Style from 1930 - 1940

If there's a decade of sophisticated sophistication, it's the 1930s. With figure-hugging dresses, a pronounced waist and calf-length dresses, the 1930s focused on the female body. The economic situation did not allow the use of extravagant details, but women had to turn to what already existed. And the demonstration of the female body became a violent statement with a powerful effect. Instead of attracting attention with sequins, attention was given to defined dresses or a deep back for evening wear.

Although it was distasteful to look rich, nobody said that fashion could be fun! Fun in this case meant fun prints and details that enhanced the fashion level. Everything from floral patterns to cars, navy and animals. The patterned dresses were accompanied by funny collars, sweet belts and details like bows and lace. Often in small doses and always in balance with the rest of the look. The economic restriction paved the way for creativity, innovation and the best of what you had.

In the 1930s, two things shaped the decade; Wear trousers as an everyday garment and elegant evening dresses. Although the female body was again in focus, the pants became more and more an object to rely on. Hollywood stars like Joan Bennett, Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn and Ingrid Bergman wore the pants as fashion items. Evening dresses maintained a glamorous life by epitomizing simplified luxury, but more below.

The clothes between 1930 - 1940

Clothes were still the most important item of clothing during the decade. They are designed to highlight the natural curves of the female body, with the waist defined by a simple belt. A light weight was placed on an inverted triangular shape with short puffed sleeves. The silhouette was underlined by curly hair and a hat - all that focused on the upper body. Besides hats, gloves were an important accessory as well as suitable shoes.

The dresses met just below the knees and were more feminine with prints of flowers and dots and shades of pigeon blue, red, pink and pea green. The collars in combination with the prints made a very detailed impression, although the overall picture was quite simple and refined. Buttons, bows, cuts, and belts also helped keep the look fashionable without expensive costs. Draped skirts and ruffles were also common features.

Apart from the clothes, a skirt and a matching blouse were also a common combination. Often with the blouse over the skirt and of course with a belt that marks the waist. The pants had a high waist and wide legs. Overalls were also visible from the left.

The evening dresses were the ultimate glamorous reflection of everyday wear. They were faithful to the female body, but the clothes were floor-length, emphasizing women's bodies even more. The fabrics were shiny, silky and made a mild impression. The backs of the dresses were open and the dresses were often sleeveless (or short sleeved), so that women showed quite a lot of skin (at least compared to fashion history)! The cut and the folds of the clothes were the focus, as they emphasized the curves of a woman. Often with a favorable neckline and fall of the fabric. Details were rarely used, more than ruffles that sometimes functioned as a neckline or hem.

Beauty between 1930 - 1940

The dramatic facial expression of the 1920s continued with thin eyebrows, defined eyes and lips until the 30s. Make-up has become more acceptable and used in everyday life. The eyes should look heavy with eyeshadow or eyeliner to complete the look. The eyelashes could be a bit lumpy as they enhanced the look, and the greasy-looking eyeliner went perfectly with the Hollywood stars. The cheeks were rosy and the lips too. From today's point of view, however, it does not matter what I say, since the thin and heavily defined eyebrows had their own life! And we know what we all think about them, even though they made it pretty tough in the thirties compared to ten years ago.

The hair was still pretty short. Instead of looking completely styled as in the 1920s, the hair should be curly and look natural. This look worked with hats and gave a simple but elegant look.

Transition to the 1940s

As already mentioned in the 1930s and 1940s, in the decades of the 20th century they are almost twins, as the war and economic crisis has kept them together. This meant that the functional fashion of the 30s lasted until the 40s, with the female body in the center, many dresses and the refined elegance became sharper. The 1930s remain the decade of contrasts with simplified daytime and glamorous evening wear. Where dreams of a better world found expression through the playful prints of dresses and the glorified status of Hollywood actresses.