The 1950s Women’s Fashion

Introduction: Ten Years of Aesthetic Evolution

This or that the 50th years for the women’s fashion was the beginning of a new epoch, moving out from the narrow and strict post-war clothing into one of the most significant, stylish and sexual periods of the 20th century. This period was dramatic in sense of fashion, where tradition and newly evoked modernity of Femininity were much in demand.

Background to 1950s Fashion

Post-War Economic Boom

Socio economic development of the 1950s had a big impact on fashion designing like any other field. Enhanced disposable income and manufacturing technologies well explained the desynchronized, more complex, fashionable and varied women wears, compared to the previous decades of the 1900s.

4. Social and Cultural

This is the area where the effect of different social and cultural factors on banking is examined as well as the future research directions are presented.

• Hollywood glamour
  ; New middle class desires
• Changing gender roles
• Emerging consumer culture

The Silhouettes Redefining Society of the Decade

The New Look by Dior

: The New Look of Christian Dior redefined women the world over during the Post World War II era. Characterized by:

• Cinched waists
• Full, midi-length skirts
  Celebrating asexuality or focusing on one’s hourglass figure
• Celebrating feminine curves

Iconic Dress Styles

1. Circle Skirts

• Wide, voluminous skirts
  Where it is usually accompanied with petticoats
  Designed for dancing and social type functions

1. Shirt Dresses

• Practical yet stylish
• Buttoned front
• Belted waist
  Convenient day to evening look

Conclusion on Fabric and textile innovation

Materials of the Era

• Nylon
• Cotton
• Wool
• Silk
• Synthetic blends emerging

Patterns and Prints

• Polka dots
• Gingham
• Floral prints
• Geometric designs
• Pastel color palettes

Accessories: Completing the Look

Headwear

• Pillbox hats
• Wide-brimmed sun hats
• Scarves
• Elegant hair accessories

Gloves and Handbags

• Elbow-length gloves
• Structured handbags
• Matching shoe and bag sets
• Pearl accessories

Bras and Corssiants

Foundation Garments

• Structured bullet bras
• Girdles
• Corsets
• Petticoats
  Focus on making the perfect outline

Casual and Everyday Wear

Casual Fashion Evolution

• Pedal pushers
• High-waisted jeans
• Casual blouses
• Sweater sets
• Easy to wear clothing for home wear

Influential Fashion Icons

Hollywood’s and Celebrity Effect

• Marilyn Monroe
• Grace Kelly
• Audrey Hepburn
• Elizabeth Taylor

Their Signature Styles

Of Monroe’s glamorous curvaceous figure looks

• The mature sex appeal of putting it all out there for your man in style and class
• Hepburn’s minimalist chic
• Taylor pasted in Hollywood glamour, which in itself was dramatic.

Working Women’s Fashion

Professional Attire

• Tailored suits
• Pencil skirts
• Structured blazers
  – Low cut yet formal prints

Beauty and Grooming Trends

Makeup and Hairstyles

• Red lipstick
• Winged eyeliner
• Beautifully groomed haircuts
• Pin curls
• Victory rolls

Global Influences

GlobalFashionPatterns

• French haute couture
• American ready-to-wear
  – New born global fashion operating platforms
• Style exchange between different cultural contexts

Technological Changes in Fashion

Manufacturing Innovations

• Mass production techniques
• Synthetic fabrics production
  Positive: Enhanced construction in a garment
  affordable clothing brands

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Impact on Today’s Fashion

• Vintage revival
• Retro-inspired design
  – More appreciation of pillared and well structured ethnic apparels
  Sophisticated style that characterizes furniture of the fifties

Conclusion: A Decade of Change in Fashion

Fifty years stands in fashion history as a perfect combination of optimism of a post-war society, new femininity, and refined design. These stylish figures are still relevant up to this day inspiring designers and fashion lovers of what has once was an era of glamour, beauty and freedom that woman’s fashion symbolizes.