1950s Fashion Teenage Girls

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. Balenciaga updated this look for women with the high-waisted "babydoll" dress. 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.

The American 1950s culture is popular for many of the styles that developed during that period. World War II ended, and thousands of soldiers returned home after years of fighting. This was the beginning of a time known as "the baby boom" for obvious reasons. Certain styles also became very popular during this time.

Poodle Skirts

Did people actually wear skirts with a poodle sewn on it? Yes, they did! Poodle skirts were very popular with teenage and young adult females. The skirts were appealing because they were different. Rock and Roll was really getting popular during this period. Young people wanted to jump around and dance to the music. The poodle skirts were great for dancing. The skirts were full skirts that gave the legs plenty of moving room. The skirts also twirled around when girls danced. It was visually appealing.

Leather Jackets

Leather jackets and Rock and Roll went hand in hand. Leather jackets and slicked back hair was popular for many teenage and young adult males. The leather jackets were usually worn with tight white t-shirts and fitted jeans. Jeans were usually rolled up around the ankles to reveal leather boots of sneakers. Some males wearing this style were referred to as "greasers." Motorcycles also became popular during this time.

The Clean Cut Look

Some young males and females wore a clean cut look. They did not wear leather jackets or poodle skirts. Females in this group wore skirts and dresses that were usually one color. No poodles adorned their clothes. The guys in this group usually wore dress pants, jackets, shirts and loafers. They did not wear leather jackets, leather boots or slicked back hair.

The 1950s culture was the beginning of the social change that swept America in the 1960s. The small changes that begin occurring in the 1950s grew to a swell in the 1960s. But for a brief while in the 1950s, fashion and music were very influential.