Fashion in 1950

1950 spawned a wide variety of original and distinctive style, presented with a classic new age twist. In America, recently recovering from catastrophic disasters related to World War II, 1950 brought back hope; the opportunity for a new way of life whose fate would be decided by them alone. This transformation of America was heavily represented fashion

Women especially dramatically changed the way they dressed and presented himself. the development of increasingly liberated society, women began to pay casual, relaxed clothes the traditional rules of dress and related formalities previous decades. Some of the most admired new trends for women in 1950, a button up sweaters with simple necklines, fitted blouses and full skirts knee-length. However, the most common fashion for women at this time were dresses. Most dresses were worn casually, and were conspicuous by circle skirts, halter straps, or small collars. Evening wear dresses seemed soft yet daring, come in many hues and pastel follow with bold ruffles, tulle trim and stunning velvet bows. The fitted evening wear this season, which was usually sleeveless or strapless, was also emphasized by the sheer silk.

growing increasingly popular, full skirts in 1950 need some kind of support to maximize their appearance. To deal with this problem, Nylon petticoats were created only to be worn in conjunction with full skirts to create fullness. Nylon was a favorable material because of its high quality and easy care washing. This complemented it created transformed the skirt which gave nothing more than a gentle swish, the glamorous royal-like flutter. Another important fashion this season is the swing coat, developed last in 1940 by Jacques Fath. Silhouette swing coat was “perfectly designed to achieve a full skirt and also ideal for a post-war high pregnancy rate.” Another trend in 1950, “trapeze dress :. A swing dress almost triangular in shape and designed for use with low shoes and bouffant hairstyles” The trapeze dress was later changed to a shorter Barbi doll tent style dress, which was popular in the next decade. Perhaps one of the classic fashion apparel since 1950, the H-line Christian Dior by 1954, which consisted of slender tunic-style suit with a slim skirt. Other popular fashions of the season was his A and Y lines. Dior has long been a dominant force in the fashion world, especially in 1950. His creative and usually voluminous garments gave women more feminine touch. Another designer, Hubert Givenchy created a Parisian style dress in 1957 he called the bed. The Sack began the development of direct-waist dresses. Initially, it developed into “created darted sheath dress and later in bulk direct short shift dress.”

Coco Chanel was another major fashion designer in 1950. Contrary to popular full and flouncy skirts, Chanel began creating boxy, now classic Chanel suit jackets and skirts shorter and textured tweed. The materials Chanel chose were always richly textured, which contributed to the high prices of the final product. Silhouette Chanel taker her was divinely lined with silk completely straight ,. Its appearance was classic, refined and adorned with details. Chanel also accessorized many of her designs with strings of pearls and collarless jackets, both of which were considered fashionable in 1950. One of the most classic trends from 1950’s empire line, which was introduced in the late 1950’s. This style was applied to dresses and shirts for the most part, and was adored by teenagers who looked innocently childlike, hence coined termed “Baby Doll style”. During the 1950s, were all teenagers expected to dress like their elders. The Empire Line was also a striking difference from what most mothers felt at the time, which contributed to its widespread adoption among teenagers in the United States.

Until the 1950s, the term “youth” was not common, and certainly not based on market group. But with a new range of effects, including film, television, rock music and magazines, teenagers began to be respected and recognized in the community. Often called the “Space Age”, 1950 was an important time in the history of science and development as well. So many aspects of life changed in this period, perhaps in part due to the recent end of World War II. America had emerged from the war with prosperity and a new identity. New consumer-based society was “forging ahead, helped by such innovations as the credit card system” (Baker, 6). These innovations, however conditions produced a similar effect on the fashion industry, but so many things in life Americans to change, they stayed clear of radical, intense Fashions while preferring the normalcy of standard development. For once, the normal way well. Another major change in 1950, increased ownership of television. Popular television programs like I Love Lucy connected Americans on both sides of the Atlantic, bringing a sense of unity in the country. Separation was completed in 1954, which brought together black and white students for the first time, however, racial tensions were still high, and also birthed the existence of civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. Constant fear of communism reach state kept many Americans tight with fear. More changes result in 1950 include the discovery of DNA, launching the first space satellite, an increase of women in the workplace area, and of course, rock and roll. All these economic, social and political changes in the world affect American citizens, and the fashion industry.

Regardless affairs of the world, the best fashions that drove the industry was more influenced by those who were idolized by consumers: celebrities. Some of the most popular celebrities in 1950 Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Ricky Nelson, and of course, Elvis Presley. Sexy yet simple style Marilyn Monroe was widely imitated across America, women of all shapes and sizes. Elvis Presley was another huge influence during the 1950s; not only was adored by millions of girls, but he was also the inspiration for men. At a time when only men dressed in traditional costume, Elvis broke down all the barriers that bound men navy suit and tie. Elvis wore usually clothes that were popular among the African American population. Wild fastened his trousers and Zoot suits worried conservative community America, which barely passed by such a “gender bending, race-integrating star” (source). Elvis bright and baggy clothes, makeup, and so called obscene dance all acted as a symbol of one hand the destruction of his moral America’s youth. Not all men by example Elvis set however. In fact, more men in the period dressed normally but not.

Most of the men in the 1950s kept clothes with casual and modest colors, including dark blue, dark brown, and charcoal. Individual daring young man would be pastel pink stand out; a trend that was just gaining momentum in 1950. Cardigan sweaters were popular among athletes, and the elders. Besides popular were fitted shirts, plaid flannels and collared jackets. There was flexibility in casual wear for men, and was a common sight to see the shirt tail sticking out. Basic fedora-style hats were also a staple item in the 1950s men.

Hats were also fashionable accessory for women in the 1950s, because they were considered to add the final touch of glamor to any woman’s outfit. The pillbox hat, first introduced by Balenciaga and later built by Jackie Kennedy, became one of the trendiest accessories decade. Several impressive style hat been in 1950. Some hats were covered in flower petals, while others were decorated with swirls of georgette. Gloves were also worn often by women, especially the elite social status. Some were made of cotton, which was much more affordable than leather or nylon. While gloves come in many colors and styles, clean gloves have color was white or cream were the most favored. Fur trimmings and decorated collars were also very fashionable. Pins were also considered glamorous accessories.

1950 decade where fashion changed dramatically from previous generations. Many effects of political dialogue, economic issues, new age celebrities and the media all influence clear style and trends that identify, 1950. Recovering from the casualties of World War II brought a permanent change to America, which came out in the fashions of the decade. American women craved glamorous simplicity of their new life, and the new, liberated society evolved, women in America began to liberate themselves by selecting the fashions they felt described them best. Not only was 1950’s important in history, but they also really transformed the face of fashion in America.