The 1950s was a time that epitomized traditional movie-star glamor.
The fashion highlights of the time included more traditional feminine attire that accentuated the female body and gave your outfits a more pristine and polished look.
The chic and retro fashion of the 1950s has been emulated throughout the decades, and 2022 is set to revamp these classic styles!
All About Balance
The people of the 1950s had just overcome a very difficult time. They craved balance and stability, and this was evident within their outfits.
Think color coordination, matching colors, matching patterns — all pieces of your ensemble fit together perfectly.
For example, those sweater and matching skirt sets we talked about in my Sexy Valentine’s Day Date Night Looks blog or those brightly colored crewneck and sweatpants outfits that are all the rage lately!
So, pick your favorite bold color or design, and build your wardrobe around your choice.
Don’t forget the accessories! They provide a quick and easy way to give your outfit a little extra flair while letting your clothes stay at peace with each other.
Popular Prints
Another staple of the 1950s, patterns and prints like stripes, polka-dots, and even smaller, embroidered floral prints were used as a great way to incorporate some flourish to your outfit without going too over the top.
Typically, these patterns were paired with plain colored pieces: think dresses in black and white herringbone or dark blue and white stripes.
The polka-dot look in particular, however, pairs especially well with the bright primary colors of red, blue, and yellow that were popular at the time. Additionally, these prints work wonderfully when used as accessories like a scarf, hat, or headband, if you’re looking to add some dimension to your ensemble.
You can even add in some embroidered floral dresses or skirts, if you’re looking to give your outfit a more feminine flair!
Shirtwaist Dresses
Now, I’m not talking about the oversized unisex t-shirts that college girls wear around campuses.
These shirtwaist dresses exhibit more feminine details like a cinched waist and a flattering A-line skirt. They typically have a button up shirt-like top with a belt to wrap around the waist, giving the look a more feminine shape.
One benefit to these dresses is you can pull almost your entire outfit together with just one piece, and it gives you a clean, polished look that’s comfortable and easy to wear.
I would stick to a single solid color like bright blue or emerald green or even a subtle floral pattern, if you’re looking to incorporate a little more panache. Pair them with a small heel or ballet flats and a light jacket or cardigan to give you that simple, yet put-together style.
Silk Blouses
Whether you’re looking for something to wear as you return to the office or just on a day out with your girlfriends, a silk blouse is a great addition to your wardrobe.
They’re classy, elegant, and can be worn for pretty much any occasion. I mean, these airy blouses make you feel like you’re walking down the streets of Paris on your way to meet your French lover for a picnic under the Eiffel tower or taking a shopping trip down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées!
They reflect a simple sophistication and charm.
If you’re looking to add some shape to this fluid material, avoid tucking it into your well-fitting jeans, as this can damage the silk. Try using a loose elastic to imitate a tucked shirt or try adding a soft belt at your waist to highlight your body’s natural curves.
And when you’re ready to put your silk blouse back in your closet — beware of moths! Storing lavender or cedar wood oil with your clothes works as a natural alternative to harsh commercial mothballs (and smell so good!).
Pleated Skirts
Now, you may think the 1950s were just poodle skirts and aren’t similar to any popular skirts of 2022. Although, if you want to revitalize and bring circle skirts back, by all means be my guest! I think they’re really fun!
However, you would be surprised to see that the pleated skirts of that era are almost identical to the ones we know today. The big difference being the length — our modern skirts tend to fall somewhere mid-thigh to right above the knee, whereas in the ‘50s they fell just below the knee.
The pleating provides just enough fabric to make you feel like an enchanted princess when you twirl!
They are flattering, with a bounce that shows off your fabulous legs, and the skirts themselves are extremely versatile. You can wear them with just about anything! Make it casual with a T-shirt or crop top and sneakers, or dress it up a little with a flattering silk blouse and leather jacket.
No matter which you choose, these skirts are flirty and fun and are a great way to add a hint of girlish flair to any ensemble.
Pencil Skirts
If you’re looking for a more polished look, then pencil skirts are the way to go. A well-fitting pencil skirt with a thin slit paired with a blazer and a cute bralette or crop top is a sleek go-to look for a night out.
For more everyday wear, you can pair these skirts with a flouncy blouse and some heels or knee-high boots for a great business-casual look.
Of course, back in the ‘50s, the hem of the skirt would extend to or just below the knee. This length still works today to accentuate the natural curves of your legs — if you’re willing to give it a try! If you do go this route, I suggest pairing it with a tucked in button-up or light cashmere sweater with some kitten heels.
Throw on a smaller jeweled statement necklace or scarf and you’ll be good to go!
The Fashionable Tie
It’s time to embrace your inner Daphne Blake! Even though this loveable cartoon is set in the late 1960s/early 1970s, her neon green ascot was actually a trend that started long before.
Although originally made for men and didn’t gain steam for women until the 1950s, it has since been weaving its way slowly but surely back into current styles.
These scarves are a great way to add a little pop of color into your wardrobe. I believe the brighter and more vibrant the better; however, you can also incorporate ascots with a floral or polka dot pattern to add in a little extra flair.
If ascots aren’t for you, a silk scarf can be worn in a loose knot around the neck or you can loop it through your hair to give your ponytail more of a flirty bounce. You can even wrap one around your head and add some large, black sunglasses if you really want to embrace the retro LA movie-star look!
These scarves work best when paired with a simple silk blouse or shirtwaist dress for that more vintage and classic style, but you could also pair it with a graphic tee for a more casual vibe.
Kitten Heels
While six-inch stilettos are fun for a night out on the town, unless you have really good insoles, they aren’t the best go-to for everyday use.
Kitten heels provide a much more practical alternative without you having to sacrifice heels themselves.
Because these shoes were designed as training heels for teenagers transitioning into high heels, there have always been plenty of fun, colorful options to choose from. Why not try out a red polka dot heel paired with your white shirtwaist dress? Or maybe you’d rather try a more modern twist?
Kitten heel knee-high boots add a sleek style to any ensemble, and they pair well with both skirts and jeans!
Oxford Shoes
These British-born shoes give a chic and classic vibe to any outfit.
Typically, they are most popular in the traditional brown or black color, however you can spice it up by purchasing a dark green, blue, maroon, or even white colored shoe if you’re looking for something with a little more pizazz. They come in various styles, as well.
If you prefer to stay on the feminine side, an oxford shoe with a petite heel would be an adorable addition to a long flowy dress or a skirt and blouse combo — such as Taylor Swift’s laced high heeled oxford obsession back in 2014!
But, if you prefer a more gender-neutral look, some black loafers or an oxford shoe with a slight platform would look great with some jeans or plaid-patterned slacks.
Scarlet Red Lips
Red lips have always been a timeless, classic look through the decades.
While over the past few years, the trends have seemed to lean toward more nude, pink, and even purple shades of lip color, nothing compares to that bold and beautiful scarlet red.
The reason this trend never seems to go out of style is probably because red lips have a way of elevating even the most casual of looks (like, say, jeans, a graphic tee, and a knit beanie) to the next level.
I mean — you could walk out of the house in that baggy sweater your ex-boyfriend left at your place, after breaking up with you via text, and, while still ugly crying, you throw on some red lipstick and bam! It will look like you have your life together and spent the last hour getting ready.
Red lipstick works like magic. It’s confidence in a tube!
Tune in next week for the second part of our 1950s series, which focuses on what made 1950s style so recognizable — and how we are incorporating that style in 2022!