1950s Dresses and outfits
New look of the 1950's
Post world war 2 saw the end of austerity and with that came a re-newed interest in womens fashion. The squared shoulders and shorter skirts of the 1940s were out and in came the "New Look" from Christian Dior. The "New Look" had long sweeping skirts, rounded shoulders and fitted synched in waists. This style soon become very popular and influenced fashion for many years. Skirts became either narrow or very full.
Pencil Skirts and Circle Skirts
A feminine look was prized during the fifties, fitted skirts, referred to as pencil skirts, and tailored "wiggle" dresses were liked to show off the figure and were accessorized with gloves and pearls. Full skirts know as "circle skirts" would be worn with petticoats to fill the skirt out. Day dresses had fitted bodices with these full skirts and had low cut necklines or halter-necks. The circle dress is now seen being worn at Rock n Roll and swing dances as well as 1950s themed fancy dress parties.
Poodle skirts for the Pink ladies
An example of this was the "Poodle skirt" which originated in the American 1950s. The Poodle skirts were made from a solid colour cotton or felt fabric and would typically have an appliqued design of a single poodle. They were favoured by the teenage girls of the 50s who would wear them to school dances and as an everyday wear item. A good example to see this kind of American 50s high school fashion would be the 1970s film Grease. The "Pink Ladies" can be seen wearing poodle skirts with pink lady college jackets and Sandy who wore a Rydell cheer leader dress.
Unforgettable Marilyn Monroe
Arguably the most famous 1950s American film and fashion icon was Marilyn Monroe who was photographed and filmed wearing the fashionable styles of the decade. Her most recognizable look being the white ankle length dress with the halter neck which she is seen trying to hold it down from blowing up after walking over an air duct.
