In the 1930s, skirts became longer and waist lines returned up to their normal positions in an attempt to bring back the traditional ‘womanly’ look. Zippers and nylon stockings were commonplace and the introduction of the ‘halter neck’ made swimming costumes all the more attractive.

Attention was given to sleeves and a tone of seriousness was evident in accentuated shoulder pads for both men and women. Cloche hats remained popular.

These vintage photos from State Library of Queensland that show fashion styles of Queensland in the 1930s.

Five women at the races, Brisbane, Queensland

A woman is posed sitting on the boom of a sailing vessel, Queensland

Bathers on the beach at Burleigh, Queensland

Beach girl on the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra, Queensland

Beachgoers at Burleigh Heads, Queensland

Card players in Centenial Place, Brisbane, Queensland

Checking the form guide at Ascot races, Brisbane, Queensland

Couple on a motorcycle, Blackall, Queensland

Enjoying a ride on the back of a truck, Ayr, Queensland

Enjoying the sunshine on the deck of the cruise ship Orion, Brisbane, Queensland

Friends posing on Kirra Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland

Gathering at the Muttaburra races, Queensland

Group of mates riding in a Model T Ford, Double Island Point, Queensland

Group of young people enjoying a day at the beach with their dog, Queensland

Group of young people enjoying a day at the beach, Gold Coast, Queensland

Group of young people socialising on the beach at Magnetic Island, Queensland

Inside the Regent Theatre Milk Bar, Brisbane, Queensland

Judging of the Sirens of the Surf competition, Gold Coast, Queensland

Ladies attending the theatre in Brisbane, Queensland

Men sitting in the stands at the races, Queensland

Models posing for a fashion shoot in front of a Qantas biplane, Queensland

Picnic in the bush in Mount Isa, Queensland

Stepping out for a Spring fashion parade, Brisbane, Queensland

Two ladies enjoying a day out at the races, Ascot racetrack, Brisbane, Queensland

Two ladies posing inside a Qantas aircraft, Queensland

Two ladies walking on street in Toowoomba, Queensland

Two women picking a winner at the Ascot Races, Brisbane, Queensland

Two young beautiful ladies in swimsuits at Southport, Gold Coast, Queensland

Two young ladies picking a winner at Albion Park racecourse, Brisbane, Queensland

Watching a tennis game at Milton, Queensland

Women attended the Ascot Races, Brisbane, Queensland

Young lady in a low backed dress and cloche hat at the races Brisbane, Queensland

Young people enjoying a day at the beach, Queensland

Young women at a military ball, Queensland

Young women taking a walk along the beach, Queensland