HISTORICAL CONTEXT

During World War II, while the men were away, women began to work in offices and factories, earning and managing their own money. This resulted in a slim, straight silhouette. Women wore comfortable clothing like suits and shirt dresses, and even began to regularly wear pants, especially to work.

As men returned home from the war, women returned to living a high-maintenance lifestyle in the home as wives, mothers, and homemakers. They were expected to be impeccably dressed in public or when their spouse was home.

WHAT'S POPULAR?

Christian Dior’s “New Look” of 1947, which was nearly opposite of the early ‘40s look, influenced the fashions of the 1950s. Unpadded, rounded shoulders, shapely bust lines, closely defined waistlines, and fully, billowy skirts defined the new, more feminine wardrobe.

Silhouettes

SHORTS

Women began wearing shorts outside of picnic. They came in different styles and length with the shortest coming just 6 inches above the knee.

SKIRTS

The full, billowy skirt and natural waistline was quite popular. Many dresses were sleeveless or had long, wide collars and V-necks.

DIRNDL DRESSES

The dirndl dress, either sleeveless or with small puff sleeves and having a billowy skirt, became an extremely popular style.

SKIRT SUITS

Figure-flattering full A-line skirts and glove-fitted pencil skirts were styled with tailored, crisp, and structured matching peplum jackets.

PEDAL PUSHERS

Pedal pushers, initially worn by cyclists, were calf-length, tight trousers that served the sartorial needs of active women and teenagers of those days.

CIGARETTE PANTS

Body-hugging cigarette pants with wide waistbands and cropped capri pants were paired with blouses and flats- a look worn for comfort, rather than style.

Accessories

Jewelry was classic and understated. Pearls or faux pearls were the iconic necklaces. Plastic pop beads were a popular costume accessory. Slim watches and subdued rings, along with clip-on earrings, were conservative and elegant.

Large-brimmed hats, often adorned with pins, feathers, beads, or ribbons, were bigger and more dramatic than ever and became an eveningwear staple. Small hats with veils were also popular and came in an assortment of colors.

Long, elbow-length gloves appeared for formal and evening wear with short-sleeved dresses or strapless gowns. Short gloves worked with suits or long-sleeved garments and were also worn in warmer months.

Alternative Fashion

Subcultures of alternative fashion stood apart from mainstream commercial fashion. Greasers aimed to recreate a movie star look. Beatniks were underground and anti-conformist youth. Pinup girls paid homage to feminine sex appeal.

GREASER

BEATNIK

PINUP

Fashion Icons

GRACE KELLY

Grace epitomized classic and timeless beauty with her immaculate wardrobe that included cotton shirts, dresses with synched in waists and beautifully cut coats – fit for a princess.

Her wedding dress is also an exquisite example of why she is a fashion icon with its intricate lace details.

MARILYN MONROE

Marilyn was renowned for her glamorous wardrobe, from the iconic cerise pink dress to the infamous white gown.

Amongst all this glitz, she also opted for chic ensembles outside of her films; dressed in beige and black, her simple outfits emphasized her beauty even more.

AUDREY HEPBURN

Audrey was a prime example of how less is most definitely more. She made the little black dress popular and essential. Her beehive or pixie cut hairdo and exceptional selection of accessories showed how stunning simplicity is.

She became Givenchy’s muse for many years.

Resources:

Women's Fashion in the 1950s