Steps

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. --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.
5. 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).
6. 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.
7. 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 hairstyles are shown.