1950s Fashion

Vintage 1950s fashion

1950s Fashion is certainly a topic that’s gained popularity here on Skooldays in recent months. Today we find out why it proved such a strong decade for fashion.

In 1949 clothes rationing came to an end for Britain, and fashion was now ready to hit the big time. This is one of the reasons why 1950s fashion is still so dearly loved 60 years on.

The early fifties saw new labels aimed at the younger generation. The dificulty was few had any money after the war to take advantage of this new fashion. Christian Dior’s new fashion lines were given the names ‘Corolla’ and ‘Eight’, and were characterized by a large bust, tiny waist and full skirt, not to mention controversially using up to 20 yards of expensive fabric. But unless you had money to burn the new look wasnt seen on the average teenager at that time.

Ladies of 1950s Fashion

1950's Fashion for women

In the mid fifties a greater range of influences were coming in to Britain from all around the world. With an increase in entertainment and cinema movies as well as rock music, fashion was high on the agenda

skool

Fifties Fashion included:

  • Ankle bracelets,
  • Baby doll dresses, Baseball caps, Bikinis, Bobby socks
  • Capri pants, Chinos,
  • Duck tails / D.A. haircuts
  • Eton suits
  • Flannels / Lumberjack shirts
  • Greasers
  • Hush Puppies
  • Italian cut suits
  • 1950’s Jumpsuits
  • Levis jeans
  • Neck scarf
  • Pencil dress, Pedal pushers, Polo shirts, Poodle skirts
  • Roy Rogers Western Wear
  • Sloppy joe sweaters
  • Teddy Boys
  • White oxford shirts and Winkle pickers

The ‘Pencil dress’ was very slimming and accentuated the waist and curves of the body back in the 1950s, whilst the ‘Full skirt’ needed a petticoat and lots of net to achieve the exaggerated effect. Nylon was often used to create the desired look, from a light swirl to a huge round spread.

By the late fifties fashion was now part of everyones vocabulary and everyones wardrobe. The need to fit in with peers was stronger than ever and retail fashion new just that. From the 50s through to the 90s fashion almost hit a full circle. But 1950s fashion still stands as revolutionary compared to any other decade.

For the complete list of 1950s fashion enjoy the Fashion in the 50s link list here

7 thoughts on “1950s Fashion

  1. Pingback: 1950′s Fashion: Skooldays

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  6. @Dulantha I agree The fifties is the best decade for keeping men as men and woman as woman
    It is the best decade for fashion in my mind!

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