Great Depression Fashion Trends

Fashion styles have shifted from simple, elegant clothing pieces, to bold, daring outfits throughout the 1930s, the 1960s, and the 1990s. When the Great Depression hit, it was very hard to find cheap clothing (Baughman). A good deal of women who made their own clothes had to work with very little (Baughman). Since many women couldn’t afford clothing pieces from French designers, American designers had to improvise to create simpler, plainer copies of the designs (Johnson and Baker). Most clothing was made wearable for multiple different seasons, so that people wouldn’t have to keep buying more clothes (Johnson and Baker).

As for the daily wear, many women wore knee length dresses with a simple print that had half sleeves and a loose top (Baughman). To accessorize, women would wear long or short gloves, big hats, and sheer nylons (Johnson and Baker). In the time of the Great

The “mod look” came into play, which carried throughout the 1960s (White). The “mod look” was described to be a colorful, bold array of clothing and accessories that quickly became popular (Routledge). Men switched out the old buzz cut with the new trend, which was disheveled, relaxed hair that was usually held back by a ponytail (Routeledge). Freedom of expression allowed people to wear what they want and when they want (White).

During the 1960s many teens and young adults joined in on radical political and artistic movements. These activists that rejected commercial clothing were called “hippies” or “bohemians” (Routledge). Hippies shopped at much more affordable places like thrift stores to find their clothing (White). A big hit in the fashion industry was flared out jeans called “bell-bottoms” (Routledge). From the 1960s hippy style, the 1990s changed the look of fashion from flashy and colorful to a laid back and urban