1950s Fashion History and 1950s Costume Guides

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1950s Fashion History

Learn all about 1950s fashion history and how to dress in 1950s style clothing and costumes. Our articles are here to help you create an authentic or vintage inspired 1950s costume for both women and men. The 1950s was a decade where perfect housewives wore full skirt dresses, husbands donned suits and fedora hats and the teenagers danced to Rock n Roll in poodle skirts at sock hops. The fifties style is popular again with vintage clothing collectors, pin ups and Rockabilly trend setters. Whether dressing up for a 1950s themed event, finding a costume for a play, or doing research for a book these articles should help you create the fifties fashion look.

1950s Hairstyles – 50s Hairstyles from Short to Long

1950s hairstyles for women complimented the New Look fashion set in 1947 with hair that was shorter, looser and less work that than previous decades of waves, pin curls and Victory rolls. Women still flocked to the beauty salons for weekly styling but now...

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June 5, 2018

1950s Tuxedos and Men’s Wedding Suits

1950s men's tuxedos, eveningwear or formalwear entered a new age of color, texture, and casual style. That is not to say that formality was gone, it certainly was not, but that relaxed fashion was moving from day to night adding color, cut and li...

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May 22, 2018

50s Outfits- 20 Ideas from Casual to Classy

The 1950s gave us a vast wardrobe to dress in. It was the first decade that made fashion affordable and diverse enough to require the purchase of new clothes frequently. Women's 1950s clothing was sold in coordinating sets to make mixing and matching easier bu...

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March 28, 2018

1950s Dresses Under $50 – USA and UK

I get it. You are going to a one-time event or dressing for a school play or you are a broke college student surviving on cans of soup. Money is tight, budgets are small but you need a 50s dress NOW. Most quality vintage reproduction 50s dresses will run upwar...

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March 12, 2018

1950s Vintage Wedding Dresses & Shoes History

Coming out of the 1940s women were looking too high fashion designers and their Hollywood models for fashion inspiration. The 1950s vintage wedding dress was no different. Brides-to-be flocked to bridal salons inside department stores where they viewed the l...

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March 7, 2018

1950s Bathing Suits, Swimsuits History

Summertime is beach season and that means shopping for bathing suits has begun. Last season I saw a continuing revival of 40s and 50s swimwear. This year the 1950s and 1960s swimsuit styles are taking center stage in the vintage, indie and contemporary fashion...

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February 26, 2018

1950s Women’s Hat Styles & History

1950s hats were still worn daily by most women, however, the trend to go hatless was on the rise especially among the youth who were not advised to wear hats until past the 20 year mark. 1950s hats could be small or large with a low crown and we...

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February 5, 2018

Vintage Boots- Winter Rain and Snow Boots

Knee deep in snow? Sloshing through the mud? Dancing around rain puddle? When mother nature gets wet what in the world is vintage loving gal to wear? This is a BIG question asked every winter. Did women wear vintage boots with dresses? How can I ...

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October 24, 2017

Vintage Flats – History & Pictures

Question: I can't wear heels. What flats can I wear with my {insert decade} dress and still be authentic? The answer to this common question is a tricky one. For the most part, up until the late 1950s, flats, were not an option. There were some low heel sho...

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October 12, 2017

How to Dress for a 50s Sock Hop

A 1950s sock hop is probably the most common event theme of the fifties decade. Visions of teenagers twirling in felt poodle skirt costumes, white lace socks, and saddle shoes make me want to jump in and dance with them. While the poodle skirt look has bee...

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September 11, 2017

How to Dress Retro Vintage Casual for Men

Last week I mentioned the trend for wanting/wearing vintage casual clothing is in high demand this year. Request for men's clothing is usually prefaced with "I don't want to wear a suit" or "how can I work with clothing I already have?" While Oscar thoroug...

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August 22, 2017

Retro Tiki, Tropical, Hawaiian Style Dresses

Ever since WWII ended in the 1940s, Hawaiian print shirts, sarong dresses, and tropical flowers have been popular fashion wear. Men and Women of the late 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s hosted poolside "Tiki" parties complete with tropical drinks with little pin...

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February 17, 2017

Vintage Socks | 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s History

Socks are often overlooked or disregarded as items of little importance. Indeed, socks are hardly perceived as garments of glamour. Despite this, however unimportant they appear; attitudes towards socks has shifted throughout the twentieth century. In part...

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January 31, 2017

1950s Handbags, Purses, and Evening Bag Styles

As bags and purses had established their purpose as an essential accessory during the 1940s, the importance of their role continued to progress into the following decade. By the 1950s, it was generally accepted that women would complete their attire with a...

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January 26, 2017

A History of Belts 1920-1960

This article will explore a history of women's belts 1920-1960. Here I will showcase popular styles, materials, and the way in which belts were generally utilized and included as a fashion accessory. A History of Belts 1920-1960 Whilst belts ca...

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November 23, 2016

Men’s Vintage Workwear – 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s

Lately I have received quite a few questions about men's vintage workwear from the 1920s to the 1950s. Readers want to know what types of clothing were worn to work as farmers, mechanics, groundskeepers, railroad men, delivery drivers and other labor inten...

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November 8, 2016

1950s Fabrics & Colors in Fashion

Manufacturing processes improved greatly in the 1940s so much that ready-to-wear clothing was almost as affordable as fabric alone. The need and desire to sew clothing at home significantly decreased in the 1950s. For those who still chose to sew their own clo...

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October 25, 2016

50s Outfits for Men | 1950s Costume Ideas for Guys

If you think of men's 50s outfit ideas, your mind may immediately conjure up images of rebellious young men in leather biker jackets with greased up pompadour hairstyles. A time where everybody looked like The Fonz, Danny from Grease or James Dean. Well, this ...

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October 20, 2016

Vintage Scarf Styles -1920s to 1960s

Today we take a look at vintage scarf styles in spring and summer weights and how they were worn through each decade 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Later this year we will learn about winter weight scarves and accessories. Vintage scarves have be...

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September 6, 2016

Men’s 1950s Shoes Styles- Classics to Saddles to Rockabilly

The 1950s expanded on the trend of “American informal” fashion. This comfortable new look encouraged everything from hats to shoes to slim down, loosen up and mix up color and texture. For men's 1950s shoes that meant classic men’s footwear such as ...

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August 29, 2016

1950s Shoe Styles: Heels, Flats, Sandals, Saddles Shoes

Fashion in the 1950s brought the world out of the conservative war years and into the dazzling '50s. Dresses were bigger, accessories richer, hairstyles taller, and shoes....well plainer. With so much new emphasis on the rest of women's fashion, 1950s shoe...

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August 22, 2016

1930-1950s Western Wear for Women and Men

Western wear. Denim jeans, plaid shirts, cowboy boots, and hats. The look hasn't changed much in the last 100 years, but there was a time in the mid-century where practical western wear met mainstream fashion and created new styles. It is a part of fashion his...

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August 17, 2016

1950s Bottoms: Skirt, Pants, Jeans Oufits

Last week we looked at 1950s separates: shirts, sweaters and coats. This week we need to look at the other half: bottoms. For women the diversity of 1950s bottoms could be a skirt, pair of pants or shorts in various lengths. For men, pants were worn year round...

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August 4, 2016

1950s House Dresses and Aprons History

Simple 1950s house dresses were the daytime uniform of the dutiful housewife. Complete with coordinated handmade apron, she set about her day running her home. There was no need to fancy fabrics, big collars or elaborate trim on a house dress covered up by an ...

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July 19, 2016

1950s Jewelry Styles and History

In the 1950s, costume jewelry enjoyed a global boom in popularity. Jewelry designs were clean, colorful, ornate, and coordinated to an outfit perfectly. Costume jewelry flourished with increased spending power that this decade yielded. Consequently, 1950...

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July 14, 2016

Men’s 1950s Clothing History: Casual Fashion

Part two of our look at men's 1950s clothing and fashion leaves the dull grey of the workplace behind and enters the vibrant casual clothing world. Read part 1 about men's 1950s business attire here. During the ‘50s, leisurewear for men became very po...

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July 1, 2016

1950s Men’s Fashion History for Business Attire

In the 1950s, men's fashion experienced a new paradigm shift. As always inspired by the youth, but even more so inspired by American casualness. Across the pond, all eyes were looking at American men for clothing designs that embraced the 4 C's: color, com...

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June 22, 2016

1950s Fashion History: Women’s Clothing

Today we start a new series all about 1950s fashion. I have written a number of articles on 1950s women's fashion already, but now it's time to pull them all together, add the missing elements, and explore menswear, too. Let us begin with an ove...

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June 13, 2016

1950s Accessories | 50s Scarf, Belt, Parasol, Umbrella

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of changing the style of an outfit is through the use of 50s accessories. Today I shall be looking at 1950s accessories, and where to find them. Accessories have always played a key role in the creation of...

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June 6, 2016

1950s Shorts History | Summer Clothing

The 1950s decade was the first that embraced women wearing shorts for more than just beach wear or for pinup girls. Women's 1950s shorts came in several lengths and styles to fit a variety of leisure activities women enjoyed. The shortest length was the sh...

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May 12, 2016

1950s Inspired Fashion: Recreate the Look

Continuing with our Recreate the Look series, today I will show you some of the key styles of the 1950s, and how to recreate the looks using 1950s inspired fashion clothing of today. The 1950s heralded in an era of great change. At the beginning of the deca...

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May 10, 2016

Authentic Natural 1950s Makeup History and Tutorial

With the American baby boom and a significant number of women joining the professional workforce in the 1950s, wealth grew and with it the need to keep up with a moving and growing society. The 1950s makeup cosmetic industry exploded with mega br...

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February 9, 2016

1950s Saddle Shoes – Saddle Oxfords

Looking for 1950s shoes? You are probably imaging wearing black and white 50s shoes most associated with young girls and teens wearing poodle skirts or young men ripping it up on the dance floor with the new Rock 'n Roll swing. These classic style fifties ...

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January 4, 2016

Vintage Sweaters & Cardigans: 1940s, 1950s, 1960s

Part two of this series of vintage sweaters continues with the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. These three decades were a time of refinement and embellishment for the plain sweater that had been in fashion since the 1900s. Sweaters in the 1930s moved from sportswe...

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October 21, 2015

1950s Hostess Gown Pant Set- I Love Lucy Dress

Question: I have a friend who is getting married and looking for a specific style for her wedding dress. She want's a split skirt with capris underneath like something Lucy wore. We weren't even sure that look had a name to know what to search for! ...

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May 8, 2015

Vintage Men’s Swimsuits – 1930s, 1940s, 1950s

Daniel asked: I was just wondering, I know what ladies used during the '30s-40s (swimming suits). But what did the men use? Let's take a brief look at vintage men's swimsuits by decade: 1920s Men's Suits- Read this article about men's swimwear in the 1920s...

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May 1, 2015

Perfect 1950s Car Hop Waitress Costume Shirts / Bowling Shirts

Every year Reno, Nevada hosts Hot August Nights, the biggest antique car show on the West Coast. The week’s theme falls heavily on the 1950s complete with sock hop, prom, and rock n’ roll concerts. Many people get dressed in 1950s costumes. Usually women a...

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April 15, 2015

1950s Cocktail Dresses, Party Dresses

1950s cocktail dresses were women's special event dresses appropriate for dinners, parties, and romantic dates! Like most '50s dresses these came down to below the knee and were made of finer rayons, satins, silks, lace, damask and high end c...

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April 14, 2015

Vintage 50s Dresses: 8 Classic Retro Styles

During the 1950s, women wore dresses like we wear t-shirts and jeans today. A vintage 1950s dress was a closet staple and came in a wide variety of colors and two primary silhouettes. Shoulders were narrow and soft. The waist had to be tiny and pulled in ...

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April 13, 2015

1950s Lingerie History – Bras, Girdles, Slips, Panties, Garters

The 1950s were all about glamour, and Hollywood’s Golden Age stars were setting trends that every woman in America was after. Think Jane Russell, Lana Turner, and Marilyn Monroe. Big breasts, big hips, and small waists were a must-- and if you didn't have ...

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February 23, 2015

1950s Stockings and Nylons History & Shopping Guide

A 1950s wardrobe would be incomplete without classic vintage seamed stockings, also simply known as nylons. Of all the mid-century decades, I love 1950s stockings the best. The adorable heel and ankle designs are so fun! Read on to learn more about 1950s nylon...

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January 28, 2015

1950s Coats and Jackets History

1950s coats were beautifully constructed and varied slightly in styles, fabrics and design. Most coats were long, some coming all the way to the ankle and others just below the knee and others sat right around the hip. Typical fabrics included camel hair, wool...

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August 14, 2014

1950s Plus Size Fashion & Clothing History

Vintage plus size fashions in the past have not always been gracious to the fuller figure, but the forties and the fifties brought on a silhouette that was both flattering and attractive for the wearer. From juniors to misses, women's and stout (as plus si...

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August 12, 2014

1950s Prom Dresses, Formal Dresses and Party Dresses

1950s formal dresses, evening gowns, cocktail party dresses and prom dresses were much like the popular dress styles of the 1950s in that accentuated waists with the-bigger-the-better long or tea length skirts were what all women wanted to wear. French...

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August 5, 2014

What Did Women Wear in the 1950s?

What did women wear in the 1950s? Attending Hot August Nights, the largest classic car show in the west, has inspired me to take a look at 1950s fashion for women. My hubby and I usually dress up in vintage or repro '50s clothes before going out to see al...

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July 31, 2014

1950s Men’s Shirt Styles – Dress Shirts to Casual Pullovers

1950s men's fashion have returned to modern wardrobes this year. 1950s men's shirts in particular seem to always get the biggest revival. Dress shirts, button down casuals, polo shirts, even retro t shirts all have their place both in the vintage retro market ...

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June 10, 2014

1950s Bathing Suit Pictures

As a follow up to the 1940s swimsuit history post I was going to write about 1950s swimsuits today, but I am feeling a bit under the weather this week so enjoy this photo roundup instead. All 1950's swimsuits and bathing suits from ads, catalogs, and vintage p...

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May 15, 2014

40 Men’s Vintage and Vintage Inspired Clothing Shops

While the choices of vintage and retro style clothing for women are many, for men there are fewer options. The market for affordable new men's vintage inspired clothing or vintage reproduction clothing just hasn't caught on yet. The best options for men are cu...

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April 29, 2014

Vintage Maternity Clothes History

Having children is wonderful. Being pregnant, not so wonderful. Trying to dress vintage while being pregnant or nursing... challenging. Vintage maternity clothes have a limited history. Being pregnant was a taboo subject, and nursing your own child was out...

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April 3, 2014

1950s Pants History for Women

Women in the 1950s were the first to really enjoy the freedom of wearing pants as acceptable women's clothing. While the women in the 1940s loved their men's inspired slacks, they were gradually losing favor in the 1950s for a more ladylike style. Women's ...

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March 6, 2014

1950s Fashion History

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