New Design

• The open back dress in the 1930s was a popular style to show off a woman's body.George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images
  
  The main aspect of 1930s evening dresses is the focus on the feminine form. Dresses went from the boyish flappers to curve-hugging longer shapes. The new bias cut called for fabrics to be cut at an angle, allowing the fabric to drape in a way that followed a woman's natural curves. The empire waist, reminiscent of Greek goddesses, also became popular, as well as the open back dress. And while many dresses were sleeveless, the cap sleeve and puffed sleeve were also seen throughout 1930s evening fashion.
  
  

New Fabrics

• Long-sleeved evening gowns were popular in the '30s.George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images
  
  The 1930s also saw the invention of new fabrics that were perfect for the new glamorous style that evening dresses embraced. Silk was widely used for elegant evening gowns, but less expensive rayon that imitated the look and feel of silk also became popular. Satin, crepes, crepe-de-chines and chiffon were also widely used in evening wear.
  
  

New Designers

• Dresses featuring cap sleeves were also in fashion in the 1930s.George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images
  
  Fresh designers led the way for the change in style, and made many contributions to the fashion world. French designer Madeleine Vionnet focused on the feminine form by introducing the bias cut, and making halter necks and cowl necks popular. Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli embraced the couture side of fashion, using bright colors and bold cuts. Coco Channel was also a huge influence at this time, designing many dresses for Hollywood stars.
  
  

New Accessories

• Women often accentuated their evening gowns with the popular fur trend of the 1930s.George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images
  
  While the dresses of the 1930s were glamorous, the accessories helped to bring the look together. Long gloves were extremely important and popular in the 1930s, as they upped the elegance of the already stylish evening gown. Short bolero jackets, capelets and fur pelts also became popular at this time.