Fashion Blogs

The 1950s luckily saw the return of the legendary fashion designer Christian Dior and his brainchild, the ‘New Look’ couture collection. Fashion trends of the 1950s were hip and very original. Where women oozed out docility in their 50s outfits, men and children moved towards a more homey style. Let us have a look.

Learn about 1950s fashion history. For women’s and men’s 50s fashion look here.

WOMEN’S FASHION

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The 1950s was the ultimate decade of defining women in their outfits. The sleek white gloves, ladylike bags, billowing skirts and cinched waists complemented the docile nature of women prettily. To begin with, the women-wear ranged from tailored suits to wiggle dresses, originally rooting from Dior’s New Look. Women in daytime donned either the small-printed swing dresses reaching the shins or collar blouses with high-waist jeans and enjoyed household chores. On the other hand, the ‘going-out’ dresses included billowing or pencil skirts with a small, fitting top and high waistlines. As opposed to men-wear, the 50s outfits for women entertained small prints like polka dots, florals and textures.

Cocktail or party dresses were another collections of variations, with black as the safest choice for every woman. The dramatic ball-gowns of the 1950s stayed as the favorite trend for decades later. These gowns touched the floor, had hoop skirts and a snug bodice in silk, velvet, chiffon or satin fabric. In general, the women’s 1950s fashion trends prioritized modesty and elegance instead of showing skin.

Fashion styles for men and women in the 1950s brought about something “new” – as did Dior’s New Look collection. New colors, new designs, new fabric, and new trends made the 50s a decade to remember. The miniskirts and sleeveless tops came in the 1960s which is why only the 50s fashion for women is said to speak volumes of conformity and grace. Where men reveled in leisurewear, a variety in outfits for women carried the fashion industry to higher norms.

MEN’S FASHION

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The significant development that the 1950s fashion witnessed was an explosion in the formerly monotonous colors used for men-wear. There was a prominent transition from mellowed shades to those that outstood in a crowd. Burgundy, bottle-green, charcoal grey and teal blue are some of the numerous colors that emerged categorically in summers and winters of the 1950s. Importantly, terms like “lounge-wear” and “street-clothing” became popular. New subcategories allowed designers to launch couture that played on new-found fabrics like nylon, polyester, leather and famously, the corduroy.

Paired with these bold colors were big patterns like check, plaids and patches on elbows. Deep textures and corduroy were the key designs in the mid and late 50s for sport coats and trousers. The casual shorts and button-down shirts were the go-to 50s outfit for men for the larger time. The length of shorts ranged from mid-thigh to knee-cap, worn with the notorious brown-colored (or two-toned) penny loafers and plaid knit-shirts, as the Sunday outfit.

CHILDREN’S FASHION

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Children basically enjoyed a smaller version of the 50s outfits for men and women in that era. The boys donned patterned sweaters and plaid shirts in funky colors, whereas frocks with ruffles and circle skirts influenced girls’ wardrobes. The mid and late 1950s brought woolen coats, shirts and pants for young boys and girls. Later on, children and teenagers began coveting cardigans and leather jackets, alongside casual hoods and corduroy jumpers.

Bold, solid patterns, plaids, stripes, check and pleats dominated the texturing used in the 1950s. Pastel colors and two-toning gained immense popularity in clothing and footwear alike. Children dressed primarily as a shorter version of their adults and looked extremely adorable by doing so.