Women's fashion of the 50s

It often happens that the new turns out to be well forgotten by the old. This trend is also typical for the fashion industry. The cut of many wardrobe items, design options and other parameters turn out to be a legacy of the style of distant years. For example, in recent seasons, some styles from the 50s are more relevant than ever. Let's try to understand the main fashion trends of this period and trace their connection with modern ones.

Features of women's fashion of the 50s and a little history

It is sometimes impossible to study the style of a certain time without reference to historical events. History often has a direct influence on the formation of fashion trends. In the period immediately after the end of World War II, women's outfits were not much different from men's; their main characteristics were simplicity, convenience and good quality. It was somehow irrelevant to think about beauty, and especially the variety of wardrobe.

But time passed, and the world began to gradually recover after difficult trials.People, as they say, were in dire need of positive emotions, and for women one of their sources has always been beautiful clothes, accessories and overall visual attractiveness. Fashion creators could not help but recognize this desire of the fair sex to feel feminine and graceful again.

One of the main “moods” of the 50s style in clothing was set by Christian Dior. The new style he presented - New Look - became a kind of guideline that was followed when creating wardrobes and accessories for many years to come. Its main feature is its hourglass silhouette. In dresses of this cut, the waist seemed incredibly narrow, the chest was emphasized high, and the hips were rounded.

Reference. Attire elements such as a corset and crinoline were not something new. Dior simply turned to the “well-forgotten old” when creating clothes. The secret of the incredible popularity of New Look is that clothes in this style appeared at the right time - femininity and elegance during the period of asceticism were very useful.

Dior himself soon became bored with this style, and every season his shows showed new interesting images. But New Look continued to exist without its creator. Dresses of a characteristic style, which required many meters of fabric, and elegant accessories that complemented the feminine look - bags, hats, gloves - remained at the peak of popularity for a long time.

Another truly great fashion designer who set the tone for fashion of the time was Cristobal Balenciaga. His clothes could be called a work of art in every detail - even the smallest stitch was perfect.The clothes did not require wearing corrective elements and underwear, and therefore were not only stylish, but also comfortable. In the history of clothing creation, the 50s are called the era of this brilliant couturier.

The inventions of this fashion innovator include:

• A-line dresses;
• balloon skirts;
• loose tunic dresses;
• outfits that are closed in front and expose the back;
• sleeve ¾ - the so-called bracelet;
• straight cut outfit;
• loose jackets;
• coat;
• high waist.

Reference. Mademoiselle Coco, no less famous in the fashion world, called Balenciaga the only fashion designer who can independently go through all the stages of creating an outfit - from sketch and pattern to the final stitch on the dress.

By the way, Chanel herself continued to set her own style in the fashion world after the war. Her outfits of the 50s were no less feminine than those of Dior, but the effect of a thin waist was achieved not thanks to a rigid corset - this was facilitated by the correct choice of style and a special cut.

The outfits of the “kings” (and “queens”) of fashion were worn by such famous ladies as Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were the style icons for girls of those years.

Style of clothing and accessories of the 50s for women with photos

You can talk about the features and bright ideas of fashion of the 50s for a long time - the topic is very interesting. However, just from the short review above, it is clear that it was distinguished by its brightness, variety, and was ultra-stylish.

Elements of clothing born in this era are today considered “timeless” classics and more relevant than ever.

The second decade of the 2000s marked the beginning of a “triumphant” return to fashion of clothing and accessories with the characteristic features of the style of the 50s. This:

• outfits with an hourglass silhouette and a full, layered or pleated skirt;
• dresses with a seam waist, a semi-sun or sun skirt and a V-neck;
• tweed suits with a fitted jacket and straight-cut skirt;
• A-line dresses;
• pencil skirt - as an independent item of clothing or an element of a two-piece suit;
• sheath dress;
• high-waisted outfits.

Prints such as polka dots, checks and stripes, characteristic of dresses and skirts of that period, do not lose their relevance today. As for accessories and shoes, today pointed-toe shoes with medium heels, shoes with a heel slightly angled inward or decorated with rhinestones still look stylish. It was in the 50s that the so-called ballet flats appeared, without which, perhaps, not a single fashionista can do.

In the mid-20th century, it was customary to emphasize the waist with a wide belt - even today it can become a successful addition to the image. Just like pearls, jewelry made from which was at the peak of popularity at that time.

The return of the 50s style is no coincidence - dresses and other outfits of that time were distinguished by their bright style and variety of cut, but their common feature was incredible femininity and elegance of the silhouette. These two characteristics of women's clothing can perhaps be called basic for any items that form the image of each representative of the fair sex.