How to Dress in 1950s American Style (with Pictures)

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How to Dress in 1950s American Style (with Pictures)
How to Dress in 1950s American Style (with Pictures)

Video: How to Dress in 1950s American Style (with Pictures)

Video: How to Dress in 1950s American Style (with Pictures)
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After World War II, there were some major changes in the world of fashion. The silhouette of 1940's fashion had broad shoulders and short skirts, but the 1950's style resembled an hourglass shape (fitting clothes with small shoulders, small waist, full circle skirt). and higher heels). Although clothing styles have undergone quite a drastic change from the beginning to the end of the decade, there are some staple fashions that continue to trend. If you're interested in dressing in the 50's style, here are a few things to consider.

Step

Method 1 of 2: Understanding Style for Women

Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 1
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 1

Step 1. Find a blouse that fits your body

Shirts with 3/4 length sleeves were popular during the 1950s period. The shoulders fit in the body instead of expanding. However, sleeveless blouses are also popular. A small collar close to the neckline, called a Peter Pan collar, is usually round.

Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 2
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 2

Step 2. Find a jacket that fits your body, with more rounded shoulders

This type of clothing is hemmed at hip height to accentuate a woman's small waist. The collars on jackets are usually small and round in the Peter Pan style, just like on blouses. There were various kinds of decorative pockets and large buttons on jackets in the 1950s.

You can also wear a pearl button-down cardigan that fits perfectly

Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 3
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 3

Step 3. Choose the type of skirt

There were several different types of skirts that were popular in the 1950s. The following are some of the most common styles:

  • Full circle skirt (full skirt). This type of skirt is made up of more fabric, often covered with a petticoat to make it fuller. Fabrics can be sewn in a variety of different ways including loop, wrinkle, pleated, or pleated ways.
  • Pencil skirt. This type of skirt is narrow and straight. The pencil skirt was designed to emphasize a woman's slim waist, which was a very important factor in the 1950s.
  • Swing skirt. This skirt is a knee length skirt which is also known as a poodle skirt. However, the poodle is not the only animal featured on the swing skirt. Almost any animal, insect or flower can be depicted on this type of skirt.
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 4
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 4

Step 4. Try on a shirt dress

Dress shirts were very popular at that time. This outfit has a corset that is shaped like a shirt, with no shrunk or exaggerated waistline. A light belt is often worn with this type of dress.

Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 5
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 5

Step 5. Recognize that as the 50s go on, styles of dress have changed

The following is a sequence of fashion silhouettes after 1955:

  • The A-line look (narrow shoulders and wide hem) was once very popular.
  • Loose-fitting dresses also appeared in the middle of the decade.
  • Women's clothes that are shaped like sacks or sac/sack dresses are becoming very common. This outfit is loose and wide.
  • At this time, the hem of most skirts and dresses is near the knee.
  • The shape of the jacket became like a box and the Chanel look (a type of women's suit) was worn at that time. This look consists of contrasting trim around the hem of the jacket, no collar, and small pockets with contrasting buttons.
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 6
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 6

Step 6. Get the right type of pants

There were several different styles of pants that were popular for women in the 1950s. The pants pipe became narrow during the 50s. At that time pants were very popular and worn at home for comfort.

The capri pants are half calf length; peddle pusher pants are slightly shorter than capri pants; knee-length bermuda shorts. All these pants are worn with flat-soled shoes, ballet-type shoes, and simple sneakers (like the Keds brand). The use of socks is an optional option

Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 7
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 7

Step 7. Put on the hat

Small hats worn close to the head were popular during the early 1950s, but in the years since, flower pot hats have become commonplace. This type of hat is worn higher above the head and larger in shape.

Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 8
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 8

Step 8. Know the hairstyles for women

In the early '50s, women's hairstyles were short, much like Audrey Hepburn's style with short bangs in the front and short, flat layers on the sides and back.

A few years later, women's hairstyles became larger and bouffant, like Elizabeth Taylor's style. This hairstyle is often styled along the shoulders with lightly curled hair in front that continues to the sides in a wavy page boy haircut

Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 9
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 9

Step 9. Purchase some 1950s-appropriate shoes and gloves

Multicolored gloves are worn with the dress. Longer gloves (up to above the elbows) are worn in the evening along with bracelets for a more formal look. While shorter gloves (wrist hand) are worn during the day. Most shoes have a pointed toe and low heels (kitten heels).

Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 10
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 10

Step 10. Carry a handbag

In the 1950s, women's handbags became smaller, often shaped like envelopes. The kelley bag is a simple handbag with a handle. Rattan and gold lame are popular handbag materials.

Most women's handbags have shorter handles (without long straps)

Method 2 of 2: Understanding Style for Men

Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 11
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 11

Step 1. Wear a suit that fits your body

During this era, suits became narrower - with slender trousers with cigarette legs and sack coats (like the Brooks Brothers signature suit). Charcoal gray was a popular color for men's suits at the time. Note: a white shirt is usually worn with this gray after, along with a plain little tie.

Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 12
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 12

Step 2. Ignore the hat

Before the war, all the men wore hats. But into the 50s, hats became increasingly unpopular. Why? Because men started driving more often and hats became inconvenient when worn in the car.

Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 13
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 13

Step 3. Pay attention to the trend of men's shirts

For men, there are many situational fashions that are worn at certain times with certain types of people.

Khaki and plaid shirts or collared Oxford shirts with full buttons are worn by students. Short-sleeved T-shirts are rarely worn because they are considered as underwear. Hawaiian shirts and box shirts are worn in summer

Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 14
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 14

Step 4. Know what pants are in fashion at the time

Pants with slender pipes called cigarette pants are a popular men's style these days. Jeans are usually worn for outdoor wear, but many teenagers wear them everyday. Bermuda shorts are often worn in the summer.

Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 15
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 15

Step 5. Find the right shoes

In the 1950s most men wore Oxfords (often two colors), saddles, or chukka boots. Saddle shoes are leather shoes with two colors (usually black and white) and flat heels. These shoes are usually white shoes with a decorative "saddle" (or saddle in English) in the middle. Chukka boots are ankle-high leather shoes that usually only have 2 to 3 holes for attaching shoelaces.

Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 16
Dress in the American 1950s Fashion Step 16

Step 6. Know the hairstyles for the men

Hair at that time was styled short, in a post-military style. Men began to style their hair longer at the end of the decade, but still trimmed it so that it didn't cover the ears.

A number of men also style their hair into a long, sleek pompadour. Elvis Presley popularized this hairstyle in the 1950s

Tips

  • Use hair spray to get a "big hair style" look. Hair spray will make it stand out more.
  • Stitch pattern: this is great for a fashion look, and includes all accessories that go with the outfit. Even the hairstyle is sewn.
  • Do your research: look for Vogue, Bazaar, Ladies Home Journal, and McCall's Magazine in your library. Weekly magazines like Life and Look are also great for fashion ideas, especially menswear.
  • Wear a waist cincher or setagen for a smaller waistline.

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