Outfits of the '50s
The 1950s was a decade of conservatism and the clothes reflected this attitude. Dissimilar to the 21st century --- where anything goes in the fashion world --- it was dominated by skirt and pant lengths, blouse and shirt styles, sweater fabrics and shoe styles. The '50s style and time period is often celebrated with special parties and events.
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Women
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Textured, wool skirts were worn by mature women. Watch an old "Ozzie and Harriet" TV episode and see mom wearing her shirtwaist dress and pumps while taking care of her family. Chanel suits were popular with the boxy, classic jackets and slim skirts in textured wool tweeds. The A-line shape dress came into fashion as well as looser fitting shift styles. Synthetic fabrics made their way into the fashion world during the 1950s --- cutting down on pure cotton and wool fabrics that required ironing. Women rarely left home without the new seamless nylon stockings.
Men
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Men wore thin ties and cardigan or pullover sweaters. During the '50s, work attire for most businessmen was a conservative single-breasted suit. White, crisply starched button-down shirts were part of the work uniform. Ties were thin and pants were often made from bulky fabric. Patterned sport coats were worn for casual events. Hats were generally part of the ensemble when heading for work or out for the evening. Sport attire included knit button-down shirts under wool cardigan sweaters. Brightly patterned Hawaiian shirts were also popular for casual wear.
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Teens
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Teenage girls enjoyed cashmere sweaters and saddle shoes. The ever-popular felt skirt adorned with a large poodle on a leash is still a mainstay outfit today for costume parties with a 1950s theme. Stiff crinolines plumping skirts were worn regularly. Two-tone saddle shoes and matching socks completed the look. Cashmere sweater sets in all colors were a fashion statement for teens that were lucky enough to have a generous clothing allowance. Boys wore khaki pants with button-down woven shirts, covered by leather jackets adorned with school insignias.
Accessories
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Gloves were a must for women's wear --- available in many colors --- often worn for job interviews and luncheons. For those who could afford fur, jackets with fur collars and cuffs were worn for special occasions. Women preferred large handbags with shoulder straps to carry all their belongings. A string of pearls added a special touch many outfits. Millinery shops offered a wide variety of designer hats to perk up an outfit. However, as the 1950s progressed, hats were discarded to show off the new hairdos. Sunglasses with large wing butterfly-like sides were introduced in this period.
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References
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