Timeless Glamor: Fashion Photos of Women in the 1930s

1930s women’s style was elegant and refined, reflecting both glamor and practicality. Silhouettes became more streamlined, with bias-cut dresses that hugged the body and created a soft, flowing look. Hemlines dropped to mid-calf or ankle, and shoulders were often padded for structure.

Evening wear featured luxurious fabrics like satin and velvet, while daywear included tailored suits and modest dresses. Accessories like gloves, hats, and fur stoles completed the polished look, and finger waves or softly curled hair were fashionable.

These glamorous photos showcase classic beauties and the timeless fashion of 1930s women.

Helen Bennett wearing a ring and bracelets of diamonds and aquamarines by Tiffany & Company, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, 1936

Fashion study for Harper's Bazaar by George Hoyningen-Huene, 1932

Fashion study for Harper's Bazaar by George Hoyningen-Huene, 1932

Joan Maude, Vivex color print by Madame Yevonde, 1932

An early fashion color photo by Edward Steichen features wide-brimmed hat and gloves by John-Frederics, dress by Gervais and diamond bracelets, ring and clip by Tiffany's, Vogue, November 1, 1933

American Vogue cover by Anton Bruehl, January 1, 1934

'Woman in Red', photo by Walter Bird, circa 1935

Evening gown by Marcel Rochas, photo by Constantin Joffé, 1935

Mrs Donald Ross as Europa, Vivex color print by Madame Yevonde, 1935

Portrait of actress Gwili Andre by Nickolas Muray, circa 1935

"Fashion Study with Cigarette", suit by Maggy Rouff, hat by Suzy, photochrom by Horst P. Horst, 1936

"Heavy Lilies", photochrom by Edward Steichen, 1936

A color advertisement for Lucky Strike cigarettes, photo by Nickolas Muray, 1936

Fashion study, photochrom by Edward Steichen, Vogue, October 15, 1936

Fashion study, photochrom by Martin Munkacsi, 1936

Katharine Hepburn, photochrom by Martin Munkacsi, Harper's Bazaar, 1936

Vivien Leigh, photo by Madame Yevonde, 1936

American Vogue cover by Horst P. Horst, January 1, 1937

Joan Fontaine in Charles James' delicate dress with ribbon bodice, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, June 15, 1937

American Vogue cover with Lud photographed by Horst P. Horst, January 15, 1938

Fashion study, color photochrom by Anton Bruehl, 1938

Hat by Madame Paulette, photo by John Rawlings, September 1, 1938

Liz Gibbons wearing fabulous coral necklace and holding Siamese cat, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper's Bazaar, February 1938

Model in beautiful cape by Charles James over white crèpe dress by Vionnet, American Vogue cover by Horst P. Horst, November 15, 1938

Model in colorful print summer dress, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper's Bazaar, February 1938

Model in matte silk jersey dress printed in tropical colors fit for Palm Beach, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper's Bazaar, 1938

Helen Bennett in ensemble by Bergdorf Goodman, jewelry by Olga Tritt, photo by Horst P. Horst, 1939

Helen Bennett, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, April 15, 1939

Model in dress by Hattie Carnegie, photo by Horst P. Horst, 1939

Model in jacket and cap from Bergdorf Goodman, brooch by Cartier, photo by Horst P. Horst, 1939

Model Muriel Maxwell in white sunglasses putting on lipstick, wearing red-white-and-blue turban, and holding a red-and-white striped bag, photo by Horst P. Horst used as cover for American Vogue, July 1, 1939

Model wearing a blue wool suit by Falkenstein, Olga Tritt coral jewelry, and a hat of blue silk taffeta and several tall feathers by John Frederics, photo by Horst P.Horst, Vogue, March 1 1939

Muriel Maxwell wearing a veiled hat, with plaid blouse and pocketbook by John Frederics, photo by Horst P. Horst, 1939