Let's be honest, who doesn't love a bit of old school Hollywood glamour on the red carpet? Every starlet who opts for big bouncy waves, wasp waists and full skirts pays homage to the women of the 1950s who spearheaded the vivacious glamour we've come to know the decade for.
See Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe - the period's most enchanting It-girls, and their penchant for bombastic luxury and jaw dropping jewellery.
What was 1950s fashion like?
In comparison to contemporary style, the 1950s had an air of formality. As World War II and rationing ended, designers utilised fabrics that were previously unavailable, in quantities not seen for years. Christian Dior was at the helm of carving out new silhouettes, and the result was flouncy, wide-circle skirts with narrow, nipped-in waists, know as the New Look.
In London, the Teddy Boy look emerged for teenagers and young adults, intrinsically linked to the subculture. Vilified by the papers, these rock 'n' roll obsessives had a reputation for hooliganism and bad behaviour. The look consisted of drape jackets, richly reminiscent of 1940s American Zoot suits, styled alongside drainpipe trousers with exposed socks and slick quiffs.
Wanting to infuse your current wardrobe with a splash of vintage elegance? Keep scrolling…
How we chose the pieces
We looked at which 1950s fashion trends have truly stood the test of time and current pieces (taking into account style, price point and quality) to help recreate the look in 2024.
Wide skirts
The trend
Celebrating the end of wartime fabric shortages, Christian Dior orchestrated a bold new silhouette with his now-iconic 'New Look'. An indulgent wide-shape skirt enchanted women across the globe, and revolutionised traditional approaches towards feminine silhouettes. While the style is less commonplace today, it is still often used in celebrity red carpet looks to serve a certain retro glamour.
Cat-eye sunglasses
The trend
Sultry, feline-shaped shades first took off in the 1950s, and were often styled with elegant headscarves for a seriously head-turning look. Cat-eye sunglasses further skyrocketed in popularity the following decade thanks to OG cat-eye trendsetter Holly Golightly, aka Audrey Hepburn.
Silk scarves
The trend
Ah, the perennially chic silk scarf. Don't panic, you won't look like an air hostess if you tie neatly around your neck, over your hair (perfect for when the weather isn't playing ball), or wrap around the handle of your handbag to dip a toe into 1950's ladylike vibes.
High-waisted bikinis
The trend
The modern bikini was born in 1946 and we can't imagine how much scandal it must have caused. A belly button! How shocking! But the two-piece sourced into popularity in the 1950s with actresses and models flocking to the beach in the style.
High waisted bikinis took a dip over the following few decades but has come roaring back into fashion consciousness with the likes of Arabella London, Dolce & Gabbana and Hunza G all championing the style.
Pencil skirts
The trend
The pencil skirt came to define 1950s workwear, with revered designer Christian Dior creating his own version in his 1954 autumn/winter collection. Paired with fitted jackets or cropped cardigans, the style oozed unfussy sophistication.
After a dip in popularity, the silhouette came soaring back into fashion during the 2000s, with Roland Mouret's Galaxy dress mesmerising us all (including Victoria Beckham) when it first appeared in 2006.
Gingham
The trend
Gingham has been around for a seriously long time, but there was something about its pairing with 1950s cuts that made the summery, playful pattern really sing. Wanting to incorporate a spot of gingham into your wardrobe today? Look no further than Molly Goddard, Rouje and Shrimps who often utilise the print.
Hourglass silhouettes
The trend
Defined by bust and hip measurements nearly equal in width, the hourglass shape was all the rage back then, often achieved via cinching belts that have the effect of a nipped-in waist. Our modern day hourglass icon? Kim Kardashian with a capital 'K'. But no matter what your body shape, a wide waisted belt will breathe a bit of Marilyn energy into any outfit.
Gloves
The trend
Gloves and fashion have a seriously interesting history and have long been linked to etiquette, being sported by high society women pretty much whenever they left the house. Shorter styles were appropriate for daywear, whereas longer, opera styles were deemed suitably glamorous for an evening affair.
In 2024, we are big fans of the transformative power of a pair of gloves. Try adding a silk or lace pair to a party outfit for instant outfit elevation.
Cuffed jeans
The trend
Originally designed for functional purposes, jeans had a moment in the 1950s, where they crossed over into everyday wear. Hollywood heartthrobs Marlon Brando and James Dean popularised the turned-up look and teenagers followed suit. In 2024, team with red shoes.
Why you should trust me:
Working in fashion is simultaneously the best and worst thing that’s ever happened to me because spending all day surrounded by gorgeous pieces and trends lit a fire under my (already substantial) shopping habit. I love to shop. I live to shop. In a previous life, I worked in Personal Shopping, and I’m the person to take out with you if you want to be wholeheartedly talked into a purchase.
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