The Influence of Hollywood on Fashion in the 1930s
Ever since the stock market crash of 1929 and the severe economic depression that followed for most of the 1930s, fashion had been an escape. Looking to the movies, women and men escaped their difficult daily lives and imagined a carefree and very glamorous life in Hollywood. Fashion followed movie stars’ apparel both on and off the screen.
Women’s Fashion
Women’s fashion in the 1930s was greatly influenced by the glamorous Hollywood stars of the time. Actresses like Jean Harlow, Bette Davis, and Joan Crawford set the trends with their elegant gowns, fur-trimmed coats, and chic accessories. Bias-cut dresses that hugged the body in all the right places became popular, as well as wide-leg trousers paired with feminine blouses.
- Bias-cut dresses
- Fur-trimmed coats
- Wide-leg trousers
- Feminine blouses
Men’s Fashion
Men’s fashion in the 1930s also took inspiration from Hollywood stars like Clark Gable and Cary Grant. Suits were tailored to perfection, with wide shoulders and slim waists. Wide-brimmed fedoras and two-tone oxford shoes completed the dapper look. Casual wear for men included knitted cardigans, high-waisted trousers, and leather loafers.
- Tailored suits
- Wide-brimmed fedoras
- Two-tone oxford shoes
- Knitted cardigans
Accessories
Accessories played a significant role in completing the glamorous Hollywood look of the 1930s. Women adorned themselves with long strings of pearls, cocktail rings, and feathered hats. Men accessorized with pocket squares, tie pins, and suspenders. Sunglasses became a fashion staple, with aviator and cat-eye styles becoming popular.
- Pearls
- Cocktail rings
- Feathered hats
- Pocket squares
Hairstyles and Makeup
Hairstyles and makeup in the 1930s were also influenced by Hollywood stars. Women favored soft curls, finger waves, and updos adorned with decorative combs and clips. Red lipstick and dark, defined eyebrows were signature looks of the era. Men sported slicked-back hair and clean-shaven faces, exuding sophistication and charm.
- Soft curls
- Finger waves
- Red lipstick
- Slicked-back hair
In Conclusion
The influence of Hollywood on fashion in the 1930s cannot be overstated. Movie stars set the trends with their glamorous on-screen looks, and people around the world eagerly followed suit. Women embraced bias-cut dresses and fur-trimmed coats, while men favored tailored suits and wide-brimmed fedoras. Accessories like pearls and pocket squares completed the look, while hairstyles and makeup added the finishing touches. The golden age of Hollywood may have been a time of economic hardship, but it was also a time of unparalleled elegance and style.
