1930s fashion

The Philadelphia Story is set in the late 30's/ early 40s, a time when the Great Depression and the war had a huge impact on fashion. This is not the case in the world of rich socialite's Tracy Lord(Katherine Hepburn) and C.K Dexter Haven (Cary Grant). The rest of the world may have been rationing material but Tracy runs amuck with Dexter and Mick Connor (James Stewart) in the finest clothing while drinking the finest champagne. Read on for some fashion tips on the more opulent side of 1930's fashion. 


Women's 1930s fashion was characteristically long and sleek. The flapper look of the '20s was now out, and a more sophisticated look — influenced by Hollywood movies — was in. More muted colors were popular, as were deep colors. Fabrics with prints in abstract or geometric patterns were also widely used.

Women's skirts often had their hemlines at mid-calf for daytime wear. A skirt would softly widen from the hip, while a full skirt would accentuate a slim waist without emphasizing the hips. A long skirt would occasionally be trimmed with ruffles, flare with flounces, but would most likely be simple with a long, slender shape. For evening wear, skirts would have ankle or floor-length hemlines.

Sleeves would on occasion be puffed, but could also sometimes be seen with ruffles or flounces. Shoulder pads were frequently used to broaden and square the shoulders of dresses, coats, nightgowns, and blouses, while torsos were sensuous, sleek, and emphasizing a thin waist. Women's fashion in the 1930s had necklines which were much lower than they had been the previous decade, with much more dramatic attention given. The most common styles for necklines were crossover and v-necks with ruffles, scallop-edges, or lace accents.

Evening dresses in 1930s were backless, and the bodices were slightly bloused. Evening dresses had hemlines which were ankle or floor-length. Flowers made of fabric, as well as bows, could be found on one shoulder, or in the center of the waist or neckline. Late in the decade, silky dresses became more popular. Empire-waisted waistlines, which were tied in the back, were popular.