Vintage 1930s evening dresses, cocktail dresses, and party dresses were long, sleek, and sexy. The design hugged every curve of the body, creating the ultimate feminine silhouette. Many dresses were decorated with small groups of beaded flowers or rhinestones around the neckline. Slip dresses had a light flowing fabric, gathered with a decorative rhinestone brooch at the shoulder.
Similar to the previous decade, 1930s Art Deco evening gowns were inspired by Grecian and Egyptian goddesses with extensive draping on a column silhouette. Sleeveless and often backless, the gowns exposed as much skin as possible without looking too risque. Modesty was still important in Golden Age of Old Hollywood cocktail parties.
More history to come soon. In the meantime here are some photos and illustrations of 1930s evening gowns.
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- 1931 formal afternoon frocks
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- 1930 evening gown with neck cape sleeves
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- Loretta Young 1931 Sequin silk gown Loretta Young
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- Ginger Rogers silver Grecian style dress with cape
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- 1931 Velvet draped dress
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- 1931 lace belted gown
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- Grecian style
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- 1930 grecian evening dress
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- Long Slip Sleeves
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- Puff sleeves and ruffle back
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- Polka dot 1930s evening dress
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- Puff Sleeve bridesmaid’s dresses
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- Ruffled lace top, puff sleeve, V-back
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- Loretto Young Fringe Evening Gown
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- Ruffle Neck Gown
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- Halter neck dresses
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- 1934 floral dress with bow
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- Unique Sleeves
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- Two peice evening dress
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- 1930s Silver Evening Gown
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- Elsa Schiaparelli evening gown
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- Simple evening gowns
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- Modest cocktail or full length dinner dresses
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- Party Dresses, Wide V Necks
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- 1930s simple gown and floral dress
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- Backless Evening gown, floral high neck
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- Floral dinner dress, lace bolero jacket
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- Rare, strapless Evening Gowns with Bolero
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- Flocked net ruched top ballgowns
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- Sheer net waistband dress with bolero
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- Thin strap waistband ballgowns
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- Tie Neck evening gowns
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- Winter Dinner Dresses
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- Victorian style bodice ballgowns
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- 1938 party dancing dresses (Prom?)
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- 1938 lace dresses with bolero
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- 1938 Lace Evening Dress in Peach with jacket (plus size)
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- Lace Ball Gown
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- Sweetheart neckline ballgowns
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- Off the Shoulder Ballgowns
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- 1930s button front, sheer puff sleeve dresses
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- Ballgown, puff sleeves
