After World War II, there were some major fashion changes. The
1940's silhouette had wide shoulders and a short skirt, but the
1950's styles were hourglass in shape (fitted body with small
shoulder, small waistline, full skirt (or thin skirt)and higher
heels). At the end of the decade, a newer fashion look was becoming
popular, later made popular by Jackie Kennedy.
Steps
- Blouse: find a fitted blouse. 3/4 length sleeves are good. The
shoulder should be fitted, not puffy. Jackets were very fitted,
with more rounder shoulders. They were hemmed at the hip level.
Collars were often small and rounded (Peter Pan style). There were
many types of decorative pockets and buttons on jackets in the
1950's.
- Skirt: skirts were full (circle, gathered, pleated or gored),
but some were narrow and straight. In the early 50's the hemline
was very long--usuallly mid-calf. Later the hems would rise to just
below the knee. Some women work petticoats to make the skirts very
full, others wore their skirts without petticoats. Wide belts help
to make the waistline look even smaller.
- Dresses: shirt dresses were popular. These had a shirt-like
bodice, with a gathered skirt. A narrow belt was worn. Other
dresses had fitted bodices with straight or narrow skirts. Solid
fabric, plaids, prints and stripes were all popular. Colors were
bright. Princess-line dresses were also popular (having seamlines
from shoulder to hem for a smooth fit). Often these had empire or
raised waistlines. Shorter jackets were worn with the empire
dresses.
- --after 1955: the 'A' line look (narrow shoulder to wide hem)
became popular. Looser fit dresses were also seen. Sac (or Sack)
dresses were loose and baggy. At this time the hemline was near the
knee. Jackets became 'boxey' and the 'Chanel' look or suit was
worn. This had contrast trim around the jacket edges, no collar,
small pockets with contrast buttons.
- Accessories: small hats were popular, but during the latter
years 'flower pot' hats were seen. These were bigger and higher in
shape. Gloves of all colors were worn with dresses. Shoes often had
pointed toes and thin heels. Handbags grew smaller, often envelope
in shape. The 'Kelley' bag was a simple hand bag with handle. Early
in the 50's hairstyles were short and close (Audrey Hepburn), but
later became larger and bouffant (Liz Taylor).
- Pants: the legs became narrow during the 50's. Pants were very
popular and worn at home and leisure. The Capri was mid-calf
length, peddle pusher was a long short, and Bermuda shorts were
knee length. These were worn with flat shoes, ballet-type flats,
and simple Keds. Socks were optional.
- Menswear: suits were becoming more narrow--with narrow pants,
and a Sack coat shape (Brooks Brother's suit). Charcoal grey was
popular. A white shirt was usually worn with this grey suit, along
with a plain, narrow tie. Hats were loosing popularity as the car
made it difficult to wear when driving. Khaki pants and plaid
shirts or button-down collared oxford cloth shirts were seen on
students. Jeans were for outdoors or teen wear. "T" shirts were
seldom worn alone, being an undershirt. Bermuda shorts, Hawaiian
shirts and box shirts were worn in the summer. Hair was worn short,
in a post-military style.
Tips
- Use hair spray to get the look of a 'big hair' style
- Wear a 'waist cincher' or girdle to get a smaller
waistline.
- Research: look for 'Vogue', 'Bazaar', 'Ladies Home Journal' and
'McCall's Magazine' at your library. Weekly magazines such as
'Life' and 'Look' are also good for fashion ideas, espcially men's
wear.
- Sewing patterns: these are excellent for fashion looks, and
include all accessories that were worn with an outfit. Even
