A late 1930s dress pattern by DuBarry. The slim, willowy look 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 dress pattern by Simplicity features a gored skirt, tailored bodice and puffed sleeves. Note the collar and pretty long-sleeved option. The sheer overlay on the far left is lovely.

Here is a trio of wonderful 1930s leading ladies. The 1930s "look" is so distinctive--particularly in films.

This Butterick pattern is for a slim 1930s day dress pattern. The long lines emphasize height, but the fairly straight silhouette is softened by the puffed sleeves and wonderful lace or ruffled collar. I especially like the elbow-length sleeves gathered just above the elbow.

I adore Shirley Temple and collected Shirley memorabilia as a teenager. Watching her films is a treat--even more so if you are a vintage fashion aficionado. It is truly fun to see how women wore the designs of the 1930s, and Shirley's clothing is always amazing.

The photo with Shirley Temple posing as a flower girl shows those ruffly early 1930s designs. Look at all the frou-frou on the wedding gown and bridesmaid gown! Shirley's mother designed and made Shirley's gown for this photo shoot. At the far right is a profile shot of Shirley wearing the same dress. Thanks to Rita Dubas for permission to share these!

Here is a scrap from my own collection, showing Shirley Temple 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 girls' dress pattern--very Shirley Temple-esque--for girls' dresses. I love the tailored look of this era. Note the matching doll's dress.

This is a beautiful hand-colored photograph of a young woman dressed up in a party dress 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. The loose jacket looks very much like 1930s maternity fashion, which was styled to cover the "bump" in the later stages of pregnancy.

The 1930s and ruffles: they just go together! This ruffled dress pattern features the slim silhouette of the decade with a lovely yoke adding interest to the bodice. 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 late 1930s dress pattern. Around 1938, the skirts shortened and got a bit of flare, leading right into the styles of the 1940s. The dress on the left is very crisply tailored with its double row of buttons marching down the front. Love that hat, too!

A pattern for 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. These were an inexpensive way to expand a lady's wardrobe.

Chic and sleek 1930s everyday dress pattern. Would be lovely in flowing rayon or challis--or crisply elegant in lined organdy or silk organza. I love the inverted V's on the bodice and the bows.

Early 1930s skirt pattern for a tailored look. Note the offset button placket on each.

This pattern for a ruffled evening dress would be stunning in a floaty, filmy chiffon or silk georgette. This is a very early 1930s silhouette with ruffles below the hipline and flared hem.

This lovely 1920s flapper dress was sold on eBay by USVainen, a past seller whose knowledge of vintage fashion was astounding and whose descriptions were delightful. This seller graciously agreed to let me share her images and words on my site, and I think you'll enjoy them as much as I have!

This is a very simple, easy-to-make 1920s house dress pattern. Pockets are conveniently placed and large enough to be practical. Ladies often wore these over other dresses they wanted to keep clean while working, so it's like a glorified apron.