Popular Fashion Trends of the 1950s
The 1950s was a time of significant change in fashion. After the austerity of World War II, people were ready to embrace a more glamorous and feminine style. One of the most iconic fashion trends of the 1950s was the full skirt. Women’s skirts became voluminous and were often worn with petticoats to create a dramatic silhouette. This style was popularized by Christian Dior’s “New Look” collection, which emphasized a tiny waist and exaggerated hips.
Another popular trend of the 1950s was the fitted bodice with a sweetheart neckline. This style accentuated the hourglass figure and was often paired with a full skirt for an ultra-feminine look. Polka dots, gingham prints, and floral patterns were also commonly seen in women’s clothing during this era.
Key Fashion Trends:
- Full skirts with petticoats
- Fitted bodices with sweetheart necklines
- Polka dots, gingham prints, and floral patterns
Fashion Icons:
Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly were some of the iconic fashion icons who influenced the trends of the 1950s. Their glamorous styles continue to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts today.
Recreating a 1950s Hairstyle: Step-by-Step Guide
The hairstyles of the 1950s were known for their elegance and femininity. One popular hairstyle from this era is the victory roll. To recreate this look, start by sectioning off your hair into two parts: one on top and one at the back. Take a small section from the top part and curl it inward, away from your face. Secure it with bobby pins and repeat on the other side. Next, gather the remaining hair at the back into a low ponytail or bun and accessorize with a scarf or hairpiece.
Another iconic hairstyle of the 1950s is the bouffant. To achieve this look, start by backcombing the crown of your head to create volume. Smooth out the top layer and pin it in place. Then, gather the rest of your hair into a high ponytail and tease it to create more volume. Wrap the ponytail around its base and secure it with bobby pins. Finish off with hairspray to hold everything in place.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Section off hair into two parts
- Curl small sections inward
- Secure curls with bobby pins
- Gather remaining hair into low ponytail or bun
- Add scarf or hairpiece for extra flair
Tips for Authenticity:
To achieve an authentic 1950s hairstyle, consider using vintage-inspired hair accessories such as combs, clips, or headbands. These can add an extra touch of retro glamour to your look.
Finding Authentic 1950s Clothing and Vintage-Inspired Pieces
When it comes to finding authentic 1950s clothing, there are a few different avenues you can explore. One option is to search for vintage pieces at thrift stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay. These items may require some hunting, but they can provide a truly authentic look from the era. Another option is to shop at specialty vintage stores that curate collections of 1950s clothing. These stores often have a wide range of styles and sizes available, making it easier to find pieces that fit your personal style.
If you’re looking for vintage-inspired pieces rather than authentic vintage clothing, there are many modern brands that offer retro designs influenced by the 1950s. These brands often recreate popular silhouettes and patterns from the era while using modern fabrics and construction techniques. This can be a great option if you prefer the convenience and fit of contemporary clothing but still want to capture the essence of 1950s fashion.
Tips for Finding Authentic 1950s Clothing:
- Research popular brands and designers from the 1950s to help identify genuine vintage pieces.
- Check garment labels for indicators of age, such as union tags or specific fabric content.
- Look for details like full skirts, fitted bodices, and unique prints that were popular during this time period.
Vintage-Inspired Brands:
- Bettie Page Clothing: Known for their retro dresses and separates inspired by pin-up style.
- Unique Vintage: Offers a wide range of vintage-inspired clothing with options for all body types.
- Hell Bunny: Specializes in rockabilly and swing-style dresses with a 1950s flair.
Colors and Patterns: What Was Worn in the 1950s?
The 1950s were known for their vibrant colors and bold patterns. Pastel shades like baby blue, mint green, and pale pink were popular for both clothing and accessories. These soft hues were often paired with white or black to create a classic look. In addition to pastels, bright primary colors like red, yellow, and blue were also commonly seen during this time period.
When it came to patterns, polka dots and gingham prints were particularly popular in the 1950s. Polka dots could be found on everything from dresses to swimwear, while gingham was often used for casual summer outfits. Floral prints were another common choice, with roses and daisies being especially prevalent.
Popular Colors of the 1950s:
- Pastel shades: baby blue, mint green, pale pink
- Bright primary colors: red, yellow, blue
- Classic neutrals: white, black
Trending Patterns in the 1950s:
- Polka dots
- Gingham prints
- Floral prints (roses and daisies)
Accessorizing Outfits in the 1950s: Women’s Style Guide
In the 1950s, accessories played a crucial role in completing a woman’s outfit. One popular accessory during this time was the pearl necklace. Pearl necklaces were considered a symbol of elegance and sophistication, and they were often worn with formal dresses or blouses. Another popular accessory was the silk scarf, which could be tied around the neck or worn as a headband. These scarves came in various patterns and colors, adding a touch of femininity to any outfit.
Hats and Gloves
Women in the 1950s rarely left the house without wearing a hat and gloves. Hats were an essential part of a woman’s ensemble and came in various styles such as pillbox hats, cloche hats, and wide-brimmed sun hats. Gloves were also considered an important accessory and were typically made from kid leather or nylon. They added a touch of elegance to any outfit and were often worn for special occasions or formal events.
Must-Have Accessories
- Pearl necklace
- Silk scarf
- Hat (pillbox, cloche, wide-brimmed)
- Gloves (kid leather or nylon)
Popular Footwear Styles of the 1950s: A Look Back
The 1950s saw several iconic footwear styles that are still admired today. One popular style was the saddle shoe, which featured contrasting colors on the toe and heel areas. Saddle shoes were commonly worn by teenage girls and young women as part of their everyday attire. Another popular shoe style was the stiletto heel, which became synonymous with glamour and femininity. Stiletto heels were often worn with evening dresses or pencil skirts, adding height and elegance to a woman’s silhouette.
Dancing Shoes
For those who loved to dance, the 1950s introduced the popular dance shoe known as the saddle oxford. These shoes had a flat sole and were designed for comfort and ease of movement on the dance floor. They were often worn by both men and women during social dances such as swing or jitterbug.
Iconic Footwear Styles
- Saddle shoes
- Stiletto heels
- Saddle oxfords (for dancing)
1950s Makeup: Recreating the Classic Look Today
The makeup trends of the 1950s emphasized a polished and glamorous appearance. One iconic aspect of 1950s makeup was the cat-eye eyeliner, which created a dramatic winged effect on the upper lash line. This look was achieved using liquid eyeliner or eyeshadow applied with an angled brush. Another popular makeup trend was the bold red lipstick, which added a touch of sophistication to any woman’s look.
Flawless Complexion
In order to achieve a flawless complexion, women in the 1950s relied on foundation and powder. Foundation was typically applied using a sponge or fingertips, followed by powder to set it in place. Blush was also used to add color and contour to the cheeks, giving a youthful glow.
Essential Makeup Products
- Cat-eye eyeliner (liquid or eyeshadow)
- Bold red lipstick
- Foundation
- Powder
- Blush
Fabrics and Materials Used in 50s Fashion: A Closer Look
The 1950s saw the use of various fabrics and materials in fashion, each contributing to the overall style of the era. One popular fabric was cotton, which was used for everyday dresses and blouses. Cotton provided comfort and breathability, making it a preferred choice for casual wear. Another commonly used material was silk, which added a touch of luxury to evening gowns and cocktail dresses.
Nylon Revolution
Nylon became increasingly popular during the 1950s due to its durability and versatility. It was used in the production of stockings, undergarments, and even raincoats. Nylon stockings were considered essential for women’s fashion, providing a smooth finish to legs and adding a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Main Fabrics and Materials
- Cotton
- Silk
- Nylon (stockings, undergarments)
Inspiration from Iconic Fashion Icons of the 1950s
The 1950s gave rise to several iconic fashion icons whose styles continue to inspire today. One such icon is Audrey Hepburn, known for her elegant and timeless fashion choices. Hepburn’s signature look often included tailored dresses, cropped pants, ballet flats, and oversized sunglasses. Another influential figure was Marilyn Monroe, who embodied sensuality with her figure-hugging dresses, red lipstick, and glamorous accessories.
Audrey Hepburn’s Style Tips
Audrey Hepburn believed in simplicity and elegance when it came to fashion. She emphasized the importance of well-tailored clothing, choosing quality over quantity. Hepburn also believed in accessorizing minimally, allowing the outfit to speak for itself.
Iconic Fashion Icons
- Audrey Hepburn
- Marilyn Monroe
Achieving an Authentic 1950s Look on a Budget: Tips and Tricks
Creating an authentic 1950s look doesn’t have to break the bank. With some creativity and resourcefulness, it’s possible to achieve a vintage-inspired style on a budget. One tip is to shop at thrift stores or vintage shops, where you can find unique pieces from the era at affordable prices. Another trick is to repurpose existing clothing by altering them to fit the 1950s aesthetic.
DIY Accessories
To save money on accessories, consider making your own. You can create your own pearl necklace using faux pearls and string, or make a silk scarf by hemming a piece of fabric. DIY projects not only save money but also allow you to customize your accessories according to your personal style.
Budget-Friendly Tips and Tricks
- Shop at thrift stores or vintage shops
- Repurpose existing clothing
- Create DIY accessories (pearl necklace, silk scarf)
In conclusion, by following these tips and incorporating key elements of 1950s fashion such as A-line dresses, high-waisted pants, saddle shoes, and bold accessories, anyone can easily achieve an authentic 50s look and embrace the timeless style of this iconic era.
