Will History Repeat?

Fashion is so fun to speculate over. I simply LOVE the classic Jackie O' dress or who can't resist some of those slim Audrey Hepburn jeans or a wonderful Grace Kelly dress. But the era I have most been thinking about these days is the 1930's depression era.

I can't help but wonder if fashion will again dramatically change. Once again, America finds itself with an economy on the brink of destruction. And though we are not in a "Great Depression", like in the 1930's, our economy is spiraling downward with each new day.

Fashion of the 1930s, influenced by the great "Wall Street Crash" of October 24, 1929 and what lead to the Depression. The autumn, 1930 Sears Catalog admonished, "Thrift is the spirit of the day." Reckless spending was a thing of the past. The beginning of the the 1930's saw women sewing more. Clothing was mended and patched before being replaced. Less ready-to-wear garments were purchased, even though styles were dramatically changing.

As the months and years went on a softer, more feminine style replaced the boyish, flapper look of the twenties. At the beginning of the thirties, hemlines dropped dramatically to the ankle and remained there until the end of the thirties. Necklines were lowered while torsos were sensuously molded beneath squared shoulders. Darts were replaced by soft gathers. Dress waists returned to the natural waistline. Moderately full skirts accentuated a small waist and minimized the hips. Dress bodices were designed with inset pieces and yokes. Necklines received dramatic attention, often with wide scallop-edged or ruffled collars.

As we are in our own depression of sorts I am noticing more interest in Clothing Swaps, thrift shopping is now being refereed to as treasure hunting and the Goodwill 2nd hand store has never been more popular.

I wonder...will we be mending our garments and sewing our own clothes now that we are feeling the money pinch? If you are interested in the 1930's style as I am check out these links below:

Web Sites about 1930s Fashions and Culture

RETRO: The Tip Tray
http://www.retroactive.com/tiptray/30shair.html

Ladies Fashions of the 1930s
http://www.Emurrayontravel/carolnolan/fashionhistory