1950's FASHION TRENDS
The 50s styles began to accentuate women’s feminine, frame-fitting hourglass shape. When Christian Dior’s “New Look” appeared in February 1947, it became an instant success, and the nipped-in waist and full-skirted silhouette remained the leading style until the mid-1950s. It is also influenced by the rockabilly subculture based around the music genre of the same name. The fashion for the females of this subculture consisted of a mixture of pin-up styles and swing looks.
The most iconic looks of the decade included poodle skirts, petticoats, swing dresses, pencil skirts, twin sweater sets, bustier tops, garments with fur trim and strings of pearls.
Full & Poodle Skirts : They were worn over several layers of fluffy petticoats to add to the volume. Poodle skirts are designed to flare out at the knees, creating a gorgeous and feminine appearance, some of them are embellished with cute motifs.
Peplum Style : A short gathered or pleated strip of fabric is attached at the waist of a woman’s jacket, dress, or blouse to create a hanging frill or flounce.
Pencil Dress : Form-fitting sheath dress with thin belt and collar. Have narrow high waistlines and mid-length. Some models have contrasting collars, buttons and belts, smaller pockets, dramatic collars, and large bows.
Swing Dress : Full skirted fit and flare dress, small prints, (polka dots, plaids, stripes, floral) short or 3/4 length sleeves. Have narrow high waistlines and mid-length.
Sweetheart : Strapless or sweetheart bodice and neck style was especially popular as the pared-down bodice balanced out the wide skirts or with pencil skirts for a more feminine look.
Cigarette Pants & Capris : They had a high waist, rounded hip and a slim leg that ended above the ankle. The Capri pant was the same shape but came up to mid-calf and often had a thin belt at the waistband. Skirts and pants were paired with button-down blouses. They fit snug and were always worn tucked in.
Petticoats : These underskirts were made of layers of ruffled netting that added volume under swing skirts. They were starched, dried upside down, and worn in multiple layers to achieve maximum fullness.
Matching Accessories :Lady-like accessories included plain high heels, long or short gloves, a matching envelope purse, pearls or sparkling jewelry, and sometimes a small coordinated hat or hair whimsy.
Twin Sets and Cardigans :The twin set is a matching cardigan sweater worn over a knit top, usually made of thinner and shrink-proof material. Wearing a neck scarf with a knit top or sweater was very popular.
Ruffles :Ruffles were popular in many different forms from the '40s to the '60s, becoming mostly associated with women's clothing.
