At first glance, it may not appear that the 1950s and the 2020s really have much in common.
However, while these decades are 70 years apart, the fashion of the two may not be as different as we may think.
If you look closely, you can see a resurgence of 1950s style today in a few of the following ways.
Movie Star Glamor
With easy curls, scarlet red lips, and perfectly manicured nails, the stars of “Golden Hollywood” in the 1950s introduced the era of “movie star glamor”. Celebrities of the time always had to appear looking presentable and polished. Being seen as pristine and well-groomed was considered a social obligation, and this constantly well-kept standard extended outside the realm of Hollywood as well.
Women would typically get their hair done at the salon once a week, and their clothes were always well-pressed, clean, and in good repair. They were always ready for any occasion. Everyday women would try to replicate the trends of the time by watching celebrity fashion icons like the glamor and boldness of Marylin Monroe, the elegance of Audrey Hepburn, and the timeless class of Grace Kelly, who’s wedding dress from her marriage to Monaco’s Prince Rainier III is still considered one of the most memorable and elegant of all time.
Today, we see what is known as the “age of the influencer.” Because of social media apps like Instagram and TikTok, the societal expectation to always look “picture perfect” is higher than ever. Even casual looks have to appear flawless and effortless, like you’re ready to be captured in the perfect lazy candid. Grateful to Photoshop, anyone?
These days, everyone can have a platform, and anyone can gain access to fame with a little hard work and a good-quality camera. Trends spread faster now than ever before and are constantly changing. All it takes is one fashion influencer with a good idea, and the next thing you know millions will be replicating the same style.
Feminine Attire
The 1950s was an era for embracing your femininity, even if you were wearing a pantsuit or slacks. Outfits of the time were elegant, classy, polished, and pristine. Clothes with cinched waists and fitted bodices were worn to accentuate the female body, and even slacks and pant suits were fitted to show off a woman’s natural curves.
Women wanted their style to appear effortless and graceful, with dainty, feminine accessories like pearl necklaces, diamond earrings, and kitten heels.
As women have gained more independence throughout the decades, we are no longer seen as being women in a man’s world. Where once women thought they had to don versions of the man’s suit to gain respect in the boardroom, now they are tapping into their own power and sense of presence and becoming more comfortable wearing feminine clothes. There is power in being who you are.
This generation is challenging the classic ideology that things that are traditionally feminine are considered weak or less substantial than those that are masculine. Feminine styles are no longer seen as “unprofessional,” but rather classy and strong. You can be elegant, graceful, or even decked out in pink from head to toe, and still command a room. We are encouraged to be proud and embrace who we are without being condemned for it. If you want to wear stilettos and a bright pink pantsuit, then by all means you should do just that!
Material and Quality
The booming textile industry of the 1950s brought forth a wave of beautiful man-made fabrics as new and interesting alternatives to natural materials like cotton, linen, wool, and silk. With technological advancements made in synthetic textiles, the price of fabric itself was reduced and the fabrics were available in nearly every finish and color!
Fabric was no longer rationed, and feminine, cheerful patterns like polka-dots, stripes, and florals dominated the post-war fashion scene, giving women post-war choices and a chance to incorporate more of their personality into their outfits. Clothes were well cared for and the quality material lasted for years, despite everyday wear and tear. New natural and synthetic hybrid blends of fabrics were introduced, which repelled stains and required less ironing!
Today, we are placing more of an emphasis on clothing made from natural materials like silk, cotton, linen, wool, and even hemp! The process of upcycling is gaining in popularity too, which just means that clothing companies are recycling their old clothes and reusing the fabric to create something else.
Our sustainable clothing choices reflect our prioritization of caring for the environment — but it also reflects the innovations recently made for more sustainable clothing. We are slowly drifting away from fast fashion in favor of clothing pieces that are of a higher quality and will last us much longer than a few washes. And (also like the 1950s) we aren’t afraid of adding in lots of bright colors and designs to show off our unique personalities!
Individually Fitted
Most women knew how to sew and alter their own clothes in the 1950s. This was the last big decade for seamstresses before the age of “off-the-rack” at the department store took over. Clothing was altered to fit each individual’s body for, not only a great look, but also extra personal comfort.
Imagine if today you had pants that you could stand up or do the splits in without having to adjust? And if that off-the-shoulder sweater stayed off the shoulder exactly how you arranged it when you put it on that morning? What if there were a way?
Well, fortunately, seamstresses are finally beginning to gain popularity again! With creative, more personalized platforms like Etsy and small seamstress businesses popping up across the country, people are once again learning how to sew and alter for a more individualized fit.
Dresses in particular are especially popular, because how can big-name clothing companies expect a size medium to fit the same on a girl who’s 5’11” and stick-thin as someone who’s 5’3” and curvy? Sure, it may be a little more expensive to have clothes personally tailored to you, but when clothes are made to fit your body (and not the other way around) it can do wonders for your confidence and self-esteem.
Clean, Repair, Mend
Because so much love and care were put into making garments, the 1950s was a time of truly caring for every item of clothing. Most women knew exactly how to get rid of every stain, mend every hole, and wash every material — without looking it up! Although how they did it, I will truly never know!
Even shoes were exceptionally well taken care of and looked after. There was a special emphasis placed on taking care of your possessions so they would last as long as possible.
As this generation starts to lean towards more personalized, higher quality (ergo, more expensive) clothing, it’s only natural for us to want to maintain them. As you start to learn more about those natural materials, it’ll get easier to care for them. While remembering how to properly wash a silk blouse or the correct way to remove a wine stain from your favorite dress may not always be at the forefront of your memory, with access to smartphones and the internet, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge from all the generations before available at your fingertips.
The more we care for our clothes, the less money we have to spend on buying new ones. So, before you throw away a torn jacket or holey shirt, maybe look into trying to mend it instead. Both the environment and your wallet will thank you!
Not Just Clothes!
Not only did the women of the 1950s take top-notch care of their clothes, but also themselves! While it wasn’t broadcasted as much as it is today, self-care was still high on the priority list. Facials, weekly trips to the beauty salon, and bubble baths were normal and expected of women back in the 1950s.
Also, while it wasn’t talked about back then nearly as openly as it is now, women were often encouraged to work out to maintain their figure, whether it be playing sports like Katherine Hepburn (who would play golf, tennis, or swim almost every morning) or regularly lifting weights like Marylin Monroe!
Today, it’s the age of self-care! GenZers are healthier than previous generations, with a strict emphasis placed on maintaining a steady gym regimen and eating organic, non-GMO foods (which is also a bonus for the environment!). While our face masks and bubble baths are still sacred rituals, this generation is going one step further than the rest by addressing and taking care of their mental health on top of their physical health.
Therapy is not only destigmatized but expected during this day and age, and people are openly talking about their personal struggles now more than ever before. Having an open dialog about mental health helps others remember that they aren’t alone and can help those struggling find a sense of community, or even realize that maybe it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis so they can receive the help they need. After all, you are your top priority, and this generation understands that there isn’t any shame in asking for help. One of the best and most important things you can do is take care of yourself.
From the wise words of one of the biggest music stars of today, Taylor Swift, “Happiness and confidence are the prettiest things you can wear.”
