The 1950s were a changing point in fashion, particularly among women. Following the restrictions of World War II, there came a fresh touch of hope and freedom, which were evident in the way women everywhere dressed. The celebrity of color, cut-up works and a revival of femininity ruled the runway and left people with classic dresses that continue to take an important place in the contemporary world.
The Hourglass Silhouette
The hourglass was one of the most characteristic elements of the 1950s Fashion Womens. In 1947 with the New Look of designer Christian Dior, womens fashion shifted out of the boxy and utilitarian fashion of the 1940s into a more structured and feminine appearance. Dresses were accentuated at a small waist (and usually tight bodices and full skirts).
This hourglass figure turned out to be the standard of the 1950s which provided women with a more curvy and flattering look. The figure was made possible by tightening the waist using corsets, padded bust, and loose skirts, which served to bring out the female body besides being stylish and classy.
Tea-Length Dresses and Full Skirts.
The 1950s style of full skirts was in womens fashion. These skirts were usually made pleated or crinolined in order to make them voluminous and moving. They were worn together with a fitted bodice to provide the wearer with a dramatic and feminine shape. Tea-length dresses, coming down to about the knee, were especially popular and were made to be worn on more casual events of the day.
Full skirts were versatile making them suitable for different occasions. Whether it was a garden party or a simple get-together, these dresses were frequently painted in agreeable flower patterns or polka dots which introduced a touch of fun and sophistication to the dress.
Custom-made Suits and Power-Dresses.
Although most women had dresses as the main part of their wardrobes, the custom-made suits gained popularity as well in the 1950s. These suits were typically either wool or tweed suits, which was done to indicate the increasing number of women in the workplace. A jacket fitted and a pencil skirt were added to make the suit an important part of women in the work environment.
Custom suits could be worn with some accessories such as pearls or scarves to make them look feminine. They became synonymous with the power-dressing tendency, with women now making their voices heard in the solidarities of male territory, such as business and politics.
The Power of Hollywood icons.
The 1950s Fashion Womens was greatly affected by the Hollywood actors. Icons like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor would be used to establish the trends. These were ladies who not only were praised due to acting, but also their sense of style was impeccable.
A case in point is Marilyn Monroe who was a fashion pioneer with her body-hugging outfits and glitzy looks. Hepburn, too, at least, also had the manner of the cool, low-key look becoming fashionable, very often as it was in her trendy dresses and plain jewelry. The stars not only affected how the people viewed beauty but also the dressing styles of women in real-life situations.
Salmon Colored Silk and Checkered Silk.
The 1950s were also identified with their focus on female materials and color prints. Dresses in cotton, silk and taffeta became a favorite and comfort and style could be enjoyed. Florals, gingham, polka dots, and other bright and bold prints were also commonly worn during this period giving life to the wardrobes of women.
Such fabrics used could be combined with bright colors, both pastel pinks and blues and red and yellow. The colors and patterns were indicative of the optimism and post-war happiness that was present and provided women with a sense of freedom and expression in their clothes.
Accessories: Hats, Gloves and Pearls.
The 1950s could not be complete without the proper accessories to an outfit. Gloves, hats and pearls were considered necessary components of a well-dressed appearance. On formal occasions gloves, long particularly the longer ones, were worn, frequently going as far up the arm as the elbow. They were regarded as an icon of good taste and elegance.
Another significant fashion item of the 1950s was the hats. They were small pillbox hats to big-brimmed hats, and added glamour to any outfit. Pearls were also a necessity, be it in the form of a bracelet, necklace or earrings, to adorn the graceful appearance that was so very typical of the day.
The Rise of Casual Wear
Formal dress was necessary but in the 1950s, casual fashion also acquired a new meaning. Women started adopting more sensible but fashionable clothes to wear on a daily basis. Outdoor activities started to be favored with casual dresses that were made of cotton or linen, and separates such as blouses and skirts that were more versatile in daily activities.
Capri pants, a fad which began in the 1940s, were popular in the 1950s, too. These were skinny trousers worn with plain tops and shoes making them look comfortable and stylish at the same time, ideal in leisure and casual events.
The Impact of the ‘New Look’
In 1947, the new look by Christian Dior was launched and it transformed the way fashion was in the 1950s. It gave birth to the concept of an ultra-feminine body, including full skirts, slender waistlines and round shoulders. Such a style was a strong contrast to the utilitarian, boxy appearance of the wartime period.
The fashion of women was greatly influenced by Diors New Look and this had an effect on the worlds fashion designers and made the standard of femininity in fashion. It was the recovery of the luxurious, glitter and gilding, all of which would be the spirit of the 1950s womans fashion.
Iconic 1950s Fashion Women Trends That Still Influence Us Today
The fashions of the modern era can be traced back to the 1950s. The elements of this iconic period are often revisited in modern fashion, mixed with other influences of modern times. One example is the hourglass figure, which has remained a source of inspiration behind evening given designs, and the use of floral prints in casual and formal clothes.
Vintage-inspired dresses can also be seen today and several brands and designers often go back to the 1950s to get inspiration. The organized but feminine styles of the period remain an influence in fashion today and this means that the 1950s fashion never really goes out of fashion.
FAQ’s
What were the main characteristics of the fashion of the 1950s for women?
The essential characteristics of the 1950s fashion included an hourglass figure, full skirts, feminine materials (cotton and silk), as well as aggressive patterns (florals and polka dots). Gloves, pearls and hats were in demand.
Which were the fashion idols of the 1950s?
Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor were the fashion icons in the 1950s. Their style choices had an influence on the millions of women around the world.
What impact did the Christian Dior 1950s fashion have?
More contemporary trends that had an impact on the 1950s style were the New Look of Christian Dior of 1947 which introduced the hourglass figure, full skirts, low waist and puffed shoulders. It turned into an art piece of female beauty and grace.
So, how do I incorporate the fashion of the 1950s in my wardrobe today?
A-line dresses, full skirts, and tailored blazers are the main elements that you should include in your wardrobe to reflect the fashion of the 1950s. Combine old-fashioned clothes with new stuff to make a modern interpretation of this legendary period.
Conclusion
The 1950s Fashion Women was one of the defining decades where femininity, elegance, and glamour were restored after the war. Full skirts and hourglass figure, made-to-order suits and old accessories like pearls and gloves are still in the current fashions of the day. Dresses, casual, power-suit, the 1950s style will always remain a timeless inspiration, and women had something to incorporate into their collections to add a taste of vintage to it. The beauty and promise of this era is as relevant today as it was decades ago and it demonstrates that some trends do not go away.