Fashion Through The Ages: Add 30s Style To Your Look Today

I have been noticing and admiring many of the seasons midi-legnth bias cut dresses and skirts and was reminded of some pieces I wore in the 90s. One plus to growing older is going through a second or maybe even a third recycle of a trend. But what era did this style really originate?

I did a little research to see if it was the 20s, 30s or 40s but most of what I am seeing (and liking) is inspired by the 30s. French designer Madeleine Vionnet devised methods of bias cross cutting during the 1920s and made  halter and cowl necks popular. Bias-cut pieces allowed for contours to curve around the body because the fabric is cut at an angle of 45 degrees in stead of on the straight grain. When the 30s came around the use of bias cut became much more widespread, as shown from the “Holiday Frocks” in the 1933 Spiegel’s newspaper ad for Meadowbrook dresses (pictured above). Here you can see the use of ruffles, lace and flutter sleeves as well as an emphasis on the empire waist and stronger shoulders elements.

With the higher waistline and sleek flair skirts came the need for shorter belted jackets, boleros or capelets as cover ups. Fur trim was used as shown in the dress pattern pictured above right. (Can you even imaging sewing coats and dresses like that from a pattern?). I digress.

This season you can add a little 30s elegance to your wardrobe. I found many dresses quite fitting for the holidays, such as the emerald green satin Temperley London dress or the long sleeve fitted red Prabal Gurung crepe dress with button details. These dresses give a nod to the 30s but are totally modern. If you like lace and something that stands out this color-blocked dress by Self-Portrait is waiting for you.

You can also pick up a more casual 30s vibe with this black See By Chloe flutter sleeve tee you can wear with jeans or dress up with the Vince bias-cut satin skirt in one of the hottest and versatile new shades, blush pink! And one last way to add an element of 1930s chic to your closet is with a cropped fox fur-trimmed cardigan like this charcoal sweater by Alice and Olivia.

There’s an added bonus to looking absolutely chic in the 30s trend. Since all of these pieces have a vintage feel, you can wear them (practically) forever!

Pictured Above (from left to right):

Temperley London Open-Back Duchesse-Satin Wrap Dress, $1,555

Prabal Gurung Button Detail Crepe Dress, $1,825

Self-Portrait Prairie Guipure Lace Midi Dress, $510

See by Chloe Embellished Tee, $195

Vince Satin Midi Flare Skirt, $245

Alice + Olivia Lory Fox-Fur Collar Cropped Cardigan, Charcoal, $660

Image Layout: Fountain Of 30

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