WOMEN'S FASHION
Undergarments
The one-piece undergarments consisting of a brassiere and a girdle with garters were worn. However, separate undergarments began to become popular as the individual bra became better designed and more acceptable. Cup-sizing, which is today ubiquitous, was just being introduced, allowing for a slightly more consistent fitting. Even though the majority of corsets no longer needed boning, it was still available for those who still wanted it. |
Makeup and Hair
Because suntans were still somewhat considered to be lower class, most women in the '30s had fairly pale skin. Makeup, such as rouge and lipstick, was frequently used to brighten pale faces.Artificial eyelashes were popular despite taking hours to apply in a professional salon. Women tended to keep their hair fairly short, about shoulder length. Finger-waves or soft curls with very little body were common. Near the end of the decade, women's hair would start to become longer, as did the popular hair styles seen in the Holly movies did. |
The Day Dress
A woman would not wear her house dress out of the house. To shop, run errands, attend a tea or see a matinee she would need a smart afternoon or day dress. These dresses were usually silk or rayon crepe, not cotton. They stuck with the standard silhouette and classic thirties features: puff sleeves, belted waits and large yokes and collars. |