Apr 23, 2019

A Sign of Times 1950’s

Anna Espindola has been contributing with articles on trends in fashion and how fashion has been influenced through history. Here is her installment on the 1950's. Thanks again, Anna for these wonderful articles!


1950's style clothing is timeless. Cool cats and hipsters made the 1950's decade iconic for the youthful freedoms and fun sense of style. Fifties fashion goes beyond poodle skirts and saddle shoes and teenagers were not the only ones setting clothing trends. 1950's housewives played a role in defining the ultra-feminine style we love to wear today.


I am really in love with all these vintage dresses; I hope this article will spark joy in you to make some amazing outfits.







Here is a cool video of the 50’s:

https://video.vogue.com/watch/vogue125-anniversary-video-fashion-history-sarah-jessica-parker

And, of course, I also have a little summary:


1950’S

OVERALL MOOD

Conformity
White Picket Fences
Return to old standards
Improved quality of family life


POLITICAL & HISTORICAL EVENTS

Baby boom
Women back in traditional roles


ECONOMY

Income rising
Prosperity
Credit
More imports Movie Industry expands, goes public


TECHNOLOGY

Improved public transportation
Improved communications: TV popular
Development of more synthetic fabrics and finishes
Diner’s Club, first modern-day credit card
TV Dinners


LIFESTYLE & SOCIAL VALUES

Move to suburbs
Buy new homes, appliances, furnishings
Increased leisure time for sports & recreation
The station wagon culture
Emergence of “Good” Girl vs. “Bad” Girl


MASS MEDIA & THE ARTS

Leave it to Beaver
Birth of Rock ‘n’ roll
Rebel Without a Cause


INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE


Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Elvis Presley


KEY DESIGNERS

Christian Dior
Givenchy
Chanel
Balmain Balenciaga


RESULTING FASHION TRENDS


Influence of Dior’s New Look continues
Feminine shape, vanishing waist, conical breasts
Girdles and bullet bras
Sweater sets, full skirts
Ivy League looks
Emerging rebel look: jeans, white t-shirts, leather for guys; slim fitted dresses and capri pants for gals








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