1930’s in fashion

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.

1930’s in Fashion | The Hollywood Look

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.

The Key Trends of the 1930’s in Fashion and Style

  • Berets
  • Art Deco dress
  • Bias cut evening dress
  • The Fur stole
  • Halter neck dress
  • Gored skirts
  • Puff Sleeve Dress
  • Makeup
  • The Pantie girdle

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.

Secrets of 1930s Make-up – Vintage Archive film.

Courtesy of Pathe’s Vintage Fashion channel. Until the late 1940s, all newsreels had to be voiced by a male voice-over. And if the subject was aimed at women, by a condescending male voice over ! Still – the film is charming and the vintage 1930s make-up styles of British ladies are great to look at. …

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Vintage 1930’s Beauty and Make-up Tutorials

Looking for an authentic vintage 1930’s make-up look ? Want to feel like a 1930s girl ? The these two extremely rare make-up guides spanning from the early to the late 1930’s might fill your Christmas stocking very nicely. Found in an Oxford garage sale and lovingly and beautifully restored; Make-up by Virginia Vincent and …

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Classic Beauty – The History of Make-up

The definitive story about women’s Make-up. by Gabriela Hernandez [ founder of Besame Cosmetics] The definition of a beautiful face has never been constant. Gabriela’s stunning new book explores the social political climates which helped mould what are now accepted beauty rituals. Classic beauty is a stunning reference book, chronicling make-up trends for eyes, lips, …

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1930s Fashion – Three women and a kitchen

Archive film of a 1930s Kitchen The 1930s kitchen was a middle class phenomenon – bright colourful designs that heralded a new era for the modern woman. It was the age of the ‘ Fitted Kitchen’ – a big move away from the old free standing kitchen style. Jadeite green was very popular color and …

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Vintage Geisha Girls – 1930’s Fashion film in color

Geisha Girls in 1930’s color fashion film This beautiful 1930s color fim shows three Japanese women in traditional geisha style. The history of the Geisha makeup The apprentice geisha are called Maiko, and in the film, an excerpt from James Fitzpatricks famous 1930s travelogues, we see an older geisha being attended to by her Okasans …

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Rare 1930’s Colour Fashion Film

Technicolor Fashion from 1930 Presenting some of the ‘ latest ‘ Paris fashion creations from early 1930’s. 1930s hats, frocks, evening wear and suits by King’s El Centro, California, 1931.Originally broadcast by Fashion Features Studios. 1930’s Spring suit – worn by Miss Phyllis Crane 1930’s Fashion Show  – Colour Archive Film Notice the tailored cutaway …

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