1950’s Fashion Trends

So what were the 1950’s fashion trends that made the decade stand out in the history of fashion? Why is the decade often heralded for the styles it has contributed? 1950’s fashion stood out due to its structured line and minimalistic approach to fashion. Today the trends have seen a resurgence.

In the wake of the Second World War, fashion as was known then, took a U-turn, and therefore 1950’s fashion trends were decidedly different from the earlier decades with silhouettes becoming more tailored and fitted. If you take a look at the 1950’s fashion history, you will see what an impact the trends from this era have had on the clothes we wear today. Most trends from the 1950s have seen a revival in the recent past with celebs like Christina Aguilera and Scarlett Johansson often sporting 1950’s fashion.

1950’s Fashion Trends for Women While the 1940’s was all about short skirts and wide shoulders, fashion

in the fifties experienced a sea change with hourglass silhouetted clothes becoming the trend of the decade. The patterns of skirts became very different from the earlier decades with the most popular patterns being the poodle skirt and the circle skirt for younger women, and pencil skirts becoming a favorite with slightly older women. Dress patterns also changed quite a bit with strapless dresses with full skirts becoming quite a rage. The popularity of these patterns of full skirts could also be credited to the advent of swing dancing. Another dress pattern that was widely worn was the chemise dress that was straight cut and did not have a defined waist. This allowed the woman wearing the dress to decide what part of her waist she wanted to define by clinching the dress with a belt. The belt could be worn as high or as low as the woman pleased. Chemise dresses were flattering on most figures and therefore, were worn by most women in the 50’s.

1950’s fashion for women

also saw a switch from carrying shawls to wearing coats. Long coats that flirted with knee length and had loose sleeves became the clothing item to possess. Coats for evening wear were often made of silk and trimmed with fur. With fur becoming a status symbol, which was affordable only for the rich, a whole new market of imitation fur opened up to cater to the increasing demand. Many designers also used feathers in their designs. The long lasting popularity of animal prints, especially leopard prints can also be traced to the 1950’s fashion trends. This was the era in which necklines such as halter necklines, shawl collars, and round collars caught on. Amongst sleeve patterns, short sleeves, kimono sleeves, and rolled up sleeves were very popular.

There are many 1950’s fashion trends that have come back into fashion today and are a huge hit on the runway. Chief among these trends are checked clothing. Tartan and gingham are also hugely popular today and are definite to be around for a while. Floral patterns are a big trend from fifties fashion that will give you a huge thumbs up on any style barometer. 1950’s fashion trends was revolutionary in a way that it changed the manner in which people dressed up and presented themselves. It was in this decade that individuality, which became the keyword for 60’s fashion, started gaining prominence.

1950’s Fashion Trends for Men 1950’s fashion for men placed comfort much above fashion trends. Therefore, most clothing for men from the 1950s was structured and easy to manage. Tweed and flannel became very popular with men wearing jackets made of tweed very often. Suit jackets with stripes became as much in demand as plain colored jackets. While for formal wear, the trousers remained fitted and creased, it was in this decade that bell bottoms made their first appearance. Even denim jeans were more structured and much in line with what fashion trends dictate today. 1950’s fashion trends saw an emergence of shorter and narrower shirt cuffs that made them more comfortable. Sleeves were not baggy but well fitted. The colors that were prevalent for shirts were mostly light colors and many people stuck to white. While till the 1950s, bow ties were pretty prevalent, neckties started gaining prominence now.

One of the interesting 1950’s fashion facts is the influence that Elvis Presley’s style had on men’s wear. Leather jackets became a huge rage, thanks to the King. For casual wear shirts that were chosen often had embroidery. The clothes were hugely influenced by Westerns and cowboy movies. Shirts were often short, loose, and with short sleeves. Hats lost the edge that they had enjoyed till then. Most male students preferred wearing pants made of Khaki, plaid and checkered shirts. Oxford button downs were also popular with students. T-shirts had still not caught on and were generally worn as an undershirt. Celebs like Presley and Marlon Brando pretty much dictated clothing in the fifties.

Apparel

in the fifties underwent a huge departure from the earlier years, and this was a decade that was known for fashion that was largely wearable. 1950’s fashion trends are some of the most classic trends that have withstood the test of time and have retained popularity till date. Even today, there are clothing items from the fifties that are big trends all around the world.