1930’s Wardrobe Advice

Choosing a Smart Wardrobe for College or University in 1936– Fussy, elaborate dresses were tabu. Black velvet was a favorite, followed by the rich jewel colors in moires or velvets. There was a definite “picture” appeal in the dress-up clothes. Simple, durable, plain and practical by day, and “smooth” and glamorous by night seemed to be the rule for college girls whether they claimed an Eastern or Western alma mater.

Sweaters, Skirts, and Ski Suit  

Are All Three “S-entials”

Claire and a college classmate were giving the final checking to the outfits they were taking to college. Felice was going to a college on the West Coast and Claire was returning to her college on the Eastern seaboard. That meant they did not agree on all the accessories or details, but in the main they both were taking the same kind of outfits. 

Sweaters, a whole raft of them, slip overs and Cardigan style were included. Claire was taking a pair of well fitted wool culottes. Felice said the girls in her college did not wear them, or at least had not during the spring of the last year. Both girls were taking two shirtwaist dresses of soft wool, cashmere, or jersey.

With these they planned to wear gay and various colored neckerchiefs or scarves. Claire had a two-piece dress with blouse, having patch pockets and a slide fastener that extended down the front. She could see the ease with which she could slide into this on a morning when she had overslept and had just a second or two to get into a dining room before the doors were closed.

Both girls had top coats, Claire’s was of tweed, Felice’s was of a smoother wool with a fur collar. The girls differed on sports outfits. Claire had a ski suit which she said was almost a campus uniform in cold weather. Felice had a shaggy fur coat.

There were plenty of socks packed in each girl’s wardrobe. The underwear was silk or synthetic fabric which could so easily be laundered. There were no night gowns, pajamas taking their place. Hats were conspicuous by their absence. Shoes were simple, with a square or blunt toe, as a rule. Evening clothes were simple, but of excellent quality. 

Fussy, elaborate dresses were tabu. Black velvet was a favorite, followed by the rich jewel colors in moires or velvets. There was a definite “picture” appeal in the dress-up clothes. Simple, durable, plain and practical by day, and “smooth” and glamorous by night seemed to be the rule for college girls whether they claimed an Eastern or Western alma mater. – By Nancy La Ganke, aka “Nancy Page,” 1936

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