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Classic Looks To Rediscover From 1950s Fashion

Need some new outfit inspiration? Discover the looks from the 1950s fashion trends and build your own vintage wardrobe!

What goes around, comes around – and nowhere is this more true than in the world of fashion! Designers love to look to the past for inspiration, and the timeless trend-defying style of the 1950s is a goldmine for vintage influence. Marked by pencil skirts and swing dresses, high-waist pants and kitten heels, the DNA of fifties fashion is still very much present in the modern style.

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RELATED: Back To The 60s: How The Latest In Men’s Fashion Is Referencing Retro Coolness

50s Fashion: New Silhouettes, Shapes, And Lines 

After a period of austerity during the Second World War, the economies around the world started to recover. People experienced the resurgence of extravagance and luxury, starting a new evolution in fashion. All over the world, 1950s women’s fashion was heavily influenced by the Americans and their entertainment stars. 

The New Look By Dior 

In 1947, Christian Dior changed the fashion world with a collection that would almost completely dictate the styles of the following decade. The iconic collection dubbed the “New Look” arrived in Paris, showcasing the defining silhouette of the 1950s. 50s fashion for women was the exact opposite of the pre-war norm – the hourglass shape celebrated a new era of womanliness after years of oppression and fabric rationing.

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10 Vintage Looks From The 1950s That Deserve A Comeback

Take a look at our top looks from the 1950s that are definitely worth a revival! 

10. Rockabilly 

A break from the classic 50s style, the rockabilly aesthetic is a blend of rock, country, and a bit of punk influence. The defining element of this look is its combination of a typical feminine 50s look with an edge. Think dainty frock accessorised with a bandana, Converse All Stars shoes, and bright red lipstick. 

9. The Housewife Dress 

The housewife dress consists of a classic silhouette featuring a full skirt and a small waist. The most common dress style from the 50s is a simple button-down shirtdress – a style most popularly worn by Lucille Ball on I Love Lucy. In more recent times, Taylor Swift has expressed her love for dresses that made her feel like a 1950s housewife. If Taylor Swift approves of it, why not try it out yourself?

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8. Casual Pants 

It’s hard to imagine that in the earlier decades, women wearing pants on television was taboo. While Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance wore pants on their shows, it wasn’t until Mary Tyler Moore – who was seen sporting capri paints on television in 1961 – that the world truly acknowledged pants as something that could be sexy! 

7. 50s Bathing Suit 

It might look a bit modest today, but the classic 50s bathing suit was absolutely shocking to people at the time. This style is a brilliant blast from the past, and looks sexy on almost anyone; plus size women especially! 

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6. Swing Dress 

Get ready to spin and do the boogie-woogie on the dance floor in a swing dress! These full circle dresses will keep you looking classy and comfortable for an entire night of dancing. Popular prints for these types of formal dresses include polka dots, florals, and gingham. You could always go for a classic black colour for a more elegant look. Don’t forget the petticoat for that full extravagance!

5. 50s Prep 

This 1950s fashion trend was inspired by collegiate dress codes and is often considered the pinnacle of 50s teenage fashion. If you want to rock the look today, some great options to consider are grandpa cardigans, cable knit, and cricket sweaters. Wrap a sweater around your shoulders to look like the real deal.

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4. Hollywood Glamour 

Grace Kelly is one of the most beloved names in the fashion world – and for good reason! Her style is coveted by women all over the world as the height of Hollywood Glamour. This look is all about blending modesty with class and opulence.

3. Greaser Style 

Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta’s Grease popularised a full-blown 50s craze in the when the movie was released. This look is edgy, timeless, and absolutely dripping with cool. Best of all, almost anyone can pull it off – you just need some hairspray, a leather jacket, and a whole lot of confidence.

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2. Matching Accessories 

No 50s woman in their right mind would leave the house without the perfect matching accessories. Aside from matching shoes with their outfits, women would also match their purse, their hats, their belts, and their jewellery to complete their ensemble. 

While trends today are more lax about pairing outfits to accessories, a coordinated look always looks super glamorous for a night out!

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1. The Chanel Suit 

In the 50s, Coco introduced the Chanel suit as we still know it to this day: a tweed number with contrasting edges. This widely known fashion brand peaked during this era, constructing pieces that really solidified its brand image. Until today, the Chanel suit continues to be reinvented season after season, still timeless and relevant.

RELATED: Karl Lagerfeld’s last collection for Chanel

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