A true fashion earthquake happened at the premiere of the film The Sign of the Cross. Actress Marlene Dietrich arrived, not in a silk gown, but in a man’s tuxedo. She wore the complete look: a formal jacket, a wing-collared shirt, a soft felt hat, and mannish patent leather shoes. In an era of glamorous dresses, her outfit was a deliberate and shocking statement.
This bold move cracked open the door for trousers in women’s fashion, but strict rules still applied. In the 1930s, women did not wear pants to the office, for shopping, or to a restaurant. Trousers were confined to the world of leisure. They were seen as acceptable and highly fashionable only for specific activities, like playing a sport or spending a summer day at the seaside.
For daytime activities away from the city, a very specific style became the trend. These were high-waisted trousers with wide legs. The waistline sat high on the torso, creating a cinched silhouette that flowed down into the full legs. The most popular colors were crisp white and classic navy blue, which perfectly matched the prevailing nautical or sailor theme. Women paired these pants with simple blouses or striped knit tops for a look that was both stylish and practical for a day near the water.
The most dramatic and luxurious version of the trend was found on the beach. Here, women wore “Beach Pajamas,” also known as palazzo pants. The name itself suggests a new kind of relaxed glamour. These garments featured extremely wide, soft, and flowing legs. When standing still, the pants were so voluminous they often looked like a long skirt.
They were made from lightweight fabrics that moved beautifully, like rayon crepe or soft cotton. The color palette was often soft pastels, but they also came in bold, large-scale geometric prints. Big stripes, checks, and Art Deco patterns were especially popular. Many designs featured attached overall-style straps, creating a playful look. Others were constructed as full jumpsuits, offering a complete, head-to-toe resort outfit that was both comfortable and incredibly chic.
