1950s Inspired Dresses

STYLES-FASHION-1950S

Ah, the 1950s! George Lucas's classic film American Graffiti celebrated its 40th anniversary this summer, and Grease looks as good as ever celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. I look back on these films and get a bit swoony, and I know I'm not alone!

So, what is it about the 1950s that makes it so iconic?

It was an era of youthful optimism: World War 2 had ended and the Korean War would end in the early '50s. The American economy was booming, and every family had a new house, a car, and a bright, shiny new television. It was an exciting period for Civil Rights with Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a bus.

We've got iconic music coming out: rock and roll is coming to life with artists like Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Buddy Holly, while artists like Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, and Hank Williams are forever changing country music. There's also this amazing thing called rhythm and blues, which makes Little Richard, Ray Charles, and Fat Domino household names. And little did they know it, but a group of writers and artists who called themselves the Beat Generation would completely change the course of American arts and culture.

And the fashion. Who doesn't get a bit wistful thinking about 1950s fashion? Americans were inspired by designers like Dior, Chanel, and Givenchy. It was the decade of nipped waists, poodle skirts, ponytails, and blue jeans. And who can forget the arrival of two icons who showed up on the Silver Screen and would forever change the history of fashion, trends, and what is defined as "classic"... Ms. Audrey Hepburn and Ms. Marilyn Monroe.

Characteristics of 1950s Clothing:

Despite our nostalgia for 1950s American fashion, it was still relatively conservative.

- Fashion in the 1950s was dominated by Christian Dior's 1947 design, the "New Look." It featured an accentuated waist, pointed bust, rounded shoulders, and full skirt that ended mid-calf. This style lasted well over a decade, signifying the financial change of Western countries in a post-war economy.

- The manufacturing of cloth changed, creating synthetic fabrics like nylon, rayon, spandex, and polyester.

- Chanel created their signature style, the boxy collarless jacket and pencil skirt, in 1953. This style is still part of their collection today.

- Day dresses, shirt dresses, and halter dresses became popular, all with fitted bodices and full circle skirts.

- Women often wore tailored suits: a jacket with peplums paired with long pencil skirts.

- Skirts swung in two extremes - either the full circle skirts (often worn with petticoats to make them fuller) or narrow and slim in a pencil skirts.

Shop Trashy Diva's 1950s Inspired Pieces:

We have an amazing selection of 1950s inspired fashion pieces right now, with lots of great skirts and dresses in stock!

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