The decade of the 1950s was characterized by a thriving economy, an expanding middle class, and an optimistic outlook on the future. Although the 1950s were a time of enormous scientific developments and the start of the space race, their style was distinguished by a clean, classic, and beautiful look with a concentration on basic lines, brilliant colors, and a joyful mood. Styles from the '50s continue to impact today, from clothing to hair and makeup to jewelry to architecture to automobiles to holiday traditions to media.