1950's Fashion

1950s Fashions Fashion and makeup trends in the 1950s reflected shifts in popular culture and were heavily influenced by film stars and television. A thriving youth culture contributed to changes in fashion, which were generally less conservative than in past decades. The exception was men's fashions, which became more subdued in the 1950s and included dark gray, blue, brown, and black suits. However, the Beatnik generation also contributed to fashion trends, and leather, denim blue jeans, and sneakers were also popular in the 1950s, especially among teenagers.

Rock and roll also influenced the "greaser" look that developed around that time. The cult of the housewife similarly impacted new looks developing throughout the decade. A rise in consumerism encouraged many people to amass large, colorful wardrobes. One of the most well-known fashion trends from the 1950s was the poodle skirt. Poodle skirts were round-cut, calf-length, full skirts, cinched at the waist. An applique of a poodle on the bottom left of the skirt was common, but other motifs were also used.

Basic circle skirts, also calf-length or cut just below the knee, were common. Most were pleated, slightly puffy to maximize their "swing." Almost all 50s dresses and skirts accentuated the waist with a narrow, high waist band or a thin belt to cinch the waist of a full dress. The Christian Dior "New Look," a term first coined by Life magazine, fit into these skirt trends. The "New Look" entailed a full, calf-length skirt, nip waist, and a fitted complementary jacket.

In order to maintain the puffy, flowing feel of skirts, most women wore petticoats. Petticoats were commonly made of nylon, stiffened through the use of starch or washing sugars. Some women wore Victorian-style crinoline petticoats that were made out of nylon, with an extra layer of fabric placed on top to soften the look of the boning (Thomas). In addition to the petticoat, an essential undergarment in the 1950s was the pointed bra. These formed bras gave a distinct shape to the female figure.

The hourglass effect was further amplified by the cinched waist; circle or poodle skirts accentuated the hips, too. Most women did not wear pants in social or office settings. However, skirt and dress suits did become highly popular casual wear. Coco Chanel designed her famous Chanel look during the 1950s. Unlike Christian Dior's New Look, Chanel's suits were more tailored, cut slimmer to fit the wearer's form. Chanel suits also used rich and distinct fabrics like highly textured, thick tweed.

Trim and piping on Chanel jackets were often thick fabric braids. Linings were made from colorful, sensual silks. Sometimes clunky chains or other accessories were sewn onto the suits for adornment. Chanel jackets did not have collars, unlike the high collars that were generally popular during the 1950s. However, Chanel suits remained true to the cinched-waist look. Except for the Chanel look, shirts and dress tops tended to be collared, some with bows at the top. Shirts and jackets were usually button-down. Sleeves were short or three-quartered.

Even short sleeves were sometimes cuffed at the bottom. However, sleeveless tops, spaghetti straps or tank tops were unpopular except at formal evening functions, when strapless dresses had rigid boning at the top of a long, full skirt. Accessories were all-important in the 1950s. Women sometimes wore short white gloves and short satin scarves tied in a knot around their neck. Handbags ranged in style and included round boxy ones that looked like hat boxes. One of the most notable fashion trends in the 1950s was the stiletto heel.

Invented by Charles Jourdan in 1951, the stiletto replaced earlier chucky heels. Women still wore pumps and other, more conservative footwear, but the stiletto became immensely popular. Moreover, shoes came in every possible color, to match any outfit. In the 1950s, shoes were an integral part of the ensemble. Sandals and pumps with the toes cut out grew in popularity, as did saddle shoes, "winkle pickers," or pointy-toed shoes, penny loafers, colorful sneakers like Converse's, and clear plastic high-heeled sandals. Women often carried umbrellas as a fashion accessory.

In some cases, the umbrellas had a six-inch steel spike at the end that matched the pointy spike of the stiletto heel. Spike-tipped umbrellas doubled as a weapon of self-defense for women walking alone (Thomas). Costume jewelry included strands of beads and pearls, but the most funky fashion accessory trend during the 1950s were the bejeweled butterfly glasses. These spectacles were truly a sight to see: not only were they brightly colored, adorned with glitter and rhinestone studs, but they also had elaborate butterfly wings at the corners.

The butterfly winged spectacles mirrored the eye makeup trends of the time. Eyeliner, rich and black, usually tapered well past the outer corner of the eye for a dramatic elongated effect. Eye shadows were rich: daytime tones were muted and neutral but at night a wild range of colors could be worn. Although.