The 1950s dress

In the 1950s, fashion was all about presenting a neat and tidy image. Dresses that hugged the waist but flared loosely at the hips and thighs were a common fashion choice for women. Dresses like these were commonly made from breathable materials like cotton, linen, and silk, making them ideal for warmer months. Many women also opted for dresses in vivid hues like pink, blue, and green.

The 1950s also saw the rise of the cocktail dress and the formal gown. These dresses were typically made from expensive materials like silk or satin and adorned with rhinestones, pearls, or lace. They were designed to be worn to formal occasions and were often paired with heels and a clutch.

Another staple of the era’s fashion was the crinoline skirt. These skirts were typically worn beneath dresses in order to amplify their silhouette. They were worn to emphasise a woman’s curves and were crafted from a lightweight, rigid material.

Dresses in the 1950s had a more natural and less constrictive silhouette than those of the 1940s, thanks to a more defined waistline, a full skirt, and a fitted bodice. Clothing was rationed during the 1940s, a decade heavily influenced by the Second World War, and as a result, styles became more practical and less flashy. Dresses in the 1960s featured looser cuts, brighter prints, and new synthetic fabrics; they were aimed squarely at the youth market.

Dresses of the 1950s were characterised by full, flared skirts that were often paired with fitted tops to create a figure-hugging effect. The A-line dress, the full-skirted dress, and the sheath dress were all extremely fashionable options for women in the 1950s. The skirt of the A-line dress flared out from the waist and paired with a fitted bodice. The flared skirt of the full-skirted dress typically reached the wearer’s ankles. The sheath dress was a type of bodycon dress that was worn to accentuate a woman’s curves and create a striking profile.

Dresses worn for casual occasions were typically made of airy materials like cotton and linen, and had a looser cut for greater comfort. Regular use included errands and socialising with friends. Cocktail dresses, in contrast, were more formal and frequently crafted from silk or satin. They were made with the intention of being worn to fancy events and parties.

Dresses worn to proms and other formal dances resembled cocktail dresses but were created with more formal occasions in mind. They were typically crafted from expensive materials like silk and satin and adorned with rhinestones, beads, and lace.

The 1950s saw a proliferation of dress silhouettes. Important ones include:

The A-line dress was characterised by a tight bodice and a skirt that flared out from the hips, creating the letter “A” silhouette. This look was well-liked because it could be worn by anyone and looked good in any setting.

The full-skirted dress was characterised by a flared skirt that dipped to the floor. The full-skirted dress was a favourite because it emphasised the wearer’s femininity and fullness.

The sheath dress was a figure-hugging style that was commonly worn to emphasise a more alluring and feminine profile. Women with hourglass figures favoured this style, and it was frequently seen at black-tie events.

The shift dress was a form of simple, straight-cut dress that flowed from the shoulders to the floor without an obvious waist. Women who favoured a looser, more comfortable fit wore this style frequently.

The pencil skirt dress was characterised by a close-fitting bodice and a knee-length skirt that flared out sharply at the hem. Women who wanted to appear more refined frequently wore this.

Many dresses from the 1950s had sophisticated details like pleats, ruffles, lace, and embroidery. The addition of bows, sashes, and other embellishments to some dresses further elevated their already sophisticated style. Dresses featured a wide variety of sleeve lengths, widths, and shapes, from cap sleeves and short sleeves to long sleeves and puff sleeves, and even off-the-shoulder sleeves.

The colours of the dresses of the 1950s were also a major design element, with many dresses featuring both bright and bold hues like pink, blue, and green, and more subdued tones like grey, navy, and beige. Dresses also came in a variety of prints, including florals, stripes, and polka dots.

In the 1950s, dresses with polka dots were a common pattern, and designers often used a rainbow of hues to create the effect. In the 1950s, these were some of the most popular options for polka dot hues:

In the 1950s, polka dot dresses in the timeless colour scheme of red and white were all the rage. Contrasting with the clean white background, the vibrant red dots added a sense of fun and whimsy.

Black and white: another timeless colour scheme, black and white polka dots were worn to formal events and on a daily basis. They were thought to be classy and everlasting.

You could find polka dot dresses in a variety of pastel colours in the ’50s, including pink, blue, and yellow. In order to achieve a more delicate and girly vibe, these hues were frequently used.

Dresses with polka dots were often made in the bright colours of the era, including green, purple, and orange. Young women frequently wore these hues because they contributed to a look that was both daring and fun.

There were even polka dot dresses in the ’50s that featured a rainbow of colours, from pink and blue to yellow and white. It was a way to set yourself apart from the rest with a unique, eye-catching style.

Importantly, polka dots were loved by people of all ages because they were a fun and easy print to work with.

Dresses with floral prints were also common in the 1950s. In the 1950s, floral prints tended to be large, vivid, and eye-catching. Dresses with floral prints and the following colours were especially popular in the ’50s.

Floral prints in bright and bold colours like red, pink, yellow, and purple were all the rage in the 1950s. These patterns were frequently used to achieve a carefree and youthful appearance.

Floral prints in gentle pastels like pink, blue, and yellow were also common in the 1950s. These patterns were commonly used to convey a more delicate and girly vibe.

More muted colours were used in some 1950s floral prints, such as green, blue, and brown, for a more refined and elegant look.

Huge, oversized flowers and leaves were typical of floral prints from the ’50s. As a result, the overall appearance was more dramatic and captivating.

Many of the dresses had floral patterns reminiscent of the 1940s and 1950s, with motifs like roses, poppies, and daisies. This type of print was frequently used to achieve a more traditional appearance.

Some 1950s floral prints featured a mash-up of colours and patterns for a more carefree and fun vibe.

Not only were dresses adorned with floral prints, but so were blouses, skirts, hats, and other headwear and accessories. Floral prints were well-liked by people of all ages and were seen as adaptable and appropriate for a wide range of settings, from the everyday to the formal.

Dresses featuring geometric prints were also widely worn during the ’50s. In the 1950s, geometric prints became increasingly popular and were often seen as a symbol of modernity due to their vivid colours and striking designs. Dresses in the following geometric prints and colours were particularly popular in the ’50s:

Vibrant and flamboyant: The 1950s saw a surge in the popularity of geometric prints in a wide range of bright and flamboyant colours. These patterns were frequently used to achieve a carefree and youthful appearance.

Black and white: Geometric prints in black and white were also common in the 1950s. These patterns were used to achieve a more refined and stylish appearance; they never went out of style.

Soft, pastel tones like pink, blue, and yellow were used in some 1950s geometric prints for a more refined and girly vibe.

Color combination: Some 1950s geometric prints used a combination of colours to create a more carefree and joyful vibe.

Many popular geometric prints of the ’50s featured oversized shapes and daring patterns. As a result, the overall appearance was more dramatic and captivating.

All ages and genders alike showed a fondness for geometric prints due to their adaptability and wide range of potential uses.

Dresses with horizontal stripes were also very popular in the 1950s. They said that a striped pattern was always appropriate and would never go out of style. In the 1950s, these were the most frequently seen striped colour schemes:

In the 1950s, striped dresses in black and white were a common fashion choice. The sharp contrast between the black and white stripes made for an elegant appearance.

The 1950s saw a resurgence in the popularity of red and white as a complementary colour scheme; the era’s signature red and white striped looks were especially popular.

For a more demure and traditional look, many fashionable women opted for blue and white.

For a more delicate and feminine look, some 1950s striped dresses opted for pastel colours like pink, blue, and yellow.

Fashionable striped dresses of the ’50s often came in bright hues like orange, green, and purple, which gave the wearer a confident and even a bit cheeky air.

It’s important to note that striped dresses came in a wide variety of colour combinations; some even had stripes of varying intensities of the same colour. Women of all ages felt comfortable in striped dresses because of their adaptability and the fact that they could be worn to a variety of events.

Dresses in the 1950s came in a wide range of lengths that were determined by factors like fashion and formality. These were the most sought after sizes:

Popular for both business and pleasure, the tea length hits right above the ankle. Elegant and appropriate for special occasions like weddings and parties, tea-length dresses were all the rage.

This length, which ends slightly above the knee, is appropriate for both everyday and semi-formal wear. Knee-length dresses were considered adaptable and could be worn anywhere from the office to a day out in the sun or even a formal event.

The knee is covered by a midi-length dress, which was a common style in the 1950s. Dresses that stopped at the knee were the height of sophistication and grace at proms, cocktail parties, and weddings.

This length, which ends just above the ankle, was very fashionable in the latter half of the ’50s and throughout the ’60s. The beach and summertime were ideal settings for the loose, flowing silhouettes of maxi dresses.

It’s important to note that the knee-length dress was the most widely worn length in the 1950s. The reasons for this include the fact that it was deemed a ladylike length, could be worn in a variety of situations, and was easy to move in. Furthermore, it worked for ladies of all ages.

Dresses for women in the 1950s featured a wide variety of sleeve lengths and shapes, depending on the season and occasion. The most widely worn sleeve styles included:

Sleeves that ended at the cap of the shoulder were called “cap sleeves,” and they were worn for both casual and formal occasions.

Dresses without sleeves were all the rage in the 1950s, especially during the warmest months of the year. They were ideal for warm weather and were paired with a cardigan or jacket when it got cold.

Sleeves that ended just above the elbow were a common sight at casual and semi-formal events alike. They could be worn to the office, during the day, or even to a party without looking out of place.

Also common in the 1950s were three-quarter sleeves, which ended at the wearer’s elbow. They were commonly paired with a cardigan or jacket for colder weather and were admired for their adaptability and versatility.

In the 1950s, especially during the colder months, people favoured wearing their sleeves all the way down to their wrists. They were viewed as sophisticated and appropriate for events like proms, cocktail parties, and weddings.

It’s worth noting that in the 1950s, short sleeves were the most popular choice for dresses due to their convenience, mobility, and adaptability. Furthermore, they were ideal for ladies of any age.

Younger women of the 1950s often wore jumper dresses, also called pinafores. The fact that they could be dressed up or down made them a practical and adaptable option. Jumper dresses were popular in the 1950s and 1960s and were characterised by a close-fitting bodice and a flared skirt.

There was a great deal of variety in 1950s fashion, particularly in terms of cut and style. Full skirts, defined waists, and a generally feminine silhouette were hallmarks of the New Look, made popular by designer Christian Dior. This look was hugely popular across the Atlantic. In Britain, subcultures like “teddy boy” and “rockabilly” popularised a more masculine, countercultural style, complete with skinny suits and leather jackets.

The “sack” dress, with its straight, boxy silhouette, and the “sheath” dress, with its close-fitting, simple style, were also prominent in the 1950s fashion scene alongside the New Look.

Dresses with a full or circle skirt or a swing silhouette were popular choices because they allowed for free movement while dancing.

J.C. Penney, Sears, and Montgomery Ward were some of the most well-known and reasonably priced dress retailers in the 1950s. Dresses were a popular purchase, and many shoppers visited both mass retailers and boutiques. Dresses could be purchased off the rack, but some people also went to tailors or made their own.

The 1950 Dress – Influential Designers

There were a plethora of new designers making their mark in the 1950s, an era of tremendous upheaval in the fashion industry. The 1950s saw the rise of many talented designers, including:

A French fashion designer, Christian Dior is best known for introducing the “New Look” in the 1950s. The hourglass figure was achieved by the New Look’s full skirt, waist cinching, and hip padding. This look was well-liked by the ladies because of its sophisticated femininity.

French fashion designer Coco Chanel is revered for her classic, understated style.

Cristóbal Balenciaga, a Spanish fashion designer, was famous for his avant-garde and sculptural creations.

The French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy is remembered for his classic and sophisticated styles.

French fashion designer Pierre Balmain is remembered for his refined and classy creations.

French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent was known for pushing boundaries with his unique creations.

Elsa Schiaparelli was an Italian fashion designer famous for her unconventional and groundbreaking creations.

In the fashion industry, Christian Lacroix stands out for his unique and forward-thinking creations.

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani was known for his minimalist, contemporary styles. In the 1950s, when his career kicked off, he was already well-known for his groundbreaking style.

By Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0

To set themselves apart from one another, each of these designers developed their own unique aesthetic. Chanel’s designs were simple yet timeless and elegant, while Dior’s New Look was feminine, elegant, and sophisticated. Balenciaga’s designs were sculptural and avant-garde, while Givenchy’s were classically elegant and would never go out of style. Balmain’s collections were known for their refined elegance, while Saint Laurent’s were lauded for their cutting-edge originality. Lacroix was known for his extravagant avant-garde designs, while Schiaparelli was known for her groundbreaking innovations in the fashion industry. Armani’s clothes were known for their sleek modernity, while Valentino’s were renowned for their elegant romance.