A Girl On Fire - Vintage Wardrobe

Following the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s fashion and the Retro period of the ‘40s and ‘50s, jewelry and fashion designs expanded greatly, with different trends taking center stage. Thus, it became less about the era. However, the 1960s saw some wedding rings for women trends and designs, Some of the designs will be discussed in this vintage jewelry guide.

WEDDING RINGS IN THE 1960S

After the hugely successful retro period, things got better and better in the 1960s for couples. There were more and more rings to pick from and the diamonds got bigger and bigger. The classic engagement ring style became even more popular in the 1960s fashion. More and more designers incorporated colored gemstones into their rings, such as emerald and onyx.

RING STYLES IN THE 1960S

• ASSCHER DIAMOND RINGS

The 1960s was a decade which saw celebrity engagements heavily influence the styles of engagement and wedding rings. The asscher quickly became the diamond shape in vogue for wedding rings for women after Elizabeth Burton engaged Elizabeth Taylor with a glittery 33-carat asscher engagement ring. Following Jackie Kennedy’s beautiful emerald engagement ring, mixed gemstone rings made of diamond and emeralds also became popular.

• BAGUETTE DIAMOND RINGS

Marilyn Monroe’s famous marriage to Joe DiMaggio saw her fingers wear the baguette diamond eternity band. The elegant and classic masterpiece of jewelry was a true throwback to the Art Deco era—sort of renaissance that became one of the most popular designs of that decade when it came to wedding bands.

Jackie Kennedy, former first Lady of the United States, also got one of the most defining rings of that era when John F Kennedy proposed to her using a diamond blue topaz ring, similar to what Ricky Ricardo gifted Lucille Ball upon their engagement. These two rings helped re-start the dying culture of colored gemstone rings as the mainstay of wedding rings for women in this vintage jewelry guide.

• DIAMOND PLATINUM RINGS

This was another popular style of wedding rings for women, although this style was more common among middle class members of society. The classic vintage diamond engagement and wedding rings were crafted with solid platinum, highlighting a centered brilliant-cut diamond.

Other styles also came to light in the 1960s as rings were achieved all-time peak popularity levels. One of these designs is the Sapphire and Diamond ring which was a bold and striking design in sapphire and diamonds. Most Sapphire and diamond rings were made of round cut sapphire and flanked by high-quality brilliant cut diamonds.

Ruby and Diamond rings were also popular in the 1960s as vintage designers produced masterpieces of fine jewelry with ruby pave cluster rings surrounded by old cut diamonds. Although not as popular as sapphire diamond rings or platinum diamond rings, ruby and diamond rings were alluring jewelry used by couples

Although the 1960s were dominated by issues such as the Vietnam war and Watergate, this vintage jewelry guide revealed the engagement and wedding rings of the 1960s which also made it one of the best decades of all time in the area of jewelry designed for couples!

The amazing 20s which had women longing for masculinity is an unforgettable decade. The gorgeous hairstyles of the 1920s were greatly influenced by the social excitement of the decade. Although the styles were a mark of the rebellious time showing that the women wanted independence from the constraints of the previous decades, the flapper girl hairstyles of the era, offered to the women a sophisticated look.

Even though cutting their hairs short was one of the major marks of independence for the 20s women, long hairs continued to have a soft feminine and romantic look. The accessories on the hairs usually gave long hair lovers of that era the independent show-off.

However, since the 20s styles are still trending, the top-notch hairstyles for long hair during the 1920s are below.

1920S HAIRSTYLE-FINGER WAVES

A perfect 1920s way to flaunt your long hair is the finger waves hairstyle. The stunning hairstyle set the hair into S-shaped curls.  The hairstyle leaves your hair hanging on the neck and is quite easy to achieve. Your fingers, pins, comb and hair gel are all you need. A deep part on the flapper girl finger waves hairstyle will add glam to the style. The finger waves style remains an amazing choice for your long hair.

20S HAIRSTYLE-CURLY UPDO

A fabulous style of the 20s for long hair was the curly updo. The 1920s hairstyle which could serve as a casual or special event style was great at uplifting the feminine beauty of the 20s women. The soft curl was usually worn with a beautiful headband. Get yourself looking all amazing with this hairdo of the 20s. To look more trendy, you can introduce colors.

LONG HAIR WITH HEADBAND

As casual as it may sound or look, this hairstyle is a signature of the 20s. The fascinating hairstyle gives a classic look to the wearer and is perfect for an informal hangout. Just part your long hair into two, flip one side to the right and another to the left. Wear a headband over it for the 20s glam.

1920S HAIRSTYLE-PIN CURLS

The roller hairstyle was a 20s original style. The hairstyle required curling the hair and pinning it down. It leaves a very curly look all over the hair, that makes the wearer look so classic. Pieces of jewelry were worn on pin curls for those who preferred. Today, you can have your pin curls tight or well blown out.  A beautiful blend of colors will add glam. Your long hair will love it!

1920S WOMEN’S HAIRSTYLE-MARCEL WAVING

The marcel waves also had its turn during the 1920s decade. Although it was done from finger waves, it gave long hairs a different and unique look. They were waved with heated marcel irons after the hair was curled. The hairstyle which seemed like a piece of art was delicate and needed daily care. Headbands were also worn on them. You can make yourself look extraordinarily beautiful with this style to an evening event, to the office or an informal event.

The 1920s hairstyles for long hair remain relevant today and have been an amazing choice for every season and occasion. Get yourself a 20s signature ASAP.

From Vintaege-Retro Blog

Ever since the film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby came into existence, it has created quite an image among the current population when it comes to having a theme for costume parties. It has transported people back into the glamour of the parties that took place in 1920s. During this decade, it was after a huge amount of time that women were given the liberty to dress playfully, and let their hair down to have some fun at these parties full of glamour and glitter. So naturally, there was a lot of styling and excitement when it comes to the dresses and these outfits have been iconic ever since.

In case you are wondering what type of shoes one should wear at a Great Gatsby inspired theme party, then look no further, below are some of the iconic shoes that used to be worn back then:

 For Men:

For men, the style didn’t change as much when compared to the previous decades.  During those years, men used to wear suits all times for all kinds of events. In order to perfectly complement the suits and tuxes, formal shoes would be worn.

 The brogue shoes used to be in fashion back then. These also looked like sport shoes but would do great with suits and tuxes as well. Other than that, there were also two tone shoes in fashion during that time period. The tones of these shoes would be brown and white, or black and white.  There were also the cap toe oxford shoes. With sewing very much visible on the top of the leather, these shoes will now give the perfect 20s look and would create a nostalgic air mixed with elegance.

For Women:

For women, this was a great decade. With shorter dresses now in style, they would wear heels which would further accentuate their legs.  The heels worn in this time period were not as sturdy as block heels but not as thin as stilettos as well.  These heels were also not very long and a very moderate length was kept in order. Other than that, one major feature that could be seen in the shoes worn back in hr 20s was the straps. There were often one, two or even sometimes more three straps on the heels.In order to make up for the glamour and glitz of the parties, there would often be a lot of décor of glitter and sequins on these heels to make them seem flashier. Flapper shoes were also in fashion back then with rounded fronts and small heels that would make it easier for them to dance all night and frolic around. If you are one who prefers comfort then you don’t need to fret as basic heeled pumps were worn back then as well.

One should try not to wear wedge heels or open toes sandals if what they are aiming for is an authentic 1920s look as close round toed sandals were in fashion back then and wedges were not worn very frequently.

From Zkaka Blog

Vintage clothes are currently being accentuated in our modern day clothing styles today to add a touch of retro look in our clothes. These vintage dresses, once modified a little, give the right fusion between nostalgic and modern vibes. There are many styles that are associated with the early 50s, 60s, and 70s and all of these and many decades compromise of years and years of glamorous and creative innovations in the fashion industry. Most people when inquired about the vintage styles for women generally just come up with puffy and flair skirts when in reality there was a lot going on in those decades beyond the skirts.

One such clothing piece that has dominated the vintage clothing line is the pencil skirts and pencil dresses. The pencil dresses were originated from the year 1908 when Edith Hat o Berg wore it in an aero plane as to not let the material of the cloth fly once they’re in air. The idea of pencil skirts was officially first brought forward by Christian Dior in the year 1954. Post World War II, there was a lot of rationing that had to be done in all fields of life and clothing wasn’t spared. Instead of making huge puffy skirts that required a lot of cloth, pencil skirts were introduced that hugged all the curves on a woman’s body and were as long as till the knees or calves.

These skirts were also famously known as the wiggle skirts because whilst wearing them there was little room for women to move hence they had to wiggle their way when walking. Similar was the case with pencil dresses as well.

There are some aspects that should be kept in mind if one is looking to make pencil dresses a part of their wardrobe.

• Fitting:

The first thing to keep in mind whilst looking for pencil dresses and pencil skirts is the size. It is very important to find the perfect fit for your body when it comes to pencil dresses. The reason for this is because with other types of clothes, alteration is very easy and a pin here and there could give a refined look but that is not the case with pencil dresses. Since each and every curve of the body is outlined, it is wise to get a good fit or else there might be bulging clothing material which can spoil the entire look.

• Occasions:

Next up, the trick to fashion is to always have a good understanding of when to wear what. The dilemma or over or under dressing can hugely dampen any event so it is necessary to keep in the mind the correct occasions when one can grace a pencil dress. These dresses have a very professional and feminine look so they can be easily worn to offices and for other business related or official events.

• The right accessories:

Like every other piece of clothing, it is crucial to accessorize right in order to give it the right aura. Pencil dresses have always been worn with high heels in order to bring out the curves of the body even more. It is time to forget the comfort of your flats and get those kitten heels out of the closet for the pencil dresses. It is widely known that flats shouldn’t be worn with pencil dresses and they could completely ruin the final look.  One can even wear wedges or any other type of heels so that the legs can be brought more to the attention and one can achieve a slimmer figure.

• Color

Color is also a very important aspect when it comes to pencil dresses. Color maybe a very versatile option for any other piece of clothing but when it comes to pencil dresses one should aim for subtle and darker colors. Since these are a complete outfit and you can’t add pants or any other such clothing item to it, it is necessary to get one that can give off a complete look. Colors like burgundy, magenta, black, gray and even dark greens can be worn to give off a sophisticated and elegant look.

Pencil dresses are a very elegant clothing item that has been a centre of attraction since the last 50 decades and is still adored by people. With the correct accessories, this dress can be a modest and elegant addition to your closet.

Vintage clothes are currently being accentuated in our modern day clothing styles today to add a touch of retro look in our clothes. These vintage dresses, once modified a little, give the right fusion between nostalgic and modern vibes. There are many styles that are associated with the early 50s, 60s, and 70s and all of these and many decades compromise of years and years of glamorous and creative innovations in the fashion industry. Most people when inquired about the vintage styles for women generally just come up with puffy and flair skirts when in reality there was a lot going on in those decades beyond the skirts.

One such clothing piece that has dominated the vintage clothing line is the pencil skirts and pencil dresses. The pencil dresses were originated from the year 1908 when Edith Hat o Berg wore it in an aero plane as to not let the material of the cloth fly once they’re in air. The idea of pencil skirts was officially first brought forward by Christian Dior in the year 1954. Post World War II, there was a lot of rationing that had to be done in all fields of life and clothing wasn’t spared. Instead of making huge puffy skirts that required a lot of cloth, pencil skirts were introduced that hugged all the curves on a woman’s body and were as long as till the knees or calves.

These skirts were also famously known as the wiggle skirts because whilst wearing them there was little room for women to move hence they had to wiggle their way when walking. Similar was the case with pencil dresses as well.

There are some aspects that should be kept in mind if one is looking to make pencil dresses a part of their wardrobe.

• Fitting:

The first thing to keep in mind whilst looking for pencil dresses and pencil skirts is the size. It is very important to find the perfect fit for your body when it comes to pencil dresses. The reason for this is because with other types of clothes, alteration is very easy and a pin here and there could give a refined look but that is not the case with pencil dresses. Since each and every curve of the body is outlined, it is wise to get a good fit or else there might be bulging clothing material which can spoil the entire look.

• Occasions:

Next up, the trick to fashion is to always have a good understanding of when to wear what. The dilemma or over or under dressing can hugely dampen any event so it is necessary to keep in the mind the correct occasions when one can grace a pencil dress. These dresses have a very professional and feminine look so they can be easily worn to offices and for other business related or official events.

• The right accessories:

Like every other piece of clothing, it is crucial to accessorize right in order to give it the right aura. Pencil dresses have always been worn with high heels in order to bring out the curves of the body even more. It is time to forget the comfort of your flats and get those kitten heels out of the closet for the pencil dresses. It is widely known that flats shouldn’t be worn with pencil dresses and they could completely ruin the final look.  One can even wear wedges or any other type of heels so that the legs can be brought more to the attention and one can achieve a slimmer figure.

• Color

Color is also a very important aspect when it comes to pencil dresses. Color maybe a very versatile option for any other piece of clothing but when it comes to pencil dresses one should aim for subtle and darker colors. Since these are a complete outfit and you can’t add pants or any other such clothing item to it, it is necessary to get one that can give off a complete look. Colors like burgundy, magenta, black, gray and even dark greens can be worn to give off a sophisticated and elegant look.

Pencil dresses are a very elegant clothing item that has been a centre of attraction since the last 50 decades and is still adored by people. With the correct accessories, this dress can be a modest and elegant addition to your closet.

There is no doubt that the thundering 1920s is one of our favorite revolutionary eras in style. This a reason why we are fascinated with wedding dresses influenced by the 1920s. The pomp, the glam, the age was all about opulence and emancipation, and the style of the period was no different.

Flapper’s spinning silhouettes were influenced by the daring shapes of Art Deco and Expressionism, popular music and Egyptian patterns. Let’s not forget the accentuated waists, feathers and fringes, bells and rhinestones, dazzling embroidery and intricate design.

This was the first time that decadence had encountered a free spirit, coming together for reckless beauty. Influenced by the Swing Era, Art Deco represents the glitz and glamour, the glamor and all the lavishness of the 1920s and 1930s.

Traditional weddings are a thing of the past now and contemporary weddings are becoming more and more common nowadays, as people venture behind the conventional walls for reasons much broader than just cheery celebrations.

The times of Cinderella ballgowns may not be finished, but as we step into a more personalized wedding period, greater and greater couples are leveraging the influence of old-fashioned elegance to carry their festivities to completion in some of the most special ways.

There is an explanation why wedding dresses influenced by the 1920s are still in hot demand. Bridal styles can come and go, but the elegance of the 1920s continues to inspire designers even today.

If you’re a bride-to-be who dreams of a wedding day full of excitement, elegance, you should go for the Art Deco style. Which is why, we have gathered some of our most favorite 1920s style wedding dresses from that are ideal for your Art Deco event.

• Whispers & Echoes Milano Gown

This head-turner by Whispers & Echoes has just the right blend of art deco with its flicker sleeves and a beautifully detailed lace train. We would adore an ivory and amber color combination with this dress.   

• Catherine Deane Merry Gown

Catherine Deane’s beautiful BHLDN dress incorporates elegant lace short sleeves over a slender torso. Probably the most beautiful feature is a diamond-shaped wide back that is sure to leave people in awe when you step on the aisle.

• 1920s Inspired Art Deco Wedding Dress

Romantic flowing lace sleeves and sequined pearl buttons on the neckline render this a dress to be forever engraved in everyone’s mind. Emblematic of the Alexander McQueen gown worn at the royal wedding, this gown has an additional mile of elegant lace fringe across the back of the neck.

The bias cut offers a perfect match that will accentuate your look in all the right ways.

• Art Deco Beaded Wedding Gown

If you are in the quest of a one of a kind beautiful wedding gown with stunning intricate details then this is what you need. It’s like this dress was crafted for a cover shoot influenced by the Great Gatsby.

Influenced by the Jazz age, this wedding dress has Gatsby written all over it.  The exclusive beaded and embossed net interfaces the pre-cut silk sheath. It is further adorned with layers of gemstones drape over the back with small straps engraved with a floral pattern.

• Flapper Style Fringe Wedding Dress

This flapper design fringe wedding dress in silver recreates the glamor of 1920’s wear. The traditional fluted sleeves and relaxed V-neck retain the retro style while showcasing a more contemporary design.

Furthermore, the beautiful fringe adorned at the bottom of the dress gives it the perfect vintage chic yet glamourous vibe that we would want in a Gatsby themed wedding.

• 1920s Inspired Flapper Backless Wedding Dress

If you’re the kind of bride who wants all the attention on you, this dress could be your perfect match. We love the bold beading of this dress and the to-die-for backless pieces.

This dress combines contemporary and traditional womanhood beautifully, and its elegant silhouette reflects on timeless beauty, which is just what you want and what you have to pull off your special day.

• Ettia Satin Sheath Wedding Dress

This dress is what you need to fulfill your Gatsby fantasies with its satin sheath fabric influenced by wine turrets and starlit landscapes.

This dress comes with a beaded fabric over vogue satin along with 1920s style border with Swarovski crystals and pearls. It’s low back neckline, V-neck and delicate beaded cap-sleeves give this dress its seductive yet elegant look.

• Elecia Fringe Wedding Dress

Clearly influenced by the theme of the 1920s, the Elecia Wedding Dress comes in a sophisticated, creamy hue with a beautiful, velvety fringe pattern cascaded down the body.

This art deco-inspired piece is designed in the form of a column to create a elegant outline and make it simple to pass. Fabricated, hand-beaded belts bring romantic and artistic elegance to this look.

• Milly Beaded Wedding Dress

Milly is a beautiful wedding dress crafted with a jewel and rhinestone artwork on the body and a luminous full top. This sleeveless wedding dress incorporate a keyhole design on the back of the neck, with flexible straps and a slim blouse waist for the dream match.

1950s is often looked back upon as a decade full of innovations and creativity In the fashion industry. There were tremendous amounts of designs and styles available back then to cater to the female gender. There were new silhouettes and playful looks that were vibrant and full of color. There was a general inclination towards hourglass figures. The 50s is associated largely with fashion because of famous icons as well who graced the screen and displayed the various styles going around. Icons like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly honored and enhanced the styles.

There was also the birth of rockabilly genre which was a fusion of country and rock music. With this new genre, came a new wave of styles. Here are 5 1950s dresses that should make a comeback:

• Pencil Skirts

First up, pencil skirts were widely worn in that decade. These skirts would suit perfectly to an hourglass figure and were also called “wiggle skirts” as women would have to wiggle in them whilst walking. Hugging the curves, these were more than often as long as knee length and were worn mostly in professional settings.  They would be fashioned in solid colors or with plaid prints.

• Poodle Skirts

Clearly, the 50s were big on skirts as there were a number of styles incorporated in skirts. Clinched at the waist, these skirts would flare out from the knee below and give a very graceful and delicate look. These were worn with button down blouses and would give a very refined outline of the figure. Poodle skirts were mostly worn on special occasions and were a huge hit at house parties.

• Polka dots

Polka dots are often used by people to accentuate retro styles because they were a huge hit back in the 50s. This was a very playful and youthful design that was by women which added a fun and happy and joyful element to their wardrobes. These polka dots were majorly red and white, black and white and even black and red sometimes.

• Capris

Capris were hugely famous back then because of the sense of glamour they bring along with them while also having a grip on ease. These capris were brought to the public eye by movie stars and were then adapted by the general public. These capris were also called pedal pushers and added a flirtatious touch to the wardrobe.  The capri pants would usually be accessorized with scarves and sunglasses.

• Cardigans and Blouses

There were styles present for all the seasons and cardigans played a huge part in the wardrobe compilation for the winters and the fall. Worn easily with skirts and pants, these were the top choice for an upper body clothing piece. These blouses and cardigans were styled in lots of different ways with large collars or closed collars, beautiful buttons placed strategically or even plaits on the blouses adding an element of sophistication.

Around the world, the love for some clothing styles never grows cold. Whenever you think a new style is on the verge of replacing it all, it comes back with earth-shattering force. That’s the case with the 1950s fashion. Its timeliness allure remains one of its biggest attractions.

Without knowing it, you may have encountered aspects of the 1950s men’s clothing that made it classic. You may not have been alive during that era. Despite that, you may not have realized that what you wear today would have made you popular back then.

Do you like wearing blouses and jeans? Are you incapable of leaving the house without wearing long, narrow skirts? Would you be ready to dash to the store to add a dirndl dress to your collection? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then you love 1950s women’s fashion.

This article provides you with a superb, easy-to-understand guide. It informs you about the style that defined the 1950s. As you will see, that style was unique. It enabled men, women, and children to stand out regardless of the era they lived in. Be ready for an eye-popping walk through history!

What Style Did Women Prefer in the 50s?

It’s impossible to talk about 1950s fashion while ignoring the sexism that defined it so well. In all ways, it seems that gender stereotyping was quite common during that era. That could have been the result of the images and movies coming out of Hollywood.

Added to that is the emergence of a new style christened “New Look” by Christian Dior. It replaced the style of the 1940s that revolved around boxy and angular lines. The 1940s fashion was also replete with shapeless dresses. Outfits with padded shoulders were quite favored too.

Christian Dior’s style emphasized the following:

1. Billowy skirts
2. Outfits with rounded shoulders
3. Clothes with receding waistlines

For the most part, Dior seemed to favour a look that highlights feminine curves. Fashion enthusiasts of the time fell in love with this look. Besides that, it’s worth noting that Dior’s creation wasn’t the only one that women favored.

As stated above, Hollywood was growing more popular in the 1950s. Women movie lovers had a long list of female stars they looked up to and loved. One such celebrity was Marilyn Monroe. She wasn’t only a sex icon. Instead, she excelled as the 1950s fashion icon.

In many ways, Monroe defined 1950s women’s fashion. Her style featured plenty of sensuality too. Other than Monroe, women of that era had other icons. They aped the style they saw in Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Hubert Givenchy, among others.

As earlier stated, the popularity of slim dresses in the 50s is also unquestionable too. The love for flowing skirts had waned. In their place, long, lean dresses were the in-thing. Blouses were trendy also. On top of that, the preppy style emerged as a powerful fashion statement. It included the following:

• Sweaters
• Cardigans
• Cable knits
• Checkered suits

What Style Did Men Prefer in the 1950s?

What about the features of the 1950s men’s clothing? Once again, you would have to revisit the issue of Hollywood’s popularity. That’s the best way to understand characteristics that defined men’s clothing style in the 1950s.

In this regard, most men loved their silver screen idols. Actors such as Marlon Brandon and James Dean captured the imagination of most men. These legends helped popularize a style that required wearing the following:

• Classic white t-shirts
• Jeans
• Leather jackets

What was outstanding about that style? For starters, most teenagers loved it for its simplicity. Other than that, those who wore it loved the ‘coolness’ of it all. The style made men look cool. It also offered them a chance to create the perfect casual look.

But, the 1950s wasn’t only full of teenagers and young men. That era also had a vast number of business executives and employees who wanted to look stunning. Such individuals opted to the grey flannel suit. With it, they all felt part of the gang!

It’s worth stating that the flannel suit came in other colors too apart from grey. These included:

1. Black
2. Dark brown
3. Light brown
4. Dark blue

What is your opinion of tight-knit sweaters? Like everyone else in 2020, there is a chance that you love the sweaters as much. In the 1950s, the general conclusion was that they were scandalous. That’s because they highlighted unseen features. Additionally, they revealed too much of the underlying curves and others.

Elvis Presley rocked the world of music in the 1950s. Besides that, he also excelled as a fashion icon. Because of his style, it became trendy to wear and walk around in a regular t-shirt. Presley inspired men to experiment with different styles. Most of them loved trying different:

1. Layers
2. Patterns
3. Bright colors

Cultural Influence

In talking about the 1950s fashion, special mention has to go to the elegance and glamour of it all. To reiterate, rock ‘n Roll was a huge influence. Apart from that, boogie-woogie also had an impact on the kind of attire and accessories of the time.

Teenagers were quite many during that era. They had their preferences on the choice of clothes, shoes, and jewelry. At the time, economic gains were quite significant. That created affluent dressing. Most styles reeked of freedom too.

Consumerism was a reality too. Because of that, it influenced 1950s men’s clothing. Since the war years were over, most people preferred a style that stood for independence. Hardships and rationing were no longer the staples of life.

Now, it was all about freedom and affluence. Furthermore, 1950s women’s fashion was full of fun and femininity. The love for flattering clothes shot through the roof too. Poodle skirts, bullet bras, and saddle shoes were quite famous for the way they flattered the body.

Most styles represented the reservation and conservatism of the 1940s. It also offered a glimpse into the fun and quirky style that would come to define the 1960s fashion. You can go back to that era’s style by choosing clothes that are glamorous, free, chic, and structured.

The 1930s party dress had a long and sleek, closely hugging the curves to bring out a sexy feminine silhouette. Party dresses included evening and cocktail dresses and gowns. They featured decorations around the neck which was done with beaded flowers and semi-precious stones like rhinestones. The fabric was light and flowing, mainly satin, silk or chiffon. The gold party dress designs were inspired by ancient Greek and Egyptian themes, which involved draping around a sleek form. Backless gowns made their entry into women’s fashion but the era was still a bit conservative, which made designers show a bit of skin but remain within the limits of modesty.

Hollywood influences

Paris designers dominated the fashion scene in the 1920s, but starting the 1930s, the American cinema gave the fashion world popular and glamorous actresses who became trend influencers. Actresses such as Katherine Hepburn and Dorothy Gish were the popular and idolized. Women followed the movie stars choice of clothes, accessories and hairstyles. These stars still went to Paris for fashion shopping, working with designers such as Lucien Lelong, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Vionnet.  

Actress Irene Dunne wore the 1890s inspired leg-o-mutton which had a broad-shouldered look and set off a broad-shouldered trend that lasted for much of the decade. Gilbert Adrian of MGM cinema also set off several fashion trends. He designed a gingham cotton dress with a striped pattern for Judy Garland’s appearance in Wizard of Oz. His puff-sleeved gown worn by Joan Crawford Lynton sold over 500,000 copies in the US. Crawford also set off a fashion fad with her white organdy dress which featured shoulder pads to make movement freer. These movie costumes became topics of discussion in women’s fashion magazines such as Vogue and Women’s Wear daily.

1939’s Gone with the wind had a big impact on the fashion scene with dresses featuring simple adornments and monotone hues. One of its famous pieces was the Princess Ballgown which had Victorian-era inspirations with its petticoats for the fullness. Plunkett designed the ‘barbecue dress’ for the character Scarlett O’Hara, which subsequently became one of the most copied looks of the 1930s.

Another influential Hollywood designer was Travis Banton at Paramount Studios. His designs were soft and feminine, using the bias cut to create simple elegant lines. His designs were popularized by Marlene Dietrich in different movies such as Shanghai Express. The influence of Hollywood designers continued until the start of the war.

Feminine form

The 1930s saw hemlines lowered again with longer skirts and natural waists. Designer Schiaparelli’s innovative designs featured pink hues, synthetic fabrics, and zippers. Her evening gowns came with matching jackets, wide shoulders and narrow waists.

Britain’s Norman Hartnell’s designs were popularized by Queen Elizabeth wearing the 'white mourning’ look during her 1938 visit to Paris. The dresses were soft and pretty with puffed sleeves and calf-length skirts, hugging the feminine form loosely.

The bias cut, pioneered by Madeleine Vionnet was prominent in designs that highlighted the feminine form. The dresses hugged the form while draping the contours, much to give a sleek statuesque look.

The late 1930s saw backless evening gowns become popular. They featured wide shoulders with sleeves, halter necklines, and high necks. The gowns came with matching jackets and were preferred to wear for going to the theatre, nightclubs, and dinners. occasionally birthday party dresses were worn for elegant birthday parties.

The natural waistline was prominent on 1930s dresses which featured fitted midriffs and wide shoulders created with the use of seams below the bust. Skirt length was conservative at mid-calf for the bigger part of the decade. Shorter and fuller skirts with hems just below the knee were popularized by Paris designers towards the end of the decade. They found favor with many women because of their practicality.

Ensembles were also popular, and they were done by wearing a matching dress with a coat. The clutch coat was also trendy and took its name from the fact that the wearer had to clutch it close because it did not have a zipper or buttons. Another trendy piece was the handkerchief skirt which featured lots of pleats, insets, and panels.

Evening gowns were accessorized with elbow-length gloves, while daytime party dresses were worn with shorter gloves. Other accessories would be matching hats, shoes and handbags to complete an ensemble.

There are tons of benefits to wearing makeup. For starters, it makes you more confident. It also adds one more layer of protection to the skin while enhancing your appearance. Do you need more fun during the day? Wear a bit of makeup.

Despite all these benefits, views regarding makeup are too diverse. Some are in support while others oppose the wearing of makeup. For the most part, those opposing it believe that it is a sign of insecurity.

Nevertheless, makeup is here to stay. Without a doubt, the industry has evolved. Humans have always worn makeup. Different cultures around the world had their own unique types of makeup. Each generation also has its preferences, as you will see vis-à-vis the 1930s makeup.

Thin Eyebrows

One of the hallmarks of the 1930s makeup was the insistence on thin eyebrows. At the heart of the then revolution was the popularity of many Hollywood stars. A few names worth mentioning here include:

• Greta Garbo
• Carole Lombard
• Marlene Dietrich

Several factors made these women popular with the womenfolk in the United States and around the world. The glamour they displayed coupled with their femininity made them household names in the world of makeup.

The emphasis was on the face. Women put more effort into accentuating their facial features. To this end, they worked hard to not only look for but also apply the kind of makeup that brought out their faces’ strong points.

Fair Complexion

The 1930s makeup was not only limited to thin eyebrows. Makeup lovers were also intent on displaying their fair complexion. Consequently, they looked for makeup that made their complexion stand out.

In talking about fair complexion, you would be unable to ignore the skin. The complexion is all about the skin, different components of the skin such as texture and tone. Fortunately, the 1930s crowd had multiple ways of bringing out the best of their complexion.

Their strategies incorporated the following:

• Applying a foundation for light complexion with a bit of subtle pink undertone
• Using Rouge sparingly while blushing to avoid the rugged, outdoorsy, wholesome look that became quite popular later

Eyes

Makeup that never had any effect on the eyes was almost inconsequential before the masses of the 1930s. For this reason, it was common to see women using either a dab of petroleum or olive oil. Applied on the eyes, the oil/petroleum created a bit of a shine.

However, that is not to say that the 1930s women were not bold or adventurous. At night, they preferred to fill their eyes with a bit of color. It was not shocking to see women with purple, green, or deep blue eyes at night.

Flecks of mica and other metallics were also quite popular around the eyes. To get a detailed version of the look, you would have to watch “Cabaret” to see Liza Minnelli in the style that made the 1930s such a pivotal moment in women’s makeup.

Furthermore, the period saw an upsurge in the popularity of the eyeliner pencil. A woman’s makeup kit would be incomplete without the eyeliner pencil. Women would line both the lower and upper eyelids in brown grease pencil.

Other Areas of Attention

When talking about the 1930s makeup, you would also have to spare several chapters to eyelashes. They were as important as any other part of the face that needed a special application of makeup.

Mostly, women went for dark lashes. To this end, they applied henna to create a stain that lasted a long time. Additionally, womenfolk went with sleek and slim lines. A woman with thick lashes would receive weird looks or be ignored totally.

Makeup that does not touch the lips is not worth writing about. Longer and sleeker lip lines defined the 1930s. Joan Crawford’s “overlip” comes to mind here. Full, pouty lips would make you to draw all attention to yourself.

1930s Dress