Ultra-Glam Holiday & Christmas Outfit Ideas From the 1930s

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Glamorous 1930s Holiday Outfit inspiration including 1930s loungewear, party dresses, and santa outfits

This post is all about 1930s inspired Holiday outfits

“I’m only a morning person on December 25th.” – Unknown

Looking for the perfect Christmas and holiday outfit styles for the most wonderful time of the year?

Today’s sleigh ride takes us down a snow filled memory lane…to the world of 1930s vintage glam!

Our inspiration comes from Old Hollywood fashion icons like Carol Lombard, Bette Davis, Joan Bennett, and Marlene Dietrich.

What better era to discover the ultimate holiday glam outfit inspiration, whether you are looking for loungewear, day dresses, outerwear, evening gowns, or pin up styles?

Here’s to finding the perfect vintage outfit for everyone and every occasion! 

1930s Fashion: Historical Style Setting for Holiday Fashion

In the 1930s, the romanticized feminine silhouette was the “in” look.

The waist was defined with clothes gently hugging the female curves.

The invention of the sexy bias cut introducing a whole new level of femininity and fluidity.

30s fashion was dainty and fussy, with lots of feminine details. Think buttons, gathers, bows, frills, and sequins!

Gorgeous statement accessories were also key to pulling off the ultimate the vintage glam 1930s style. 

Holiday Season Outfits: Loungewear

Who doesn’t need cozy and chic loungewear for those holidays evenings when you curl up next to the crackling fire with a loved one?

We love the chic robe styles that Anita Louise and Joan Bennett wear for the holidays! Don’t these just ooze comfy class? 

Where’s my hot chocolate?

1930s Vintage Glam Christmas Outfits: Day Dresses

Looking for the the perfect dress for Christmas day that’s chic and stylish, yet not over the top?

Joan Crawford (top left) stuns in a classy skirt suit. Notice the 30s dramatic sleeves and statement buttons on her bodice.

My, I wonder if she made that turkey herself, it’s just so picture perfect… 

It does look like she’s still waiting for her bubbly to be poured.

(This photo doesn’t look staged at all, with the the white rose on the table and the perfect bouquet behind her! Haha.)

Julie Haydon, (top right) a classic Old Hollywood film and Broadway actress looks so stylish in her long sleeve gown. 

We love how it drapes so fluidly across her curves. Plus her matching cape jacket is not only classy, but cozy too.

We love these chic, yet simple dresses for Christmas day! 

To learn more about 1930s dresses:
1930s Vintage Dresses and Fashion Ideas for Women

Old Hollywood Special Occasions Styles: Winter & Holiday Coats & Jackets

With Christmas approaching and temperatures dropping, what outerwear does a classy 1930s lady pair with her holiday outfit?

The short answer is: Go glam or go home! 

Jean Harlow (top left) dazzles with incredible vintage glam style in stunning white furs.

Ida Lupino (top right) models a beautiful black fur coat, as she goes Christmas shopping.

Perhaps a nostalgic sleigh ride is on your bucket list for the holiday season? 

Pull this off in ultimate 1930s style by pairing a fur coat, with a colorful scarves, and a fur muff.

Old Hollywood Glamour Holiday Outfits: Evening Dresses

Looking for outfit inspiration for this year’s holiday party?

Ho ho ho! We have a fabulous holiday collection of gowns that ooze Old Hollywood vintage glam.

How about a stunning sleeveless gown, with a defined waist and draped bodice? Go all white, like Jean Harlow (top left), for simple sophistication.

Ooh la la! Just check out the chic holiday cocktail party dress inspiration that the guests wore on Christmas Eve in 1932 to Gary Cooper’s holiday party.

The stunning Norma Shearer (top right) is wearing a metallic gold shimmering peplum style lamé  gown. This is uniquely paired with a beret hat, glittering gold clutch, and heeled Mary Jane shoes.

White, the color of glittering snow, was a favorite color for the festive season.

Claudette Colbert (top left) and Jean Harlow (top right) both sizzle in their gorgeous bias cut figure skimming slinky white evening gowns during Christmas season.

Looking for a unique dress to create a wow factor at your holiday party? Your shoulders will steal the show in these beauties!

Although Ginger Roger’s shoulders are giving Hulk a run for his money, (top left) yet the overall slinky ‘sailor’ vibe is kinda cool! 

If you’re pining for more of a Southern belle 30s vibe (think Gone with the Wind), you’ll swoon over Judy Garland’s gown.  (top right)

1930s Style Christmas Outfits: Santa Themed

“Dear Santa, before I explain, how much do you know already?” -Unknown

Dressing up as a saucy Santa or Mrs. Claus herself is a great way to usher in the holidays with classic style.

Notice the styling details and holiday accessories that take these Santa themed outfits from Muah to A AH…. 

Time to create a Mrs Claus style that screams vintage fab, versus modern drab.

Bette Davis stuns in a fur-trimmed Santa cape and matching Santa cap, over her Santa suit. 

Whereas Claire Trevor opts to show some leg in her Santa themed outfit.

A largely undiscovered Virginia Gray posed for this picture, (top left) when she was buried playing chorus girl-type roles, before achieving greater name recognition.

To recreate her look, simply opt for a vintage style Santa Coat with dramatic white fur trimmings. 

Accentuate your waist with a belt. Pair this outfit with black retro boots. Style your hair and make-up in 30s glam.

Want to look like Mrs Claus, but a sexy and unconventional Mrs Claus, without showing alot of skin? I mean, Baby, it’s cold outside!

Why not channel Marlene Dietrich’s iconic and unique slinky Santa dress style? (top right) Who says that all that glitters isn’t gold?

Maybe you’ll luck out and your gorgeous date will look like the gorgeous Cary Grant.

Old Hollywood Holiday Outfits: Pin-Up Styles

Love the sexy and nostalgic allure of the Old Hollywood pin-up styles? 

Although the pin-up girl phenomenon exploded in the 1940s, yet there are a handful of fun holiday pin-up styles from the 1930s.

Looking for a festive, yet sporty pin-up look?

We adore Eleanore Whitney‘s style. This shows off some leg, and is oh so cute! 

To recreate this look, opt for high waisted retro shorts and a fitted short sleeve sweater, matching cap and heels.  

Notice her cute color matching throughout her outfit! 

For more Vintage Pinup Aesthetic, you might like:
The Golden Age of the Pinup – Pin-up Girl History and Style
20 Wildly Popular 1950s Pin Up Models

This post was all about the best holiday outfits inspired by the iconic women of 1930s Old Hollywood

Did any of these festive glam styles inspire you? 

We wish you a very Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! 

More 1930s fashion articles you might like:
1930s Wedding Dresses – Vintage Bridal Style in Photos
You’ll Love these Vintage Glam 1930s Evening Gowns