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The slim, willowy look of this dress is pure 1930s,
but you'll notice that the skirt flares a bit and is not as long
as earlier skirts from this decade. We're heading into the 1940s "swing" era now!
This 1938 pattern is for a day dress with a gored skirt, tailored bodice and puffed sleeves. Note the collar and pretty long-sleeved option.
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Here is a trio of wonderful leading ladies from the 1930s. The 1930s "look" is so distinctive--particularly in films. Left to right: Myrna Loy in a large ruffled-collar dress; Joan Crawford in a very early 1930s publicity shot (note that the gown still has a lot of 1920s style elements with its straight lines and loose fit); Greta Garbo in an oh-so-1930s dress with lots of crisp organza ruffles.
Here is a lovely, slim daydress pattern.
Isn't the collar a wonderful contrast to the straight lines of the skirt?
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Here is a scrap from my own collection, showing Shirley on the set of "Just Around the Corner." What I love about children's fashions of the 1930s are the crisply tailored lines and delightful design details. Notice Shirley's ruffled pinafore that isn't "fussy" and the ribbon bows on the bodice front.
This is a wonderful 1930s pattern--very Shirley-esque--for girls' dresses.
I love the tailored look of this era.
This is a sharp-looking pattern from 1938. Note the long, slimming lines and the slight emphasis given the bustline by the gathers underneath.
This is a beautiful hand-colored photograph of a young woman dressed up for a special occasion (wedding? dance? tea?). The overdress looks like organdy or silk georgette, and her sleeves flutter in the breeze. Her ornament of choice is a big bunch of flowers pinned at the waist. This is probably from the early 1930s, since her hairstyle still reflects the late 1920s to early 1930s "boy" cut. Looks like she had fun!
 | A slim afternoon dress with tucked bodice and stitched-down pleats. |
| For some reason, I think of a Frank Capra heroine when I look at this pattern. It looks just like one of his "office" gals from "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" or another great 1930s film. |  |
 | A wonderful double-breasted everyday dress from the late 1930s. Very crisply tailored. |
| A set of vests and dickies from the early to mid-1930s. These are so very chic--I picture Ginger Rogers when she's not on the dance floor. |  |
 | Chic and sleek 1930's pattern for an everyday dress. Would be lovely in flowing rayon or challis--or crisply elegant in lined organdy or silk organza. |
| A pair of slim 1930's skirts. |  |
 | Totally glamorous 1930's day dresses. |
| This evening gown would be stunning in a floaty, filmy chiffon. |  |
