Ever Present Past: Dreaming the Day Away

In 1929, the stock market crashed and split the world into two groups of classes, the wealthy and the poor. Middle class was almost non-existent in presenting itself in the world of fashion. During the ’30s, due to the lack of money, women had to be particularly resourceful, they would often make dresses for themselves out of the large flour sacks that had little ditsy floral prints or bright triangle deco prints, which became a simple day dress hitting at the calf or a little lower. There was no nightlife for women of the poorer classes, the only luxury they had was makeup at the local drugstore. There, there was always a ten-cent lipstick. However, hope was being heard through a new contraption in a little wood box, the radio. This gave hope to these girls’ stories about Amelia Earhart and Lucky Limburg’s flying adventures. There was also the upper class, who would vacation in the Hamptons and go to Hollywood to meet all the stars on the silver screen like Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant- who played in four movies together, making a perfect combo of class silliness and tomboy spirit. Fred Astair & Ginger Rodgers charmed the world with beautiful ball gowns, Art Deco clubs and stunning dancing.

Men’s Trousers and Oxfords – found a way in to closest across America due to aviation hero Amelia Earhart, she gave women the courage to be asked to be equal to men, and lounge wear was often well fitted trousers with a sweet little silk top. While men’s wear created a real first impression in women’s fashion.

 Pumps – were a staple in a fashion wardrobe for all women during this time and even to this day are a great day to evening shoe. With casual wear like jeans or shorts, but also a great date night shoe with dressed up trousers or silk dresses. Also try wearing pumps with socks for a trendy, quirky look this fall; it really keeps the ensemble young and fresh.

 Evening Wear – was a huge part of the 30s due to the distinction in day and eveningwear. The evening gowns were long and elegant, and often backless. Hollywood and the movies also begin to be very influential to the fashion industry as girls wanted to wear the latest styles they had seen on their much loved movie star. Most specifically, Greta Garbo, who made funky hats popular.

The ’30s were a dream age of glamour and the golden age of Hollywood, but also full of hard work, as Ginger Rodgers said “Sure Fred was great, but don’t forget I did everything he did backwards . . . and in high heels!”