The 1950s saw an interesting and varied era of fashion. There were new hues, contemporary shapes, and several stylistic alternatives for various personalities. As men and women began to experiment with new possibilities for leisurewear, fashion as a whole became much more fun. Teen culture emerged in the 1950s, which led to a clearer division between young people’s dress and more adult trends. During the war, new manufacturing techniques and synthetic materials were created, substantially lowering the cost of clothing and boosting its durability.People were able to keep up with shifting fashions as clothes got more inexpensive, which resulted in a wider variety of styles. During the 1950s, living standards also rose significantly. It was simpler to take care of clothes thanks to launderettes and home washing machines. For its stylish vintage aesthetic and laid-back styles, especially those of the pin-up and rockabilly subcultures, the decade is frequently remembered fondly.
The New Look Continues
Christian Dior debuted his haute couture line in Paris on February 12, 1947. The ‘New Look’ was immediately called for its conspicuous characteristics, which included rounded shoulders, a tightened waist, and a long A-line skirt. This new attire was very feminine and high fashion. For women who had become accustomed to rationing during the war, it was a significant change. When the war was over, ladies started to crave beautiful clothes again since wartime fashion had to be straightforward and functional.Despite being originally popularised in the 1940s, the New Look took some time to reach the common consumer. The New Look evolved as a go-to style for the majority of ladies at the period as individuals rebuilt their wardrobes after the war. The practical appearance of wartime clothing was swiftly replaced by 50s style gowns with flowing skirts in vibrant, vivid materials.
Hollywood Glamour
Thanks to movie stars like Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, and Brigitte Bardot, elegant apparel and accessories—including fur—became popular. Many celebrities became fashion icons throughout the 1950s. Hollywood celebrities enthralled the globe with their performing prowess and fashionable attire. Most people’s perceptions of glitz and style were shaped by the genuinely classic 1950s cinema fashion. Christian Dior, Hubert Givenchy, Clare McCardell, and Cristobal Balenciaga, who dressed Audrey Hepburn, were prominent designers during the period. Italian design was the height of refinement, notably on men’s suits and women’s leather bags and shoes. Due of the harm they did to the linoleum floors in several public buildings, stiletto heels were prohibited.
Work & Play
Men were frequently the only breadwinners in the 1950s, and work dress evolved to reflect this. Suits grew more streamlined, straight, and unfussy. The majority of guys wore conventional grey suits and made little stylistic statements. But 1950s menswear that was more informal started to becoming much more interesting. Men would dress for business in the morning and immediately change into something a little more comfortable once they got home, as opposed to donning three-piece suits all day. The popularity of leisurewear, which had been existing since the 1920s, skyrocketed in the 1950s as a result of the new synthetic materials created during the war. Terylene, Orlon, Acrilan, and poplin are just a few of the new low maintenance textiles that have come out.
The 1950s saw a transformation in women’s suits as well, with fitting or full skirts and jackets that nipped in at the waist. Sleeves were shortened to display bracelets or gloves, and neutral hues were used. In the 1950s, many women were expected to stay home and take care of their families all day. Women who remained home needed to seem classy and tidy, not worn out from doing endless chores. Women were expected to always seem themselves well even when new household equipment made housework considerably simpler. The shirtwaist dress was a popular attire among housewives since it was both casual and fashionable. It is a garment that combines a blouse top with a skirt bottom.
Teenage Fashion
The development of adolescent culture as we know it now began in the 1950s. For the first time, teen-targeted films, books, music, and clothing were created and promoted. In the past, there had been ‘junior’ trends, which were largely merely scaled-down replicas of adult apparel. By the 1950s, teens were seen as a unique demographic with independent purchasing power. Teenagers were greatly influenced by American society, which significantly altered fashion. Boys started wearing bomber jackets, Hawaiian shirts, varsity cardigans, and blue denim trousers. Teenage females often wore pencil skirts, pleated skirts, swing skirts with petticoats, or poodle skirts. Young girls frequently wore button-down shirts with cardigans or a preppy twin set.
There is sure to be something from the 1950s to suit everyone’s taste, whether you like the decade’s popular styles or want something a bit more alternative. Since so many of these designs can still be seen on the high street today, the effect of 1950s fashion on current culture cannot be denied. However, if you want to fully catch the spirit of the time, you can always browse for 1950s vintage clothes.
