The fashion of the 1950s: History, trends, and icons

Throughout history, fashion has been a very relevant aspect for society. In this article, we are going to talk about a decade that undoubtedly marked a before and after in this sector, the 1950s, which defined the world of the runway and great designers.

From this period onwards, fashion underwent a great change for both women and men, becoming more versatile in style, colors, and later setting the guidelines that have defined it to this day.

History of 1950s fashion

After the first post-war years, society returned to everyday life. People left behind years of suffering and deprivation, and in the case of women, they once again felt beautiful and seductive. This part of history is considered the rebirth of fashion and beauty.

The 1950s can be considered the beginning of the fashion design era, where the new trends that emerged reflected a confident and elegant woman.

A decade that began as early as 1947 with the presentation of fashion designs that aimed to restore to the women of that time the glamour and beauty that the war years had forbidden them.

By the early 1950s, fashion designs covered a large part of French fashion exports. Suits to highlight the silhouette, heels to mark elegance, hairstyles, makeup, and accessories that matched the outfit of the moment and imposed class and distinction of good taste, were the hallmarks of the successful “New Look” collection.

Characteristics and trends of 1950s fashion

Clothing

For women, dresses were the look of the moment. They could choose between wearing a dress with a body-hugging style or one fitted at the back with a flared skirt; both styles emphasizing the waist.

Short dresses or skirts were synonymous with disrespect, as were swimsuits, so the length of these garments was below the knees. By the mid-50s, the use of women’s pants could be seen in two styles: one Capri cut (very common today) and another long, fitted at the waist with wide legs.

Regarding footwear trends, high-heeled shoes were the protagonists of elegance.

On the other hand, accessories began to be an important ally to the ladies’ look. The 1950s were characterized by the use of wide-brimmed hats, gloves, and colored plastic glasses. The most common costume jewelry included pearl necklaces and bracelets.

For men, the James Dean style prevailed, a young actor from that era’s cinema who influenced men’s fashion. Jeans predominated with tight white or black shirts and black leather jackets in a “rocker” style.

However, the quintessential garments for gentlemen of that time were formal suits with wide trousers in solid colors, stripes, or checks, vests, with white cotton shirts, ties, and pocket squares (placed in the upper jacket pocket).

Suspenders, gloves, hats, or berets were also common male accessories.

Makeup

Women’s makeup in the 1950s was characterized by pastel-toned eyeshadows, with black feline-style eyeliner. Well-defined eyebrows, use of false eyelashes, and red lips, a tone still present in modern women’s makeup.

Hairstyles

Women also stood out with the hairstyles of the decade. Curls were one of the most famous trends, as was the Italian bun, very common in actress Audrey Hepburn.

Short hair was also favored with pronounced and very sensual waves in the style of Marilyn Monroe, who also popularized the blonde hair color trend among 1950s ladies.

For their part, men did not have many options; short, well-defined hair was enough. They styled it with a side part and a quiff, applying gel to hold the hair firmly.

1950s fashion in Spain

Spain was a protagonist and influencer of 1950s fashion

In Spain, as in the rest of Europe, Parisian fashion, glamour, and the elegance of the European woman marked this period.