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.
Once we colorized the images, the full vibrancy and detail of the outfits are revealed!
Designed by Hélène Sorbier
Source: Public Domain / National Archive / Wikimedia Commons This photo shows women wearing hats created by designer and model, Hélène Sorbier. Shown against a backdrop of flowers, the women’s outfits are also accessorized with gloves and small purses.
Light and Dark Contrast
The lovely contrast between the dark and light dresses is even more apparent in color.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Source: Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
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.
Cheers to the New Year
Color adds more atmosphere to this cheery scene.
Dresses Designed by Marcelle Landowska
Source: Public Domain / National Archive / Wikimedia Commons Models show off hats and dresses designed by Marcelle Landowska. Hats of all shapes and sizes were very fashionable in the era.
Fabulous Fabrics
The wonderful colors of these fabrics is now revealed.
Spring Fashion Parade
Source: Courtesy of the State Library of Queensland / Public Domain
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.
At the Pool
With color we can see the wonderful detail of the dress in the center.
Jean Harlow Having Her Hair Styled
Source: Keystone / Getty Images
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.
Close Waves
The platinum blonde hair color is clear now that color is added.
Tailored and Sophisticated
Source: Public Domain / National Archive / Wikimedia Commons
Men and women were photographed at a high society event in Paris. Tailored and sophisticated fashions were worn by all at this upscale event.
Navy and White
Thanks to color, we can see that navy and white were clearly the colors of the season.
Hats of All Shapes
Source: Public Domain / National Archive / Wikimedia Commons
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.
Velvet Tunic
Thanks to color we can get a sense of the texture of the velvet tunic in the center.
Golfing Attire
Source: Central Press / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
This picture was taken of golfer Bobby Jones (right) wearing 1930s sporting attire. The photo of the men posing with the Walker Cup in was taken in Sandwich, England.
Winning the Cup
Color adds light and energy to this happy scene.
Travel Wear
Source: Courtesy of the State Library of Queensland / Public Domain
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.
Boarding Now
Thanks to color we can see how much this contrasts with modern air travel.
Gloves and Handbags
Source: Public Domain / National Archive / Wikimedia Commons
Models in Paris are pictured here wearing dresses created by Hélène Sorbier. Gloves, hats and small handbags complimented the dress styles.
Accessories Make the Outfit
In the color image we can see just how well the gloves and bags match the outfits.
Elegant Formal Menswear
Source: Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
Brazilian politician Getúlio Vargas was photographed at a news event wearing a formal tuxedo. Formal menswear was elegant and sophisticated.
Making a Speech
The details of the scene are revealed by color – including the expression of the speech maker.
Casual Style
Source: Topical Press Agency / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
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.
Out for a Jog
Color adds energy and movement to this image.
Cigarette Holders
Source: Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
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.
Smoking Room
Thanks to color we can see more detail – check out the tankards!
In Vogue
Source: Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
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.
Striking Hats
The jewels on the hat on the left look incredible in color.
Smaller Hats
Source: Public Domain / National Archief / Wikimedia Commons
Women in Paris are pictured wearing popular 1930s hat styles. Smaller hats were commonly accented with jewelry or ribbon as seen in the photo.
Neat but Stylish
With the color we can see the sunlight bouncing off these lady’s faces.
Glamour of Hollywood
Source: Hulton Archive / Moviepix via Getty Images
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.
Striking a Pose
It’s fascinating to see stars of black and white movies in color.
Parisian Model
Source: Public Domain / National Archive / Wikimedia Commons
A photographer captured the sophisticated look of a Parisian model wearing a long dress with sheer sleeves and matching hat.
Sheer Fabric
The sheer fabric revealed in color would not be out of place in a movie premier today.
Winter Coats and Hats
Source: Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
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.
I’ll Drive
Looking at the color image you can’t help feeling that these outfits are not really suitable for the vehicle.
Floral Accents
Source: Public Domain / National Archief / Wikimedia Commons
This model is pictured wearing a long skirt and jacket. The stylish outfit was complimented by a hat with floral accents.
In the Garden
It’s only in color that we can see just how well this outfit matches the plants.
Gary Cooper in Casual Wear
Source: Earl Crowley / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
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.
Huge Hat!
Is it the color or the size of this hat that makes it dominate the image?
Men’s Boater Hats
Source: Topical Press Agency / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
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.
Pulling a Crowd
Color adds energy and movement to this capture.
Ties and Pocket Squares
Source: Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
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.
Hands Up!
Color shows how understated the neutral colors of this outfit are.
Top Hat and Wool Coat
Source: Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
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.
Gentleman in Town
Color makes this city gent look more friendly!
Woolen Skirts
Source: Public Domain / Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Toni Frissell Photograph Collection, [reproduction number, e.g., LC-F9-1956-12-01, Frame 6]
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.
Leap of Faith
Color adds so much movement and warmth to the image.
Polka Dot Dress
Source: Public Domain / National Archief / Wikimedia Commons
A photograph of a woman modeling a polka dot dress with hat and gloves, shows the complicated detailing of hats of the era.
Amazing Texture
The wonderful texture of this fabric is revealed with the color.
Dressed for Business
Source: Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
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.
Navy Outfit
This outfit looks less austere in navy – and suits the man wearing it better.
Striking Feather Hat
Source: Public Domain / National Archief / Wikimedia Commons
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.
Angular Design
The details of the folds of the outfit are revealed by color.
Ruffles and Bows
Source: Public Domain / National Archief / Wikimedia Commons
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.
Standing on Chairs
The intricate detail of the ruffles is clearer in color.
Polished Travel Wear
Source: Courtesy of the State Library of Queensland / Public Domain
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.
In Flight Entertainment
The interior details of the plane are revealed by the color.
Mother and Daughter Outfits
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
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.
Big Smiles
The wonderful smiles look brighter in color.
The post Amazing 1930s Outfits Brought to Live with Colorizer appeared first on 24/7 Tempo .
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