 1920s.
The Bias Cut Dress
The bias cut dress is yet another trend that emerged during the 30s. This dress was designed to skim over the woman’s body and hugged in all the right places. The bias cut dress was made from silk or rayon fabric that draped gracefully to highlight the feminine curves of a woman. The corset was no longer fashionable, and women took to wearing bias-cut dresses for complete elegance without restraint.
The Puffed Sleeve Trend
The puffed sleeve was another 30s fashion trend that found its way into women’s wardrobes. This trend quickly caught on, and women of all ages were seen wearing puffed sleeves on their garments. The sleeves gave the waistline an illusion of being smaller and defined the arm’s shape. It was worn on blouses, dresses, and even coats, making it versatile enough to be worn across various outfits.
The Use of Bold Colours
The 30s was also known for the use of bold colours in women’s clothing. With the Great Depression and the looming World War II, women craved brighter and cheerful colours to boost their morale. This led to a surge in the use of bright colours such as reds, yellows, blues, and greens in their dresses, coats, and accessories. Women looked to add colour to their wardrobes as a way of standing out and battling the depressive mood of the era.
Key Clothing Items of the 30s
Women’s fashion in the 1930s saw a shift from the flapper style of the roaring 20s to a more elegant and refined look. If you’re wanting to recreate this classic style, here are the key clothing items you’ll need in your wardrobe:
The Bias Cut Dress
The bias cut dress was the epitome of glamour in the 1930s. It hugged a woman’s curves and created a long, flowing silhouette. The key to this style is in the fabric—the dress is cut on the bias (diagonal) of the fabric, which allows it to drape and cling in all the right places.
The Wide-Legged Trousers
Wide-legged trousers, also known as palazzo pants, were a popular style in the 30s. They were high-waisted and flowed from the hips down to the ankle. These trousers were typically made of lightweight fabric, such as silk or wool, which made them comfortable to wear all year round.
The Matching Suit
Suits were a staple for women in the 30s, and the matching suit was a particularly popular style. The jacket and skirt were made from the same fabric and often featured padded shoulders and a fitted waist. This style was classic and timeless, and it’s still a popular choice for women’s workwear today.
The Fur Coat
Fur coats were a luxury item in the 30s, and they were a status symbol for the wealthy. They were typically made from mink or fox fur and were worn for special occasions. While real fur is no longer in fashion, faux fur coats are now a popular choice for women who want to recreate the glamour of the 30s.
How to Style 30s-Inspired Clothing
Are you fascinated by the elegant, glamorous styles of the 1930s? Incorporating 30s-inspired clothing into your wardrobe is a great way to add some vintage flair to your look. Here are some tips and tricks on how to style your clothing pieces inspired by the 1930s for a modern and classic look.
1. Casual Chic
One of the easiest ways to incorporate 30s fashion into your daily outfit is by adding a casual chic look to your wardrobe. Pair a classic high-waisted pair of trousers or a wide-legged pants with a simple vintage blouse. Choose earthy pastel tones like beige, peach, and mustard to bring the vintage vibe. You can finish the look off with a pair of comfy vintage loafers or mules.
2. Day to Night
It’s important to have versatile pieces in your wardrobe that can transition from day to night. A simple slip dress is an excellent example of this. Choose a slinky fabric in black or navy blue, and pair with a long cardigan and a pair of flats or boots during the day. To transform this outfit for a night look, add some vintage jewelry like a statement necklace or pair of chandelier earrings, and a bold lip color.
3. Outerwear
30s outerwear had a distinct look with fur-trimmed collars, wide lapels, and a cinched waist. To add a touch of vintage flare to your outerwear, opt for a long, wool swing coat. Pair your coat with a beret hat to complete your 30s-inspired ensemble.
4. Accessories
Accessories are the perfect way to add a vintage touch without having to invest in a new wardrobe. A structured purse with a long strap, art deco jewelry, and a pair of round sunglasses are all great options. Choose accessories in rich tones such as gold and tortoiseshell to add depth to your outfit.
5. Mix and Match
Don’t be afraid to mix and match your modern clothing and vintage pieces. Pair a modern blouse with a vintage skirt or vice versa. You can also mix and match different vintage pieces, such as a knit sweater with a 30s-era skirt. Remember, the key is to have fun with it while experimenting with your style.
30s-Inspired Accessories and Beauty
The 1930s was a decade of elegant fashion and sophistication in the world of accessories and beauty. Women were seen adorning themselves with vibrant and eye-catching accessories, while also experimenting with their makeup and hairstyles. Here are some ways you can incorporate the vintage 30s-inspired accessories and beauty trends into your modern-day outfits.
Statement Jewelry
Statement jewelry was a big trend in the 1930s. Women would wear bold necklaces, bracelets, and earrings made from colorful gemstones, glass beads, and rhinestones. The jewelry was typically oversized and chunky, adding a touch of glamour to any outfit. To incorporate this trend into your modern-day wardrobe, opt for a chunky necklace or a pair of oversized earrings in bold colors.
Structured Hats
Hats were an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe in the 1930s. They came in various styles, including fedoras, berets, and cloche hats. The hats were typically structured and made from materials like felt or wool. To add a vintage touch to your outfit, wear a cloche hat with a ribbon or bow detail.
Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Cat-eye sunglasses first became popular in the 1930s and saw a resurgence in the 1950s. These sunglasses have a distinct shape, with upswept frames that resemble a cat’s eyes. They look great on most face shapes and add a stylish and vintage look to your outfit. Wear them with a sundress or high-waisted pants for that vintage vibe.
Bold Lipstick
Red lipstick was all the rage in the 1930s. Women would wear bright red lipstick to make a statement and add a pop of color to their makeup. To achieve that 30s-inspired look, opt for a bright red lipstick with a matte finish. Pair it with a simple eye makeup look to keep all the focus on the lips.
Finger Waves
Finger waves were a popular hairstyle in the 1930s and remained in style until the 1950s. These elegant waves were created using finger waving techniques with a comb and setting lotion. To rock this vintage hairstyle, apply a hair setting lotion to damp hair and use your fingers to create waves. Once your hair is dry, use a hairspray to hold the style in place.
Long Gloves
Long gloves were a staple accessory of the 1930s and were worn with almost every outfit. The gloves were made from materials like silk, satin, and leather and came in different lengths. To add a touch of elegance to your outfit, wear long gloves with a long evening gown or pair them with a short cocktail dress.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| What were the popular 1930s fashion trends? | The popular 1930s fashion trends included long, flowing gowns, tailored suits, and elegant accessories like gloves and hats. |
| What fabrics were used in womens 30s fashion? | Common fabrics used in 30s fashion included silk, rayon, and wool. |
| Were pants worn by women in the 1930s? | While pants were beginning to gain popularity in the 1930s as sportswear, it was still not considered appropriate for women to wear them in most social situations. |
| What hairstyles were popular in the 1930s? | Popular hairstyles for women in the 1930s included finger waves, curls, and bobs. |
| What type of jewelry was worn in the 30s? | Jewelry styles in the 1930s were often geometric and bold, featuring Art Deco-inspired designs with stones like diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. |
| What were the popular colors in 30s fashion? | Popular colors in 30s fashion included jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby, as well as soft pastels and earthy neutrals. |
Thanks for Reading!
Now you know how to elevate your look with 1930s fashion trends! Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a special occasion or just want to add a touch of vintage charm to your wardrobe, these classic styles and accessories are sure to turn heads. Don’t forget to check back with us for more fashion tips and advice!
