Fashion of the Fifties

Fashion of the Fifties

Women’s fashion during the fifties was influenced by the war. Since women were working in the factories during the war, they went back to the home when the war ended.  Men became the dominant figure once again, and it was strange to go against them. Christian Dior, a designer, created a fashion show creating the “New Look,” which women followed all through the fifties.  The dresses became more luxurious with the types of fabrics used, and complimented a woman’s figure.  Soft shoulders, full bottoms, and narrow waists became the template for these dresses.  Stiletto’s also became a big trend, and showed off women’s legs.  Not only did they wear dresses and skirts, but pants to.  They were very narrow and slim all the way to the ankle.

 

Men’s fashion remained generally the same after the war period.  They remained clean cut, with grey suits most of the time, becoming known as the “American suit.”  Hair depicted what kind of person you were known as.  Slicked back hair was known as a rebel but there was often the preppy cut.

 

The average teenager, now with some money, developed his or her own style and status.  Teen’s became influenced by rock and roll stars such as Elvis Presley and American fashion influenced European teen fashion.  There were two main types of style, the greaser and the preppy.  The greaser guy wore denim and leather while preppy guys often wore denim and a letterman jacket.  Preppy girls wore either circle skirts or the new pleated skirts made of polyester.

Plaid joined all the generation together.  By the end of the decade, various ages of all body types were wearing plaid and gingham. 


Sources:
http://www.enjoy-your-style.com/1950s-fashion.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1945–1960_in_fashion