As popular as dresses were in the 1950s, they weren’t the only thing being worn. 1950s separates, in the form of blouses and skirts or tops and pants were equally common, especially among casual wear. Adding a cardigan sweater over a dress or blouse not only added a bit of warmth but was the ultimate fashion accessory with both dresses and separates. For colder days, matching short jackets or long overcoats covered her up with elegance.
Separates were an affordable way to create a large wardrobe on a smaller budget. Tops and bottoms could be mixed with each other, and accessories changed from one color scheme to the next. The idea of a capsule wardrobe, while not new to the 1950s, was emphasized much more. Separates were often sold in coordinated sets to encourage women to always be coordinated with her fashion.
Since I have already written about specific 1950s separates in detail, I am not going to re-post it here. However I do have some new photos and history to add.
1950s Fashion Tops
1950s Tops, Blouses and Shirts Styles is a detailed look at the many styles of tops women’s worn in the 1950s. I have added additional details and more pictures about summer tops and party blouses. A new section discusses the knit shirt, aka the polo shirt, as an alternative to the button up blouse.
1956 summer tops
1957 Blouses – more styles formal and informal
1957 knit tops and tailored blouses
1958 sport tops
1950s Sweater Tops
The “sweater girl” look started in the 1940s but became iconic through the snug fitting knit tops and sweaters of the 1950s. They were a big contrast from both the novelty patterned sweaters of the 1940s and chunky knits of the 1960s. See the progression of mid century sweater styles in this article.
1956 cardigan and pullover sweaters
1957 Sweaters
1950s Jackets and Coats
1950s Coats History explores the many styles and purposes of long coats, fur coats, raincoats and mid weight jackets. I added a few new photos to this detailed article.
(R) Swing Coat
1951 Gaberdine Trench Coat
1957 fur trim jackets over suits
Shop 50s Tops
Debbie Sessions has been teaching fashion history and helping people dress for vintage themed events since 2009. She has turned a hobby into VintageDancer.com with hundreds of well researched articles and hand picked links to vintage inspired clothing online. She aims to make dressing accurately (or not) an affordable option for all. Oh, and she dances too.
