THE SUMMER DRESS

Title: [Jocelyn’s 3rd Birthday]
Date: (1935)
Film-maker: Joseph Emberton

In this still image from 1935, 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.

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Title: Muslin day dress with red polka dots
Date: (1930)
© Worthing Museum & Art Gallery

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 summer day-dress in the clip is similar to this one held at Worthing Museum & Art Gallery.

 

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SAILOR CHIC

Title: Rustington Lido
Date: (1937)
Filmmaker: ‘A McCallum production’

The scene in the above clip 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 (below) 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
Date: (1936)
© Worthing Museum & Art Gallery

 

 

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BOYS IN SAILOR SUITS

Title: [Burne Family Pictures]
Date: (ca. 1930 – 1932)
Film-maker: Dr. Catherine Violet Burne & Dr. Thomas Burne

The young boys in the above clip wear identical sailor suits. The National Maritime Museum holds a selection of children’s sailor suits, including one from 1846 worn by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (Ref: NMM UNI0293/UNI0294).