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At the start of the decade, following the fallout from the Great Depression in America, 1930s fashion as well as all other aspects of normality were profoundly changed. Almost overnight the vivaciousness of the 1920s fashion flapper disappeared, with a sophisticated and more conservative style becoming de rigueur.

Moving into the latter half of the decade, 1930s fashion was heavily influenced by Hollywood’s glamour while day-wear took a turn for the practical with women like Katharine Hepburn embracing sportswear looks; a trend still loved by dozens of designers today. These are the women who ruled the day...

While enjoying an illustrious career on the screen, Swedish actress Greta Garbo also became an icon for many women looking for wardrobe inspiration.

Favoring the contemporary designer, Valentina Schlee, Garbo became renowned for her androgynous dressing which also conveyed practicality and elegance.

Greta Garbo

Not earmarked as conventionally beautiful by film producers, Bette Davis became every girls hero everywhere when she proclaimed, “Hollywood wanted me to be pretty, but I fought for realism.” Aside from being a feminist icon, Bette’s style icon status lay in her signature blonde bob which she rocked in the 30s.

Gone With the Wind starlet Vivien Leigh was breathtakingly beautiful and well dressed to match. A fan of Schiaparelli, Lanvin, Dior and Balmain, Vivien was not only known for her on-screen success – she won two Oscars for Best Actress – but also her off-screen wardrobe.

Vivien Leigh

Few women have caused lasting influence on fashion as much as Katharine Hepburn. A champion of the menswear trend, Hepburn is perhaps one of the people to thank for the wide legged trousers and shirts which are still on trend today.

In 1986, Hepburn’s influence was recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America who awarded her with a lifetime achievement award.

Katharine Hepburn

Another star of the screen who defied conventional perceptions of beauty of the time, Jean Harlow is remembered from her platinum blonde bob (which inspired thousands of copycats to get their hair cut in a similar fashion), rosebud lips and arched eyebrows as well as her clothing and acting ability.

A worthy endorsement if we ever heard one, Marilyn Monroe often referred to Jean as her idol and therefore, we now do too.

Jean Harlow

Often the partner of the dapper Fred Astaire in films, Ginger Rogers was known for her constantly changing hair.

Straight, wavy, sleek bobs and classic up-dos; Ginger wore them all. She left her distinct mark on 1930s fashion with her sleek gowns, which showed off her enviably figure as well as her dancing sills.

Coming into her own in the 1930s, Joan Crawford became one of MGM’s biggest female stars and was at one point, one of the highest paid women in Hollywood. Her style was constantly changing ahead of the trends of the time. Joan’s partnership with the legendary costume designer, Gilbert Adrian made her one of the most well dressed women on and off screen.

Joan Crawford

A life tragically cut short, Carole Lombard was known for her comedic timing, her romance with Clark Gable and also, of course, her style.

As comfortable in smart separates as she was in full on gowns, Carole was known for both her on-screen glamour and off-duty sense of style.

Carole Lombard

Alice Faye

Clara Bow

Claudette Colbert

Hedy Lamarr

Kay Francis

Myrna Loy

Sylvia Sydney

Joan Blondell and Bette Davis