Let’s be honest: who doesn’t love some old-school Hollywood glamor on the red carpet? Opting for big bouncy waves, wasp waists, and full skirts, the stars are all paying homage to the 1950s women who spearheaded the vibrant glamor we’ve come to know this decade. .
Discover some of the most glamorous It Girls of our time, including Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe, and their penchant for over-the-top luxury and jaw-dropping jewelry.
What was fashion like in the 1950s?
Compared to modern styles, the 1950s had a more formal feel. When World War II ended and rationing ended, designers utilized previously unavailable fabrics in quantities not seen in years. Christian Dior took the lead in creating a new silhouette, resulting in the floating, wide, circular skirt with a narrow waist and cinched waist, known as the New Look.
© Fred Ramage Christian Dior and two models at the Savoy Hotel in 1950.
In London, a teddy boy look was introduced for teenagers and young adults, which was intrinsically linked to the subculture. Maligned in the newspapers, these rock and roll enthusiasts had a reputation for hooliganism and bad behavior. The look consisted of a draped jacket richly reminiscent of 1940s American zoot suits, styled alongside drainpipe pants with exposed socks and a sleek quiff.
Looking to inject some vintage elegance into your current wardrobe? Keep scrolling…
How to choose a work
We looked at which 1950s fashion trends have really stood the test of time, as well as current items (considering style, price range, and quality) to recreate the look for 2024. did.
wide skirt
© Getty This style was pioneered by Christian Dior
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To celebrate the end of wartime fabric shortages, Christian Dior created bold new silhouettes with its now iconic New Look. Luxurious wide-shaped skirts have captivated women around the world, revolutionizing traditional approaches to feminine silhouettes. Although this style is less common today, it is often used in celebrity red carpet looks to provide a retro appeal.
Emilia Full Skirt – Blossom
free people
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Material Composition: 50% Nylon, 50% Polyester Size: XS-XL
Wearing a skirt that takes up a lot of space will make you look very gorgeous and special. The structured fit with a cinched waist looks great with cropped knits or ruffled blouses. Be sure to leave your waistband exposed to pay homage to the classic ’50s silhouette.
cat eye sunglasses
© GettyThe cat effect is infinitely chic
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Sensual cat-shaped shades first became popular in the 1950s and were often paired with elegant headscarves for an attention-grabbing look. Cat-eye sunglasses skyrocketed in popularity even more over the next decade thanks to OG cat-eye trendsetter Audrey Hepburn.
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Composition: Polarized nylon Lens size: Mini-wide
We’re making a very bold claim and saying that most people look great in cat-eye sunglasses. We’re big fans of this sharply shaped pair, which has a very feminine 1950s vibe with an added edge.
silk scarf
© GettySilk Scarves are extremely versatile
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Ah, the eternally chic silk scarf. Don’t panic. Tie it neatly around your neck, in your hair (great when the weather isn’t nice), or wrap it around your handbag handle and dip your toes in it, and you won’t look like a stewardess. A lady-like atmosphere from the 1950s.
Fly Flora floral-print silk twill scarf
gucci
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Material Composition: 100% Silk Size: Free Size
I went a little over the top here, but I think it’s perfect for the 1950s style. This gorgeous Gucci scarf will add a touch of luxury to any ensemble, and its bright colors are sure to make you feel good.
high waist bikini
© Getty This style is known for flattering the tummy
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The modern bikini was born in 1946, and you can’t imagine how much of a scandal it caused. Belly button! How shocking! But the two-piece became popular in the 1950s, with actresses and models flocking to the beach in this style.
Over the next few decades, the high-waisted bikini went into a bit of a doldrums, but the style was brought back into the fashion consciousness with the likes of Arabella London, Dolce & Gabbana, and Hunza G championing it.
kylie watermelon
paramidonna
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Composition: 97% polyamide, 3% elastane Size: One size fits most
We challenge you not to feel like a 1950s star frolicking on the beaches of Cannes in this flirty ruffled two-piece with a satisfying high waistline.
pencil skirt
© Getty Pencil skirt emphasizing the popular hourglass silhouette
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The pencil skirt came to define workwear in the 1950s, and esteemed designer Christian Dior created his own version for his Fall/Winter 1954 collection. Pair it with a fitted jacket or cropped cardigan for a look that exudes effortless sophistication.
After a decline in popularity, the silhouette came back into fashion in the 2000s, and Roland Mouret’s Galaxy Dress captivated us all (including Victoria Beckham) when it first appeared in 2006.
VB Body Fit Midi Skirt Black
victoria beckham
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Composition: 66% Viscose, 21% Elastane, 13% Polyester Size: 4-18
Of course, when looking for something perfectly tailored and oozing classic femininity, our first turn was Victoria Beckham. This sleek pencil skirt channels an edgy librarian energy when paired with a cropped cardigan or blazer.
gingham
© Photo: Getty Images
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Gingham has been around for a very long time, but there was something about pairing it with 1950s cuts that made the summery, playful pattern really appealing. Why not incorporate gingham check into your wardrobe today? Look no further than Molly Goddard, Rouget, and Shrimps, who often use this print.
barrier linen dress
reform
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Material: 100% Linen Size: 4-16
Looking like it came straight out of 1956, this gorgeous gingham dress has the most perfect silhouette and is perfect for summer, but it also creates a stunning fall fit when paired with a red cardigan, Mary Janes, and socks. Masu.
hourglass silhouette
© GettyThe “hourglass” was a silhouette of the time.
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The hourglass shape, where the bust and hips are approximately the same width, was all the rage at the time and was often achieved with a cinching belt that had the effect of cinching the waist. What is the modern hourglass icon? Kim Kardashian with a capital “K.” But no matter your body type, a wide waist belt will infuse any outfit with Marilyn energy.
oakley leather corset belt
all saints
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Material Composition: Leather Size: XS/X – L/XL
Tighten any outfit into corset territory with this mega belt. The zipper closure eliminates the need to tighten (or worry about) cumbersome laces, and they’re made from soft, supportive leather.
gloves
© GettyGloves was a major accessory trend in the 1950s
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Gloves and fashion have a very interesting history and have long been associated with etiquette, with women of high society wearing gloves whenever they left the house. Shorter styles were considered suitable for day wear, while longer opera styles were considered more appealing for evening events.
In 2024, we’re big fans of the transformative power of gloves. Try adding a pair of silk or lace to your party outfit to instantly upgrade your outfit.
Mia | Silk gloves with side ribbons
cornelia james
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Material Composition: Silk Size: 6-8.5
It’s short, sweet, simple and elegant (I love the ribbon on the side). Wearing these shows you’ve put time and effort into your ensemble, even if the truth is slightly different (a must in your 50s).
cufflinks jeans
© Getty The turned-up look was popular with both women and men.
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Jeans were originally designed for functional purposes, but in the 1950s they became part of everyday wear. Hollywood favorites Marlon Brando and James Dean popularized the turned-up look, and teenagers followed suit. In 2024, the team will wear red shoes.
Italian selvedge Sylvie jeans with turn-up
damson madder
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Composition: 100% Cotton Size: 6-20
Cuffed jeans tend to look more expensive than they actually are, thanks to their dark denim and topstitching. Pair it with a white T-shirt, a rigid denim shirt (for super sharp Canadian tae seeds), and cowboy boots.
Why you should trust me:
Working in the fashion industry is both the best and worst thing that has ever happened to me. Because spending all day surrounded by gorgeous items and trends has ignited my (already strong) shopping habits. I love shopping. I live to shop. In a past life, I worked in personal shopping. If you want to have a heart-to-heart conversation and make a purchase, I would be the best person to accompany you.
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