50s Clothing Style

The origins of 1950s fashion began with Christian Dior’s “New Look,” in 1947. The “New Look” consisted of a below-mid-calf length, full-skirt, pointed bust, small waist, and rounded shoulder line.  

The look became popular post WWII.  At first, the style was not well received by Americans; however, that quickly changed as the trend dominated fashion magazines.  Other styles that became popular during the post-war period were “a tailored, feminine look with gloves and pearls, tailored suits with fitted jackets with peplums, with a pencil skirt. 

 Day dresses had fitted bodices and full skirts, with jewel or low-cut necklines or Peter Pan collars.  Shirt-dresses and halter-top sundresses were also popular.  

Skirts were narrow or very full, held out with petticoats, while poodle skirts were a brief fad.  Gowns were often the same length as day dresses with full, frothy skirts, and cocktail dresses were worn for early-evening parties.  Short shrugs and bolero jackets were often made to match low-cut dresses.