The 50s Fashion Women became a defining decade in the history of fashion, and femininity and grace were the order of the day. With the world coming out of the post-World War II turmoil, things became much more about luxury, sophistication and glamour in fashion. This post examines why 50s fashion has always been so popular among women, and how the styles of this decade still influence the contemporary wardrobe.
The Dawn of Post-War Glamour
This ended the war utilitarianism of the fashion period in the 1950s. Designers tried to revive prosperity and focus on femininity. This new era symbol was the New Look of 1947, created by Christian Dior, whose voluminous skirts and old-fashioned bodices that were closely fitting were the symbolic features of this fashion. It glorified the revival of femininity and the excesses and textile patterns.
The 50s Fashion Women was symbolized by the availability of structured garments that exposed the natural curves. The dresses were designed to fit the body and the hourglass shapes were also highlighted on the waistlines. The figure has become famous as the representative of 50s fashion that created a remarkable impression in the history of fashion.
The Hourglass Figure: Femininity Weekend.
The 50s figure was about the accentuation of curves. Skirts, dresses and blouses were made to be tightened at the waistline and the female body was presented in the best manner possible. The full, broad skirt was matched to tight bodices, which made an hourglass figure very romantic and strong.
Corsets and girdles were critical in defining a body shape and helped in developing a structured soft appearance which was reflective of the decade. They were not tightening undergarments women were fond of but were something that would help them to obtain the ideal feminine figure.
Dresses: the Heart of 50s Fashion.
The dresses occupied the core of the 50s fashion and women wore them in almost all events. Day dresses were usually modest and viable though not without style. They were plain, polka-dotted or floral, and made of fabric like cotton or linen. These dresses were versatile and fit-and-flair, making them an excellent option among women of all life categories.
Evening wear dresses were very rich. Evening gowns were designed in satin, silk and velvet. They were worn during official occasions and were defined by full dramatic skirts, corseted bodies and a finely detailed one in beads or laces, or flower embroidery.
The Iconic Circle Skirt
The circle skirt was one of the most notable womens wear clothing items of the 50s. This skirt was famous because of its flared and voluminous form that could be used as a valuable part of the wardrobe of women. It was also crafted of light materials such as cotton and was generally worn below the knee, spinning wonderfully when flown around, and thus a delightful, flattering garment.
Circle skirts were commonly worn with a tight blouse or sweater as well, and this made the typical 50s look. Women adapted this shape because it would flatter any body shape and would provide comfort and ease of movement.
Evening Gowns: A Taste of Luxury.
Evening clothes then in the 1950s, were a glitzy affair. Women would dress in long and costly gowns of costly material. The finishing of such gowns was usually extremely rich in satin, chiffons, and fine lace. The full skirts, evening gowns were glamorous and flattering with the deep V-necklines, off-the-shoulder fashions.
The role of accessories was very significant in evening fashion. The outfit of a woman was frequently completed by the appropriate jewelry, gloves, and shoes. Gems, jewels, and bling accessories were also included in the opulence of the evening clothes, and each evening out was an occasion to be remembered.
Accessories: The Finishing Touch.
The 1950s accessories were not only practical, but also a necessary completion of the look. One of the most significant accessories for women was gloves. Dresses were also paired with long, elegant gloves when attending a formal event or even on a fancy day out. They represented a status symbol and elegance.
Another fashion accessory of the 50s was hats. Women had hats in many forms and sizes, including wide-brimmed ones and smaller pillbox hats. The accessories were an essential component of each outfit and hats were as symbolic as dresses and skirts of that time.
Shoes: Between Ballet Flats and Stilettos.
Shoes of the 1950s were either practical or fancy. Ballet flats were worn during the day and they were comfortable without being made to look bad. They were simple and fashionable shoes that could be made of leather or patent materials and in natural colors.
When wearing in the evening, heels were mandatory. The invention of stilettos happened in the 1950s and provided glamour and style to the attire of a woman. Its sharp toes and slender heel served to extend the leg and give the wearer height and a graceful and feminine position.
Makeup and Hairstyles: What Constitutes Beauty.
The 1950s were the era when hair and make-up were considered as significant as clothes. The female population sported their hair in a bulkier and structured form of hairstyle. The beehive, victory rolls and soft waves became popular styles of the time, which added some height and drama to the appearance.
The 50s makeup was very glamorous. Winged eyeliner and soft eyeshadow matched with red lipstick were a thing of the time. This traditional appearance not only served to beautify a woman, but also helped to create the image of a confident and glamorous 50s fashion.
Among the fashion icons of the 1950s.
The 1950s had numerous great representatives of style. Actresses such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly were defined by the beauty and grace of the times. Every female had her vision of the 50s fashion be it the restrained minimalism of Hepburn, or the sexy flirtations of Monroe.
These icons affected the fashion designers and the common woman too. Their faces were stacked in magazines and also on movie screens and they were household names and fashion icons who would always be identified with glamour in the 50s.
The Long-Lasting Effect of 50s Fashion Women
The 50s had a significant influence on contemporary style, even though the 1950s are long gone. Designers still find inspiration in this period, and such features as broad skirts, custom-made body stockings, and feminine lines are still present in the modern collections. The retro fashion has reappeared in recent years with the modern woman adopting the classic beauty of the 50s.
Dresses with 50s eyes remain a popular trend today, whether it is in vintage shops or on the most expensive fashion runways. It could be a full skirt or a fitted sheath dress but the spirit of 50s fashion is still present in the contemporary wardrobes.
FAQ’s
What were the most important aspects of 50s Fashion Women?
Hourglass figure, full skirts and custom fit waistline were some of the important aspects of the fashion in the 50s. Gloves, hats and accessories were frequently used to complete the dresses creating a feminine, elegant appearance.
What was the effect of the 50s on modern fashion?
The 50s have left a lifetime impact on contemporary fashion and especially on the vintage-inspired styles. Many designers today often draw on 50s silhouettes in their reproductions, so this old school is not yet out of fashion.
What was the most legendary fashion piece during the 1950s?
The full skirt was the most iconic fashion piece in the 1950s. This was combined with bodices that were tight-fitting, forming the hourglass shape that became synonymous with 50s fashion among women.
Was makeup important in 50s fashion?
Yes, make-up was also a considerable aspect of fashion in 50s. The trends then were winged eyeliner, deep red lipstick, and muted down eyeshadows and they gave a glamorous, smooth look.
Fashion: What were the popular shoes in the 1950s?
Ballet flats and kitten heels were used as daytime shoes and high heels were used as evening shoes with a special fondness for stilettos in the 1950s. These shoes were made in conjunction with the variant of feminine fashion that was in at the time.
Conclusion
50s Fashion Women is not only a fashion but also a heritage. The sophisticated form, the details, and the emphasis on the feminine have made an indelible impression on the history of fashion. The fashion of the 1950s through the glamorous dresses and the ideal accessories has kept designers and fashion lovers inspired.
Modern women continue the 50s style because of their attitude to retro-inspired fashion. The eternal popularity of this period helps us to remember that style never goes away–it just changes.