Anyone can dress like a movie star!
Beginning in the 1930s, ready-to-wear began to take fashion cues from Hollywood. Stars helped to popularize form-fitting styles with broad shoulders and narrow waists.
“Now at Modest Prices: Styles of the Stars!”
—Sears catalog, 1935
Gift of Carolyn and Donald Grepke
Gift of Carolyn and Donald Grepke
Gift of Carolyn and Donald Grepke
New undergarments made the new look possible: Form-shaping bras with alphabet cups replaced camisoles and bandeaux, and sleek panties and slips replaced bloomers.
One of Hollywood’s most influential fashion trend-setters was Shirley Temple who had her own line of clothing.
Reverse of hangtag, 1930s
“Shirley and her cute clothes have stolen everyone’s heart; no wonder every little girl wants to wear the same styles!”
—Sears catalog, 1935