Final answer:
Women's fashion by the late 1930s had evolved from the flapper style of the 1920s, with practical, simpler attire becoming the norm. Influenced by the Great Depression and women's growing role in the workforce, clothing became more functional and reflective of women's independence and social change. Despite adversity, fashion adapted to suit the needs and roles of women during this era.
Step-by-step explanation:
By the late 1930s, women's fashion had undergone significant changes, influenced by social shifts and economic conditions. During the 1920s, women had started to enjoy new freedoms in dress and appearance, characterized by simpler and more practical attire. The straight lines and shorter hair of the "flapper" style embodied a new standard of beauty that minimized the female form, contrasting with earlier fashions that emphasized the female figure.
As the decade progressed into the 1930s, the impact of the Great Depression became evident in women's fashion choices. Practicality and cost-saving measures were crucial, leading to simple yet stylish garments. Women worked to help their families during these tough times, both inside and outside the home, often creating their clothing through sewing and knitting. Moreover, women's increasing participation in the workforce, rising from ten million to nearly thirteen million by the end of the 1930s, reflected a shift towards more versatile and functional clothing suitable for work environments, including the emerging 'pink collar' occupations.
The effects of job discrimination against women, and laws in some states that prohibited the employment of married women, highlighted the challenges that women faced. Yet, despite these adversities, the demand for economic participation and the new roles women were taking on influenced fashion trends, leading to a style that was both functional and a reflection of women's growing independence and social change.