Historical Fashion How-To ~ 1950's Part One

  "Part one?!" you ask. Yes, we have come to one of my favorite decades of 20th century fashion, and my inspiration abounds. Why not throw in a two-parter to keep the series going as long as possible? ;) Without further ado I give you part one of our journey into the 1950's.

1950's

 

            

       

   The 1950's is a decade that we in the U.S. often look on as being the "good old days" of American existence. Our economy was good, the World War was a memory, families flourished in comfortable homes, and children played safely in their neighborhoods. However, beneath all the apparent ease were hard times and social revolutions. Racial segregation, the "forgotten war" in Korea, and the rise of subcultures were also part of the era.

   The different aspects of life had an affect on what people wore. The typical woman of the 1950's wore garments with tiny waists and long, full skirts. She might also dress in closer fitting pencil skirts and sheath dresses. There were also swing-back dresses and shirt dresses. Whatever she wore, a society lady would certainly be wearing something feminine without the stiffness and squared shoulders of the previous decade. Pearls, heeled pumps, and immaculate hairdos were a must for an elegant lady.
   At the same time, the lady's teenage daughter might be a bobby-soxer decked out in a poodle skirt, cardigan, saddle shoes and the the famous white socks. Then again, she might be part of a subculture and wear tight black pants with a sloppy sweater and a beret. You see, after the second World War ended, youth began to have their own fashions in {opposition} to what their parents wore.
  

   My full wool skirt, button up white blouse, black heels, and  high ponytail make a base for two 50's looks. The items needed for these outfits should be fairly easy for most gals to find from what they already own. The first look has a Roman Holiday flavor with the shirt's sleeves rolled up and scarf tied under the collar. The second look has more of a teenage flair with a little pink cardigan thrown on over the shirt. Putting the scarf in my hair adds another retro touch. Unfortunately, I don't have the right kind of shoes, or I would have worn them with white socks. ;)

  I must admit that this isn't an outfit which everyone easily throws together from what they already have, but I just had to show you! :) For my high school graduation ceremony, I wanted to wear a sophisticated gown in the style of the 50's. I designed this dress, which my mother made by tweaking a modern pattern. I'm a big fan of the sweetheart neckline and chiffon overlay! To complete my vintage look, I styled my hair up in a French twist (or rather, my off-the-cuff long hair version of a twist...), put on a pearl necklace, and stepped into my silver heels!

                                            


   I hope that you enjoyed learning about 1950's fashion! I was in my element, in case you couldn't tell. ;) My next historical post will have two more 50's outfits. Until then, stay stylin'!

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

 ~Hebrews 13:8