When you think of the 1930s, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t a fashion revolution. Like most people, your image of that decade is likely dominated by the Great Depression, the economic crisis that left huge swathes of America unable to even consider buying new clothes. We at Retro Stage think it’s time that we recognize the incredible contributions that 1930s designers made to the world of fashion, so today, we’re going over what made the clothes from this era so special.

A Change in Silhouette

While the big thing in the 1920s was the boxy, straight-cut flapper silhouette, in the 1930s, fashion took a turn with the reintroduction of an old sewing technique: cutting fabric on the bias. French designer Madeleine Vionnet is usually credited with bringing the bias cut back, using it to create slinky, flowing garments that draped smoothly over the hips and showcased the female figure.

The 1930s Ruffle Lace-Up Fishtail Dress follows this philosophy by fitting snugly in all the right places. Its lightly cinched waist serves to emphasize the flow of the fabric across the hips, which can be easily adjusted with the drawstring at the side. The elegant shoulder ruffles and flared skirt are true to 1930s sensibilities, and to top it all off, this piece comes in both green and orange.

Similarly, the Green 1930s Floral Vintage Dress seems to cascade over the body like a waterfall thanks to its bias-cut construction and cowl neckline. Made up of a green base garment and a sheer overlay with velvety floral accents, this beautifully simple dress is a testament to the enduring charm of Madame Vionnet’s designs.

The new fashionable silhouette of the 1930s featured a slender waist and a flared hem and often strongly emphasized the shoulders with ruffles or short, voluminous sleeves. Fishtail and mermaid dresses became the go-to for evening gowns, setting themselves even further apart from ‘20s-style formalwear with their long skirts that reached anywhere from the mid-calf to the floor.

The Orange 1930s Polka-Dot Fishtail Dress is a fun, bubbly take on elegant ‘30s trends with its creamsicle color palette and adorable high-collar neck bow. The fashionable yet whimsical shoulder ruffles and curve-hugging design make this piece the perfect combo of sophistication and imagination.

Conversely, the Black 1930s Polka Dot Mermaid Dress leans a little more mature, composed of a black base with a polka-dot overlay. Lantern sleeves, a sheer mermaid skirt, and a bold V-neckline all work together to create a lovely blend of refinement and seduction.

Lastly comes the Green 1930s Velvet Off-Shoulder Ruffle-Trim Mermaid Dress, an undeniably luxurious dress made of plush green velvet. A sultry slit runs up one side of the flared skirt, its full length concealed by some cleverly placed ruffles, and the whole piece is finished off with a ravishing portrait collar.

 Artful & Avant-Garde

With the standard of beauty set, it was time for more adventurous designers to take things a step further. Elsa Schiaparelli in particular was known for her experimental garments that featured vibrant color, intriguing print fabrics, and in some cases, even unconventional materials. Among her most notable works are her stiff-shouldered dinner jackets and the divided skirt, which would later evolve into modern women’s culotte-style shorts.

We think Madame Schiaparelli’s ideals are best represented today in pieces like the Green 1930s Velvet Vintage Jumpsuit, which combines the classic 1930s silhouette with exciting floral-print fabric and comfortable pant legs. Feminine flutter sleeves and a set of pearl accents down the front of the bodice complete this look in spectacular fashion.

Hearkening back to the sailor-inspired outfits of the ‘30s, the Dark Blue 1930s Stripe Off-Shoulder Jumpsuit boasts that iconic navy-and-white palette we all know and love. With its shoulder-baring striped bodice and roomy but well-tailored high-waisted pant legs, this piece gives off a dapper yet undeniably feminine vibe.

Rounding out this trio is the 1930s Polka-Dot Belt Jumpsuit, a more casual option that’s great for everyday wear. Its high-collar halter neckline and matching belt with an orange ombre buckle help to form those Old Hollywood proportions and simultaneously bring them into the modern day. And the best part? It’s even got pockets!

Bare Skin on the Beach

Along the coastline, things were heating up in a new way, too. Swimwear was suddenly much more revealing, often showing off the shoulders and back with scandalous strappy construction. In a way, this development still adhered to the general trend for women’s clothing, as it followed the formula of being tighter at the waist and hips, but instead of using fabric accents to draw attention to the shoulders, it let bare skin speak for itself.

In the spirit of this style, the 1930s Plaid Halter One-Piece Swimsuit features a halter strap neckline and a small keyhole below the bust. The skirt emulates the swim dresses and low-cut bottoms of the era, and for some extra flair, there’s lace-up detailing at the back of the bodice. This piece comes in three bright colors that are perfect for a summer dip.

The Pink 1930s Roses Halter Belt Swimsuit follows the same idea with its revealing halter neckline and skort-style construction. Its pastel pink fabric is vividly patterned with roses and accented with a simple pink belt with a circular buckle. For those vintage fashionistas with bigger curves, this suit is also available in plus sizes!

Conclusion

The oft-forgotten 1930s were a critical time for both high fashion and ready-to-wear clothing, setting the stage for many trends that have remained popular to this day. Now that you know a bit more about what made this decade’s couture so groundbreaking, you can show off your historical appreciation by expanding your vintage wardrobe to include fishtail dresses, eye-catching patterns, and anything else that strikes your fancy.

You can find all these beautiful ‘30s-inspired pieces and so much more on the Retro Stage website.