Fashion trends are always cyclical, with every generation looking to create something new and different for the future, while also looking to the past for inspiration. As fashion shifts from one decade to another, the new designs and ideas can be reactions to the styles of the previous decade. What’s new is old, and what’s old is new. The 1930s are just such an example, with the marked departure from the flamboyance of the Roaring Twenties.
And, as every fashion era is unique, some styles stand the test of time notably better than others. To showcase the incredible era of fashion from the 1930s, 24/7 Tempo has gathered photos of models, ordinary people, and celebrities sourced from Getty Images, the Library of Congress, and PICRYL. We also drew on insights from fashion sources such as Fashion History and Rebels Market to find the trends that defined this decade.
Against the bleak backdrop of the Great Depression, the 1930 became a golden age for fashion. The glitz and glamour of feature films served as an escape from the harsh realities of economic troubles. Hollywood’s impact on fashion was so extreme that a sheer white organdie gown worn by Joan Crawford in the film “Letty Lynton” inspired the mass production of thousands of replicas sold at different price points nationwide. Similarly, when Clark Gable’s character in “It Happened One Night” famously revealed his dislike of undershirts, sales of the garment plummeted.
As the 1930s dawned, the boyish fashion of the 1920s gave way to a more streamlined silhouette, characterized by lowered hemlines and a return to natural waistlines. Eveningwear, from designers like Madeleine Vionnet, featured low-backed designs that accentuated the feminine figure. Day dresses were available in a variety of prints, including florals, plaids, or even abstracts. By decade’s end, the precursors to 1940s fashion appeared with broad, padded shoulders, cinched waists and shorter skirts.
Renowned designer Elsa Schiaparelli, who became famous in the 1920s, partnered with surrealist artists Jean Cocteau and Salvador Dali to create garments featuring their distinctive styles. This collaboration led to high-end fashion pieces inspired by Parisian designers, that used less expensive fabrics like toile, making chic attire more accessible to American women. (Here are some iconic fashion brands that no longer exist.)
Before the 1930s, men’s fashion trends were predominantly influenced by the upper classes. However, as the decade progressed, fashion began to draw inspiration from various other social realms. The prominence of gangster films during the 1930s let to the popularity of fashion elements from the mob culture, namely tailored suits and stylish hats, such as trilbies. Casual wear styles that became favored included soft-collared shirts and knitted sweaters. Other trends like blazers and sports coats paired with flannel pants and open-necked shirts also because popular.
Here are some of the great fashion photos of the 1930s:
Photographers captured revelers sporting tuxedoes and evening dresses at this New Year’s Eve celebration at El Morocco in New York, City. Formal attire with party hats was the dress code for this festive occasion.
Ladies out of a spring fashion parade in Brisbane, Australia. The one-piece swimsuits in the photo show off the glamourous details of swimwear of the period.
Photographs captured Jean Harlow having her hair styled into Marcel waves. This styling method was influenced by Hollywood and became very popular with women in the 1920s and 1930s.
Men and women were photographed at a high society event in Paris. Tailored and sophisticated fashions were worn by all at this upscale event.
This photo shows off some of the diverseness of women’s hat and clothing styles in the 1930s. Hats of all shapes and sizes were very popular at the time.
This picture was taken of golpher Bobby Jones (right) wearing 1930s sporting attire. The photo of the men posing with the Walker Cup in was taken in Sandwich, England.
This photo of models posing for a photo shoot showcases popular travel wear of the 1930s. Suits and coats were accompanied by simple hats and women traveled with hat boxes to protect their hats.
Models in Paris are pictured here wearing dresses created by Hélène Sorbier. Gloves, hats and small handbags complimented the dress styles.
Brazilian politician Getúlio Vargas was photographed at a news event wearing a formal tuxedo. Formal menswear was elegant and sophisticated.
Boxer Jack Dempsey and a friend are pictured wearing casual styles from the 1930s. Soft-collared shirts and knitted sweaters were comfortable and popular menswear.
British politician James Thomas (center) and friends are pictured at a formal event. Longer cigarette holders were practical accessories used to protect clothing from ashes.
Actresses Laurette Taylor (left) and Ethel Barrymore are pictured wearing hats in vogue in the 1930s. The photograph shows off some of the highly-detailed design in Laurette Taylor’s hat.
Women in Paris are pictured wearing popular 1930s hat styles. Smaller hats were commonly accented with jewelry or ribbon as seen in the photo.
1930s Hollywood stars Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (left), Charlie Chaplin, and Mary Pickford are photographed in stylish outfits. The glamour of Hollywood influenced many 1930s clothing styles.
A photographer captured the sophisticated look of a Parisian model wearing a long dress with sheer sleeves and matching hat.
A photograph taken at the Edison Electrical Exposition in New York shows two women modeling winter coats and hats, while driving a Red Bug Electric Roadster.
This model is pictured wearing a long skirt and jacket. The stylish outfit was complimented by a hat with floral accents.
This photo features Gary Cooper (right) wearing 1930 men’s casual wear. The picture was taken on the set of “The Spoilers,” which was released in 1930.
This picture, taken at a reception for golfer Bobby Jones, shows the popularity of the stylish men’s boater hat. The photo was taken after Jones’ British Open victory.
An interesting photograph taken of British photographer and costume designer Cecil Beaton shows off the sophisticated style of men’s suits in the 1930s. The tie and pocket square lend polish to the jacket.
Business mogul and multimillionaire John D. Rockefeller is pictured wearing a top hat and wool coat. Top hats were usually reserved for more formal occasions.
This fun photograph featured college girls modeling woolen skirts and winter clothes. Chic skirts with soft sweater and jackets were favored by the college set.
A photograph of a woman modeling a polka dot dress with hat and gloves, shows the complicated detailing of hats of the era.
A photograph of Businessman and philanthropist Simon Guggenheim highlights the stylish men’s business wear of the 1930s. High collared shirts and a boater hat completed his tailored look.
A model pictured in front of flowers features a striking feather hat with a high-collared coat. Stylish and sophisticated hats with unusual designs were very popular in the 1930s.
Women in Paris are pictured here showcasing shoes, dresses and hat styles of the 1930s. Ruffles and bows accent dresses and hats in the photo.
Models, posing inside a Qantas aircraft, show off 1930s women’s travel wear. The picture showcases the polished outfits, featuring scarves and gloves, that women would opt for when traveling.
Actress Claudette Colbert with her mother are pictured wearing popular hat styles of the time. The designs and styles worn by Hollywood stars played an influential part in 1930s fashions.