Rightfully named the ‘Golden Age of Haute Couture,’ the fifties left behind the utilitarian silhouettes of the previous war-driven austere decade.
Created by the time’s fashion designers like Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, new-age romantic hourglass dresses and hyper-feminine looks dominated the fashion of the 50s.
Whether you’re getting ready for a 50s fashion party or want to add a dash of retro styles to your wardrobe, this article contains 10 of the most iconic trends of the 50s, curated by our expert stylists.
1. Dior’s ‘New Look’
French fashion designer Christian Dior made waves in the 1950s with his first-ever couture collection, the ‘New Look.’
The dress expressed radical femininity with sloped shoulders, a raised bustline, the now-iconic waist-whittling shape, and a voluminous padded skirt ending just below the calf.
The feminist movements resisted Dior’s hourglass silhouette, yet the dress revolutionized the 50s fashion scene by blurring the lines between daytime clothing and eveningwear.
2. Rockabilly Style
Amongst the many 1950s fashion trends, Rockabilly had perhaps the most recognizable look of the decade.
As one of the earliest styles of rock and roll music hailing from the South of the United States, Rockabilly had a particular fashion style.
Inspired by Rock n’ Roll stars like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Buddy Holly, the 50s rockabilly style became an iconic look for future generations.
3. Greaser Style
Drawing inspiration from decade’s Rock-n-Roll stars the looks of Marlon Brando and James Dean, the Greasers blended dark jeans, leather jackets, and black fitted shirts.
4. Beatnik Style
During the late 1940s, the ‘Beatnik‘ subculture emerged, describing New York’s nonconformist youths interested in poetry, music, and artwork.
Beatniks preferred dark-colored cigarette pants, black turtleneck sweaters, striped T-shirts, vests, and berets, in a look opposite to Dior’s glamorous ‘New Look.’
5. Pinup Girls
Inspired by Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Natalie Wood, and Marilyn Monroe, the Pinup fashion was mass adopted to showcase absolute feminity and sex appeal.
The Pinup aesthetic blends Old Hollywood glamour with Rockabilly and Burlesque styles in a mix of low scoop necklines, bustier tops, neckline bikinis, and dress-like skirted swimsuits accessorized with 4-inch stiletto heels.
6. Skirt Suits
Influenced by decade’s haute couture designers like Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga, and Givenchy, the figure-flattering skirt suit became the 50s fashion uniform.
Matched with colorful Percher hats, the famous silhouette was affordable and accessible to women of all economic statuses.
7. Pedal Pushers
Initially worn by cyclists – hence the name – were tight, calf-length, comfortable, and functional trousers that became the decade’s wardrobe staples for active women.
Often spotted wearing pedal pushers, Audrey Hepburn’s monochromatic pusher and tucked-in blouse look are iconic of the 50s decade.
Flats and saddle shoes were great matches for pedal pushers and solidified women’s smart casual fashion to gain popularity in the fifties.
8. Pencil Skirts
Grace Kelly’s iconic Christian Dior lime pencil skirt in ‘Rear Window’ represents the look that dominated the time’s fashion scene.
In the 1950s, pencil skirts were paired with tucked-in sleeveless tops, fitted turtlenecks and sweaters, colorful fabric belts, and chiffon or silk neck scarves.
9. Wide Brimmed Hats
Inspired by 1950s film stars, wide-brimmed hats with pins, feathers, beads, or ribbons became part of women’s daily attire.
Made out of straw with border prints, the more dramatic and glamorous they were, the better.
10. Poodle Skirts
Launched by teens wearing felt circle skirts with an applique of a pink poodle on a silver leash, the Poodle skirt was one of the most ‘fashion-for-women trends’ of the 1950s.
The look was so popular that the Poodle skirt became known as the ‘first teenage fashion trend‘ in the dance-loving youth communities.
Conclusion
The 50s fashion sphere had hourglass silhouettes with exaggerated hips, fitted skirts with rounded shoulders, and cinched-in waists at its core.
But, beyond sumptuous lines, the fashion of the 1950s can be summarized in Marilyn Monroe’s ‘silly little dress’ subway moment or the curve-enhancing waist belt Audrey Hepburn wore.
Weekly Newsletter
Keep up with the latest in fashion, beauty and style!