Leisure
Leisurewear
Mrs. Emberton in sundress
Mrs. Emberton wears an eau-de-nil summer dress made of a light-weight cotton. Her outfit is casual, but fashionable. Halter-necks became popular, as emphasis shifted onto the back in evening and informal summer dresses. She also wears a large sunhat, which is shaped like a seashell. This is made of stiff material that is slightly transparent and iridescent. The hat’s seashell styling relates to the whimsical, Surrealist–inspired fashions of the 1930s.
Popularity of Sailor Chic in the 1930s
Woman in sailor-style playsuit
Title: In ARUA Tendit; Rustington Lido.
Date: (1937)
Film-maker: 'A McCallum production'
The scene shows a group of young people lounging at the side of an outdoor swimming pool, or lido. One woman wears a sailor-style suit – demonstrating the continuing popularity of nautical themes in fashion. It also shows the influence of American play-clothes on English fashion – as is reinforced by this playsuit from Worthing Museum’s collection. When compared to the more casual styles emanating from America, the clothing in the film retains a British aesthetic through its tailored jacket and shorts.
Title: White linen halter-neck dress with blue ships and anchor motifs
Date: (1936)
© Worthing Museum & Art Gallery
Boys in Sailor Suits
Title: [Burne Family Pictures]
Date: (ca. 1930 - 1932)
Film-maker: Dr. Catherine Violet Burne & Dr. Thomas Burne
The young boys wear identical sailor suits. Sailor suits have long been popular and the National Maritime Museum holds a selection of them, including one from 1846 worn by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (Ref: NMM UNI0293/UNI0294).
The young girl chaperoning the two boys wears a polka dot printed dress. Polka dots and florals were popular prints in the 1930s and the girl’s dress in the clip is similar to this one held at Worthing Museum & Art Gallery.
