Women's Fashion During The Great Depression

Improved Essays
The Great Depression

Two sides of fashion
• Poor vs very rich
• Economic depression of Western world vs
• 1930’s elegance, clothing trends determined by very wealthy, movie stars, celebrities, Hollywood
• Combination: Simplicity & elegance

The Great Depression on women’s fashion
• Modesty both economically and culturally/fashionably
• People felt less frivolous and adventurous with their clothing when enduring hard times; practical garments for daily wear
• "Thrift is the spirit of the day. Reckless spending is a thing of the past."
• More sewing, less buying o Many women, skilled in sewing, were able to copy the fashions pictured in women's magazines. o • Reaction to agrodynous and daring 20s o While the sense of style and individuality in woman's fashion did not vanish entirely, there was a move toward more feminine and ladylike women's clothing to return to women their femininity without giving up the gains that were won in the 1920s. As such, bust lines were no longer suppressed and women's clothing emphasized rather than suppressed the curve of the waistline as well. - See more at: http://www.thefinertimes.com/The-1930s/1930s-clothing-announced-the-return-of-femininity.html#sthash.cgZmK6Fo.dpuf o •
…show more content…
’20s luxury was a bit chaotic, while the ’30s was more streamlined and classy, giving birth to the red carpet looks of modern day. Dresses fell to the ankle and draped to create the illusion (or emphasize the reality) of a long, lean frame. The knee was no longer exposed a la the ’20s style, but the shoulders, chest and backside were. The V-cut of this piece’s back is a perfect example of how the ’30s showed the backside (called the new “erogenous zone”) more than ever before.

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