1930s style in action. A collection of vintage photos of regular everyday people in 1930s fashions.

1930s vintage photo of a woman windown shopping in a 1930s dress, 1930s shoes and 1930s hat.

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

NOTE: If you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.

1930’s Fashions As Seen On Everyday People

The Vintage Photos

In the 1930s, fashion saw a profound influence from films and specifically Hollywood. Men’s, women’s, and children’s styles were based on fashions seen on screen with stars like Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, and Shirley Temple among the many who directly influenced fashion. A return to conservatism after the Roaring Twenties also marked fashion during this period.
(Learn all about 1930s Fashions for Men & Women at the Fashion Institute of Technology)

Our first image is the best way to start this 1930s fashion post. From the ruffled colar on this sweater jacket to her cute beanie hat, this woman is stylish!

1930s vintage photo of a woman in 1930s fashion posing outside with a dog who is behind the fence. Stunning 1930s street style.

Source: Etsy

Not only is the photo below of a stylish 1930s family it also comes with a fascinating story.

ABOUT: Two cousins named Roberta G. Thomas and Flaurience Sengstacke (Thomas stands at the far left, while Sengstacke is seated at the far left) chronicled what life was like for two young, African American women traveling abroad. Published in the pages of the Chicago Defender, a weekly newspaper published by their uncle Robert Sengstacke Abbott, the cousins’ columns regaled readers with tales of the duo’s travels throughout Europe, as recounted in some 20 articles penned between July 1931 and August 1932 (source).

Read all about their story here ==> Experience 1930s Europe Through the Words of Two African American Women

1930s vintage photo of a stylish 1930s Black family in 1930s fashions posing together after two young women returns from their travels. The cousins (Thomas stands at the far left, while Sengstacke is seated at the far left) pose for a family portrait after returning from their trip

Source: Smithsonian magazine

This couple is probably not that “regular everyday” but I don’t know who they are, and neither does anyone else on the web so they get to be shared here. Besides why would you not want to admire her zebra stripped jacket and matching skirt and his dapper boater hat and suit? Fantastic style from head to toe!

1930s vintage photo of a man and woman in 1930s fashions. The woman is wearing a zebra print 1930s Jacket and matching 1930s skirt. The man is wearing a suit with a straw boating hat.

“1933-Mamie Smith & Virginia Flynn” pose together in their homemade dresses. Mamie is wearing a 1930s housedress and Virginia is wearing a pretty bow dress.

1930s Vintage Photo / 1930s Fashion: 1933-Mamie Smith & Virginia Flynn pose together in their homemade dresses. Mamie is wearing a 1930s housedress and Virginia is wearing a pretty bow dress.

Source: Etsy

Two friends share a moment in front of a store window.

1930s vintage photo of two young women in 1930s dresses posing together in 1930s fashions / 1930s street style.

Helene & Priscilla in 1930s coats with fur shawls posing on a boat.

1930s fashion / 1930s Photo of two stylish women in 1930s coats with fur collars, 1930s shoes and 1930s hats posing on a boat

Source: Etsy-DearMacyVintage

A group out for the day with their car, stopping to take a photo to showoff their 1930s style.

1930s vintage photo of men and women in 1930s fashions posing with a car

Source: Etsy

1935 Strolling Coats as seen in this photo from ‘James Van Der Zee’.

STUNNING!

James Augustus Van Der Zee (June 29, 1886 – May 15, 1983) was an American photographer best known for his portraits of BlackNew Yorkers. He was a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Aside from the artistic merits of his work, Van Der Zee produced the most comprehensive documentation of the period (Source).

1930s vintage photo of a Black Women and a Black Man in 1930s fashions as seen in 1935. 1935 Strolling Coats.

Source: Feature Shoot

A young man in a three piece suit and black and white shoes stops for a photo on a winter day.

1930s vintage photo of a young man in a 1930s suit, black and white shoes and a 1930s hat posing for a photo.

Source: Etsy

What a stylish group of women, man and child. The 1930s hats are just wonderful and of course so are all their outfits.

1930s vintage photo of Asian women and a young girl and one man in 1930s fashions.

Source: Pinterest

1939 photo of a couple posing together in a garden. How cute is our ladies Tam hat?

1930s vintage photo of a man and woman in 1930s fashions from 1939 posing together in a garden

Source: Etsy

Lindy Hop at the Savoy Ballroom. Some fantastic 1930s outfits to admire in this photo. From the stripped socks on our lead, to the cute 1930s shoes on our follows. This image has it all!

1930s vintage photo of Black Lindy Hoppers dancing at the Savoy Ballroom in 1930s fashions.

“June 1936, Grace” poses in front of a her front steps to take a photo of her outfit of the day before heading out for some fun.

I like her confidence in this image, so that is why I decided to share it, even though her outfit is not the clearest.

1930s vintage photo of a young woman in a 1930s coat and 1930s dress posing in front of her house.

Source: Etsy

What do I love about this outfit? I think it’s the vertical lines on the dress and the pretty eyelet blouse. It just goes so well together. Feels very Art Deco.

1930s vintage photo of a pretty young Black Woman in a stunning 1930s top and matching skirt (or possibly a 1930s dress). Fantastic 1930s Fashion on display.

Source: Pinterest

“Bea, Me, Anne -January 1938”. Another lovely example of some of the coats style available in the late 1930s for women.

1930s vintage photo of three young women in 1930s coats one being a fur coat posing together. Great 1930s fashions

Source: Etsy

I hope you enjoyed taking a look at how regular people (aka not the movie stars) dressed in the 1930s. Share your favourite image / outfit in the comments section below. Also please make sure you check out my other fashions image posts at the link below.

Further Reading:

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz

If you love Mid-Century design (and the atomic age) odds are you have seen or own at least something with a ‘Starburst’ design. This could of been clock, a door knob, mirrors etc. Starbursts were everywhere and that is why it’s the theme of my blog post today. I just love them and I know many of you will as well after this post.

Stardust Motel in Redding, California featuring a Starburst design on the vintage sign. — Stardust Motel in Redding, California. Source: Etsy

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Fall in Love with Mid-Century, Atomic Age ‘Starbursts’ Design

How did Starbursts designs become popular?

Simply…the Atomic Age happened. The period roughly corresponds to 1940–1963, when concerns about nuclear war dominated Western society during the Cold War. Architecture, industrial design, commercial design (including advertising), interior design, and fine arts were all influenced by the themes of atomic science, as well as the Space Age, which coincided with that period. Atomic Age design became popular and instantly recognizable, with a use of atomic motifs and space age symbols (source).

Starburst Clock

Let’s start with the one piece that everyone recognizes from that time period…The Starburst Clock.

This new design was conceived in 1949 by George Nelson Associates for Howard Miller. After it became popular, Nelson had countless imitators, from Seth Thomas to Elgin to Lux to Westclox (Source).

The clock is also sometimes known as a “Sunburst Clock” (for shopping reference).

As you can see in this 1958 Sears Wishbook, the starburst design and other atomic age clocks were very popular.

1950s vintage catalog page for all kinds of Mid Century Clocks-Starburst, Cucko Clocks and more!

Source: Wishbookweb.com

Mid-Century Seth Thomas starburst clock from the 1960s. STUNNING!

1960s Home Decor: Mid-Century Seth Thomas Starburst Clock from the 1960s.

Source: Etsy

Mid-Century Modern, Ingraham starburst clock (Avail as of June 2023 HERE).

1960s Home Decor / Mid Century Design: 1960s Modern Ingraham Starburst Clock

Source: Etsy

I wanted to share another Sears Wishbook page but this time from 1959 because the top right clock reminds me of the clock I shared above. Don’t you agree?

1959 Sears Wish Book Catalog page featuring Mid Century Clocks, like a Starburst clock.

Source: wishbookweb.com

Other Vintage MCM Home Decor Items….

1960s starburst wall sconce.

Vintage MCM / Mid Century Home Decor- Vintage Starburst Wall Sconce from the 1960s.

Source: Etsy

Of course we cannot forget celing lamps, like this 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern version (Avail as of June 2023 HERE).

Note: You can find lots of modern versions of these sputnik / starburst style lights online, if you like these designs.

1950s vintage ceiling lamp with a starburst atomic design made in Italy. Stunning MCM / Mid Century Modern design.

Source: Etsy

I live in an apartment building and we have those dome lights that are so boring and ugly in our livingroom, I just have to find a new solution….like this fantastic vintage MCM starburst shade for your ceiling light.

Vintage starburst ceiling light & shade MCM 15” Mid Century Modern

Source: eBay

Here is an image that was taken of an atomic starburst pattern seen on a vintage formica table. LOVE THIS!

Further Reading: Formica-For the Vintage Styled Home

Vintage MCM Home Design: an atomic starburst pattern seen on a vintage formica table.

Source: Flickr

1960-1965 era GE Textolite laminate countertop samples, that ‘Retro Renovation‘ found. I just love the “Gold Nugget” & “Champagne Nugget” sample names!

1960s vintage countertop laminate from GE textolite featuring an atomic Starburst design.

Source: Retro Renovation

Are you wondering what those formica designs actually looked like on a tabletop? Well here you go! A 1950s vintage kitchen formica table with an atomic starburst gold and silver design. Love it!

Further Reading: “Vintage Formica Tables”-Mid-Century Modern Design Ideas for the Vintage Home

vintage 1950's kitchen dinette set for the retro decor. The formica table top has an atomic silver and gold starburst design. There are also cigar shapes like bubble lamps. The cinnamon red border has a scalloped inner edge against a white center. There are white fleur-de-lis patterns at intervals around the red border. The edging is aluminum trim.

Source: Worthpoint

Atomic Starburst ceramic salt and pepper shakers, made in Japan circa 1960’s.

Source: The Magenta Rose House

Home decor statement piece alert! A 1950s gloss black vase with white hand painted starburst motifs.

A classic example of a 1950’s Mid-Century Atomic Age design Vase.

A gloss black vase with white hand painted starburst motifs make this a real stand out piece.

Source: Forajer

This cool 1960s metal magazine rack, most likely held stories about the atomic era.

1960's Atomic Starburst Magazine LP Record Rack Metal -Mid Century Modern Design.

Source: eBay

Even this 1960s wastebasket (trash can) got in on the starburst design action (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

MCM Trash Can Gold Atomic Starsburst design on the side - circa 1960s.

Source: Etsy

Plates, Glasses and other Kitchenware…

Vintage atomic starburst pattern (the design was introduced in 1954), ‘Les Etoile Faienceries Continentales’ dinnerware from the 1960s (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

Vintage atomic starburst patterned, 'Les Etoile Faienceries Continentales' dinnerware from the 1960s

Source: Etsy

Old fashion glasses from Dominion Glass Canada circa 1950s (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

1950s / 1960s Mid Century Starburst Glassware from Dominion Glass Canada -Vintage Glassware.

Source: Etsy

1960s CorningWare gold atomic starburst graduated coffee carafe (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

1960s Kitchen: Vintage Corning Ware Heat Proof Glass Gold Atomic Starburst Graduated Coffee Carafe

Source: Etsy

MCM atomic starburst tumbler glass circa 1950s (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

1950s vintage glassware: MCM Mid-Century Atomic Starburst Tumbler Glass circa 1950s. Clear with Atomic Starburst design hand painted in Teal Green, Aqua, black, and yellow

Source: Etsy

As seen in a 1958 Sears Christmas Wishbook – 6 Starburst pattern steel trays (far left).

I personally love all the TV Trays featured!

Source: wishbookweb.com

Starburst door knob back plates were also popular and seen on many MCM homes during this design heyday.

1960s MCM concave door knob + Atomic starburst backplate (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

1960s vintage door knob: 1960s MCM Concave door knob + Atomic Starburst backplate

Source: Etsy

There are also lots of modern copies of the starburst door knob if you are looking for something from today’s era, like….this vendor on Etsy (VintageRevivalArtCo), who has the door knob’s back plates in various colours (so you not stuck with whatever vintage colour came with the back plate).

Mid century modern design: Atomic Starburst Doorknob Back Plate for MCM doors.

Vintage Neon Signs

I cannot possibly do a post on this topic and not feature some cool vintage neon signs from this era. They are my absolute favourite.

I think the ‘Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” sign is one of the most recognizable signs on the planet.

Mid Century Vintage neon sign: The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign. Featuring a Starburst design at the top.

The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is a Las Vegas landmark funded in May 1959 and erected soon after by Western Neon. The sign was designed by Betty Willis at the request of Ted Rogich, a local salesman, who sold it to Clark County, Nevada.

Legend has been written that “Willis considered this her gift to the city and wanted it to be in the public domain.” She has been quoted in saying, “If I had copyrighted the sign, it probably wouldn’t have been used as much and wouldn’t be as famous. But, it would be nice to have a dime for every time it’s been used.”

However, the Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) has owned the sign since their purchase of Western Neon in the early 1960s, and the company leases the sign to Clark County (Source).

Welcome to las vegas neon sign at night.

Source: Wikipedia

One more from Las Vegas..The Legendary Stardust Hotel in 1959 with all it’s atomic signage (starbursts & planets everywhere!).

1959 Greetings From Las Vegas Stardust metal sign featuring the vintage atomic era signs.

Source: eBay

Bowling, cocktails, billards anyone? What a stunning 1960s neon sign.

Vintage Neon Sign / Atomic Era / Starburst Design sign as seen on a bowling alley vintage sign. Photograph by David Mushegain.

Source: Pinterest

The ‘Pink Motel” in California with it’s angular, star-topped neon sign.

When Joseph Thomulka moved his family from Pennsylvania to California, he decided to build a pink motel, and in 1947, he did. In 1949, he added the Pink Café, now known as Cadillac Jack’s Café, and in 1959 he added a fish-shaped swimming pool (Source).

Pink Motel in California with its angular, star-topped neon sign.

When Joseph Thomulka moved his family from Pennsylvania to California, he decided to build a pink motel, and in 1947, he did. In 1949, he added the Pink Café, now known as Cadillac Jack's Café, and in 1959 he added a fish-shaped swimming pool

Source: Pinterest

I just had to share the motel’s fish-shaped pool after mentioning. So much fun!

The Pink motel Fish Shaped Pool-Mid Century Modern Design.

Source: la.curbed.com

Looking for more Starburst items to purchase? Then head over to my Etsy “Favourites” page dedicated to all things Starburst (Vintage & Modern)!

Final note, in 2019 I travelled to Brussels, Belgium and saw one the largest Atomic Age architecture examples – The Brussels Atomium.

The Atomium Brussels Belgium photo from vintageinn.ca blog

Question Time: Are you a fan of the Atomic era / Starburst 1950s / 1960s designs? Do you have anything in your home with this pattern? Share ANY thoughts you have on the topic in the comments section below.

FURTHER READING: Check out my archive of ‘Vintage Home Decor’ Posts HERE.

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz