Nancy Drew, ever the well-dressed female detective, has "worn it well" for nearly eight decades. Her clothing has changed over the years, just as her famous roadster has evolved into a coupe, then a convertible and now a hybrid car. The teenage sleuth started out in long skirts, high heeled shoes, a scarf and hat, and eventually stepped into a pair of blue jeans, now topped by the popular "hoodie" sweatshirt.

Those who love the modest mix of innocence and womanly glamour reticent of the 1930s Nancy now have another chance to buy or wear Depression Style Fashions. I would never have guessed that in the 21st Century you could buy fashions based on the type of clothing Nancy Drew wore in The Secret of the Old Clock, The Hidden Staircase, and The Bungalow Mystery.

Recently I was absent-mindedly flipping through a fashion magazine. I snapped to attention when I found and an entire page devoted to "Radio-Days" with new versions of clothing popular during the Great Depression. How bizarre, I thought, thinking of the 15-25 year old crowd running to the mall and demanding Depression-Style Clothing. Then I thought, why not? The way styles come and go, just about every fashion trend of every decade has been recycled by a new generation.

Here are some 'past-perfect' styles you might soon see on the runway....or at the mall, on campus, in the bookstore, the local Starbucks, or maybe even in your closet. According to Lucky Magazine, these items are now in style, although the first time around the average annual salary in the United States was about $1300.

Pretty cloche hats are a refreshing change. $150
Drop starburst earrings are screen-siren amazing. $60
Dark, glittery nail polish is just right for toes. $11
Blouses with little Peter-Pan collars are springlike and vintage style. $20
High heeled Mary Janes pumps with peep toes are sturdy and girly at the same time. $425
Powder compacts are meant to be whipped out and shown off. $42
A two-tone dress with a thin belt or sash is movie star amazing. $392

If you have an attic, basement or other area that might have a long-forgotten trunk filled with old frocks from the Depression-Era, now would be a good time to see if you have any clothing or accessories that might be from this period of time. If you are lucky enough to find some (and make sure you check the trunk for hidden springs or moving panels while you are at it), you might make some big money selling them on eBay. Or better yet, you might want to show up at the next Sleuth Convention wearing "Vintage Nancy."

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