1930s Fashion Inspired Handbags | Elegant & Sophisticated Vintage Art Deco Purses

Posted on: Sep 25

This is the second in a series of articles introducing you to the vintage styles of different eras, and showing you some of the best vintage inspired handbags on the market. This week we discuss the elegant 1930s, the birthplace of not only the bias cut dress and sexy halterneck, but also a conservative era influenced by the terrible great depression.

The 1930s fashion reflected the hard economic times by moving away from the 1920s carefree attitude and replacing the daring, short beaded designs with stricter more conservative attire. Long satin gowns sweeping the floor were hugely popular, and women around the globe did their very best to make life feel luxurious by wearing furs and feathers wherever possible.

Avoiding over-decoration and opting for art deco touches, crocodile print or satin purses will instantly keep you in the 1930s vintage vibe. Putting a whole 1930s look together actually keeps in the same vein; choose bias cut dresses that fall to the floor, or cute clinched skirt suits with a tiny waist and chunky buttons. Use these outfits as your 1930s handbag inspiration; smart suits need chestnut crocodile print and bakelite, whilst satin dresses call for satin bags with diamante touches.

So what are the best 1930s inspired handbags around?

Unusual Pleated Satin Clutch in White

1930s-esque Satin Pleated Clutch

Bringing a thoroughly 21st Century twist to an elegant 1930s art deco design, this pleated satin clutch is great for a blushing bride or to accompany you to a luxurious winter party. The sculpted shape with the angular shadows will work brilliantly as a focal point with a long simple satin dress.

This 1930's elegant satin clutch is available to buy on Amazon

Simple Art Deco Satin Purse in Black

Satin Framed Art Deco Purse

Keeping it elegant and simple is a major part of 1930s fashion. They did still like beading, but satin was the big discovery of the decade and produced some beautiful lines without need for embellishment. The metal frame of this art deco clutch really completes the simple 1930s vibe.

This 1930's black satin purse is available to buy on Amazon

Italian Leather Crocodile Clutch in Black and Gold

Classy 1930s Crocodile Clutch

Finally we hit on one of the most popular and enduring trends in 1930s fashion handbags. Crocodile skin or print graced the leather of both smart day purses and satchels, and the smaller more delicate high sheen clutches for the evenings. This one is a beautiful example for smart lunches or parties.

This gold accented crocodile clutch is available to buy on Amazon

What else to wear?

To pull off the real vintage 1930s look, team your sexy bag with an elegant suit, broad shouldered and tiny at the waist. Alternatively, choose to drape your dress across the floor and accessorize with cute evening gloves.