Culture Insider: Changes in women's fashion

1930-1940

A painting shows the dress style of women from 1930-1940. [File photo]

Clothing styles became more westernized and tailored to flatter curves during this period. Women began wearing short sleeved cheongsams and exposed their bare arms for the first time. Slits in the cheongsams were high, showing hints of legs underneath. Western inspired high heeled shoes were often paired with cheongsams. Permed hair was also popular.