1950s Style Fashion Comeback

If I could choose to dress in a themed style every day and not draw too much attention from the moms at school, I would dress in gothic grunge or 1950s style. I know, I know, this probably surprises you, but as some of you long time readers know, I was bullied in 6th grade and felt the pressure to conform look-wise, to minimize the low blow insults from the popular crowd. Nonetheless, my love for unique vintage fashion or dark mysterious drab still runs strong through the veins, so I figured I would write a 1950s comeback post to share some of the most popular trends of the era, as well as my new Halloween look. Because hey, we all know mysterious drab is always accepted the month of October!

Fascinator Featured Above.

Top Fashion Trends of the 1950s

The 1950s was a decade marked by significant shifts in fashion, with styles that were influenced by post-World War II optimism and a desire for change and prosperity. Here are some of the top fashion trends of the 1950s, as well as some cute fashion items I picked up from Unique Vintage!

Full Skirts and Nipped Waists: The iconic silhouette of the 1950s featured full, voluminous skirts that were often achieved with the help of crinolines or petticoats. These skirts were paired with nipped-in, cinched waists, creating an hourglass figure.
Pencil Skirts: While full skirts were popular, the 1950s also saw the rise of the pencil skirt. These narrow, form-fitting skirts were typically worn with blouses or sweaters tucked in and accentuated the natural curves of a woman’s body.
Bobby Socks and Saddle Shoes: For a more casual look, teenagers often wore bobby socks (folded-down ankle socks) with saddle shoes, a two-toned lace-up shoe style.
Capri Pants: Capri pants, also known as pedal pushers, became a popular choice for women’s casual wear. They were typically cropped just below the knee and were often worn with blouses or sweaters.
Swing Dresses: Swing dresses were flowy, knee-length dresses that were comfortable and easy to move in. They became popular for everyday wear and dancing.
Rockabilly and Greaser Styles: Inspired by the emerging rock ‘n’ roll music scene, the 1950s saw the rise of rockabilly and greaser fashion. This included leather jackets, cuffed jeans, and pompadour hairstyles for men.
Hats and Gloves: Hats were an essential accessory in the 1950s. Women often wore pillbox hats, berets, and wide-brimmed hats. Gloves were also a common accessory, especially for formal occasions. I personally have always loved the fascinators.
Glamorous Evening Gowns: For formal events and evenings out, women favored glamorous and elegant evening gowns. These gowns featured luxurious fabrics, intricate detailing, and often had a fitted bodice and full skirt.
Twin Sets: The twin set, consisting of a matching cardigan and sleeveless top, was a popular choice for women’s casual and semi-formal wear.
Cat-Eye Glasses: Cat-eye glasses frames with upswept corners became a fashionable eyewear choice for women.
New Fabrics and Patterns: The 1950s saw the introduction of new synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, which were used in a wide range of clothing. Polka dots, gingham checks, and floral patterns were popular print choices.
Hairstyles and Makeup: Women’s hairstyles often included soft curls, victory rolls, and bouffants. Red lipstick and dramatic eyeliner were common makeup choices.
Menswear-Inspired Fashion: Some women embraced menswear-inspired fashion, wearing tailored blazers, slacks, and loafers.
Teen Fashion: Teenagers had their own unique fashion trends, including poodle skirts, letterman jackets, and saddle shoes for girls, while boys often wore jeans and T-shirts with rolled-up sleeves.

Burnt Orange Body Suit Featured Above.

These are just a few of the fashion trends that defined the 1950s. The decade was characterized by a variety of styles, from the elegance of Dior’s “New Look” to the rebellion of rock ‘n’ roll fashion, reflecting the changing cultural and social landscape of the time.

Unique Vintage Spooky Styles

Pencil skirts and rockabilly fashion were pretty popular trends of the 50s as well so I hit up Unique Vintage to pick up these staples with a spooky twist for Halloween this year. I am Jack’s room mom so I figured this would be the perfect outfit for his Halloween school activities.