Fad Clothes in the 1950s

Example of a teenagers in the 1950's.

During the 1950s the entertainment industry was influencing trends. The film and television industries, magazines and even rock 'n' rollers were looked up to as fashion icons. This is especially true for celebrities such as Bill Hayley, Elvis and James Dean. This decade led to many changes in fashion, and designers such Christian Dior made names for themselves.

Poodle Skirts and Jumpers

Both poodle skirts and jumpers were a popular trend among teenage girls of the '50s. Jumpers were popular with adult women as well. Poodle skirts were typically made of felt. These full skirts had a French poodle -- or perhaps a flower or flamingo -- appliqued near the hem, and were worn with a blouse or sweater. Jumpers -- sleeveless dresses -- were worn with a blouse or sweater underneath.

Boys' Shirts

Boys wore bowling shirts paired with jeans. Bowling shirts were short-sleeved button-up shirts with collars. They came in various colors and often were embroidered. Black leather jackets and club jackets were also popular with boys and were usually worn over a plain white T-shirt.

Jeans

Jeans were a huge trend in the 1950s, especially with boys. This look was especially popular with "greasers." Girls didn't often wear jeans, but they did like denim "pedal pushers." Jeans spiked in popularity when the movie "The Wild One" starring Marlon Brando came out.

Other Dresses and Skirts

Pleated skirts made of polyester became popular in the '50s, and so did the "sack" -- a straight, waist-less dress. The trapeze dress -- a triangular shape narrow at the top and wide and swingy at the hem -- was another fad. Girls liked to wear layers of petticoats under their full skirts to give the skirt volume and emphasize its circular shape.

References

• Fashion-Era.com: 1950s Glamour - Fashion History in the C20th
• Fashion-Era.com: 1950s Teenage Fashion - Fashion History 1950's Teens
• ThinkQuest: Fifties Fads and Fashions