1950s Fashion Dresses

Despite the emphasis on the hourglass figure, few 1950s dresses show cleavage, opting instead for a simple scoop-neck or high collar. The emphasis on the bust generally came from undergarments like the corselette, or the "cone" bra, which made the bust look like two torpedoes.

Full skirts drew attention to the legs and hips. Many 1950s style dresses were also worn with belts, which further accentuated the low waist-to-hip ratio; the hourglass silhouette was constantly emphasized, in print and on celluloid.

Christian Dior's "New Look" influenced fashions throughout the decade, while his S-, H- and A-Line cuts influenced the cut of women's suits, separates and leisure wear. Almost all 1950s style dresses bear some Dior influence, if not in pattern and construction, at least in sihouette.

Balenciaga created alternative, compelling dress silhouettes during the 1950s, including the high-waisted babydoll dress, the tunic dress, and the sack dress, a seemingly shapeless garment that was nonetheless flattering, if only because it left something to the imagination.

Dresses were often paired with high heels, which were worn low (by today's standards) but with a stiletto heel. These heels were almost always darker than the rest of the outfit, or, if the outfit was brightly colored, they were in an eye-catching color like candy-apple red. This brought attention to the shape of the foot, as well as the paleness of the woman's skin.

Young girls, even teenage girls, often wore dresses with an empire waist, short sleeves, and a peter pan collar, along with buttons going up the front. This look remained popular for years afterwards, popping up in the most unlikely places.

Women often dressed up for day-to-day life, whether they were meeting friends or going to work. Part of this dress-up involved such accessories as stockings, small gloves, hats and scarves, which would contrast the main pattern of the dress and draw attention to the hands, the face, the hair, and so on.

Vintage clothing become popular in the 1970's for a variety of reasons, including one of financial need. Now however, they have become popular because of the timelessness quality they represent. You can walk into any thrift store or vintage clothing store in almost any city and find racks and racks of different styles of 1950's dresses that incorporate the swing era. The swing dresses of that time were originally made for dancing. It is the full swinging shape of the dress itself that allowed women to really show of their dancing skills while still allowing them to be modest and ladylike. Thanks to an incredible fashion revolution made popular by wearing vintage clothing, 1950's swing dresses have really leaped into the modern era of clothing.

One of the most popular groups of people to wear the 1950's swing dresses are surprisingly teenagers. Enamored with a time they never experienced, they use these dresses to stand out among the crowd. Independent in their style choices, the variation of the 1950's dresses allow them to show of their individual look while still keeping in fashion which is so appealing to a teenager. Not to mention, true vintage 1950's dresses are quality made and can last years and years compared to the dresses that they buy in the local mall clothing stores. It is something that is not cookie cutter and they know that when they show up at a homecoming dance or a prom, there will be no other girl wearing the same style of dress, making them feel unique.

Women in general are investing more in their clothes nowadays too. Instead of spending just a few dollars to buy a dress that may only last one night, they are taking the time to seek out that perfect 1950's dress that will last 10 or even 20 years. Vintage dresses are becoming like collectibles as they grow in value due to the scarcity of them. Celebrities especially are enjoying the 1950's dresses, especially of the swing variety.