1950's Fashion Trends

The fashion decade of the 1950s was unlike any other decade in history. It was filled with new clothing, different styles, and unique trends. This gave many people an exciting new and improved look into the world of fashion. Iconic fashion designers developed trends and styles in fashion which lived on throughout the decade and many years following. In the 1950s, Fashion was expressed in several new ways which set the newest trends in society.

This decade, was filled with creative and new styles with help from the best fashion designers of that decade. The top designers of the 1950s were Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga, Hubert de Givenchy, Coco Chanel and many more. Christian Dior is one of the biggest brands in the world, with some

of the most sales. His fashion brand began in the early 1950s, with him being one of the top fashion designers of that decade. Christian Dior started the iconic hourglass figure of that decade as well. He used as much fabric has he could designing clothing, while making his clothing perfectly fitted as well. Just like Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga used an exaggerated amount of fabrics as well. He used petticoats, lace, heavy floral, and bright fabrics to make his clothing stand out. Hubert de Givenchy stated the quote, "All a woman needs to be chic is a raincoat, two suits, a pair of trousers and a cashmere sweater" (Dudbridge). Making Audrey Hepburn an iconic model of elegance, he designed her in the perfect little black dress worn in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Most importantly, Coco Chanel who is still one of the biggest fashion brands in the world. She re-established herself in the 1950s, after having to close her shop because of the effects of WWII. Chanel did not agree with the other fashion designers on using an excessive amount of fabric. She had a very simple style that was still very eloquent.
Furthermore, styles and new trends seem to be continually evolving nowadays, but during the decade of 1950, most of the trends stayed consistent for many years. Some women's styles presented the figure of being very classy and wealthy, they would wear a full skirt no shorter than mid-calf. With a petticoat underneath to give the skirt volume. Sometimes woman would wear a pencil skirt with a sweater tucked in for a more mature look . Meanwhile, teenage girls wore different clothing from their parents. The girls wore brightly colored dresses or tight tops with Capris, and Oxford shoes. This was similar to how their moms dressed was the look of the dresses was a tight waist and a flowy skirt.
In addition, hair and accessories also set new trends in society.

There were several different ways women wore their hair during this decade. Natalie Reynolds states, "Women would wear their hair with a wave or curl, a French pleat or pony tail, embracing the beehive look” (Reynolds). And men would style their air by using grease or gel. Accessories are one of the main things that tied the whole outfit together. Outside of the house almost all women wore classy gloves up to their elbows. In the warmer months shorter glovers were worn only leading up to a little of their wrist. Hats were also a go to accessory for both women and men, they were worn mainly during the spring and summer. A lot of jewelry was used on women's outfits to glam it up. Such as, pearls were worn as necklaces, and watches, rings, and earrings were worn for a exquisite look as

well.
On the other hand, the way men picked up new styles and trends differed from the way women did. For instance, women's fashion was influenced by fashion magazines, meanwhile men's fashion was influenced by icons and musicians. The wool jacket was a big trend for men in the 1950s, it had many pockets and was usually worn with colorful, loud ties. Male high school students typically wore suits, or a suit jacket with trousers to school. Also, men in the Ivy League would wear a suit jacket as well, and if not then they would wear a cardigan sweater. Athletes would mostly wear letterman jackets most of the time at school. There was also the "bad" boy look, in which they would wear a T-shirt with a leather jacket, and jeans. Only a few boys wanted to have this look. Instead of vests, and jackets men typically kept warm with sweater cardigans. Later on, polo shirts became popular, being worn mostly on the golf course or sporting events.
Unexpectedly, on a daily basis not all women dressed up head to toe in the newest couture.

Women would wear typical house dresses for chores around the house, errands, or picking up their kids from school. During social gatherings, women would dress up in cocktail dresses or short ball gowns. While men usually always wore suits to any social gathering or formal event. Most clothes were purchased from local clothing shops or boutiques. But the wealthy class, was able to afford the most expensive brand of clothing through the 1940’s and 1950s called Mainbocher. He never designed off-the-rack clothing, and mostly made high-end

couture.
Lastly, during the 1950s the prices were not as high has they are now due to economic increase and inflation. Prices have raised dramatically over the years. During this time a men’s all wool suit would cost around $29, which now would range from $200-$2000. A cotton check dress sold for $3.29, and would now cost around $30. Also, a one carat ring sold for $399, compared to now, in which they sell for around $4000. Name brand items were expensive back then, but not as expensive as they are now. For example, Chanel's iconic purse sold for $220. But now Chanel’s purse would now cost around $1,900.
As you can see, fashion was expressed in several new ways which set the newest trends in society. Throughout this decade, some of the biggest fashion icons began their industry, which are still some of the biggest fashion brands today. The way both women and men would dress defined them based on their wealth, social status, and taste of style. Overall, this decade of fashion was more than just the style of clothes they were wearing, but rather all of the time and creative effort the fashion designers put in. The trends that were started were so iconic and creative that most still live on today, and will for years to come.