1930-1939

           

"Unlike the boyish 1920s dresses that concealed curves, the 1930s dresses had shapely lines and aimed to celebrate the female figure. Dresses returned to define the waistline, and at the start of the decade, women wore dresses that emphasized the shoulders. This included butterfly sleeves, puffed sleeves, and angular shoulders which, in turn, would give the illusion of a smaller waist. Most daytime dresses at this time were designed at calf length, so for a classic 1930s style, opt for a midi length dress with soft, fluttery sleeves and a defined empire waistline. Later in the decade, 1930s dresses focused on the eveningwear gown with a high or halter neckline and an emphasized open back. Metallic lamé, fabric interwoven with metallic threads, was introduced and played a part in establishing eveningwear as grandiose and elegant in contrast with sensible daywear. The bias cut also came into a vogue during this time as a way to drape and gather fabric diagonally to also emphasize the female figure." Source: http://shopruche.com/1930s-fashion.html

During the 1930's due to the Great Depression, many people had dresses went back to being full length and a little bit loose and less fancier but still elegant. The dresses became more comfortable to wear and to move around in.These dresses were suitable for every event. The sleeves of these dresses became shorter and the bottom of the dresses became more wavier.

Origin: In the years before 1030's, many women wore tighter clothes but this was changing. Although these new dresses were still tight from the waist's, they were totally different from what the Flapper's wore. These dresses were lighter and easier to wear and not many women wore a lot of jewelry.

Purpose: Many innovations were seen in fashion during the Great Depression even though there was a lot of hardship during that time. The designers of the time experimented with different fabrics and styles. After 1935, the invention of a zipper arose and many designers used zippers for their dresses. Many designers at this time started designing dresses for women who worked in movies. Many women who watched movies were influenced by the type of dress style.

Value: These dresses show that during this decade The Great depression occurred. It also tells that the new types movies were being invented that influenced many women to dress the way they did in movies.

Limitations: The style of these dresses don't show a lot of they side affects of The Great Depression. It doesn't tell weather many people followed these styles or if their were people who still dresses like Flappers. I may be that some parents preferred these types of dresses over the Flapper dresses in the 1930's.