Development of Fashion Through the 1950's

You will benefit greatly by these illustrations.

All information and illustrations are taken from John Peacock's excellent book The Twentieth Century Fashion Sourcebook. My sole criticism of this volume is that it only covers women's fashion. Fortunately, there is an accompanying volume for men's fashion, which I will feature on this site as soon as possible.

Ladies, 1950 - 1954

Silhouette

Curvacious, feminine, full bust, small waist, long skirt

Bodice

Tight, fitted over lightly boned corset or waist cincher

Neckline

Various V-shaped, boat shaped, detachable collars

Sleeves

Three-quarter-length dolman, raglan popular

Skirt

Mid-calf-length, gathered, narrow

Fabric

Fine wool, cotton, taffeta, nylon

Trimmings

Outsized buttons on coats and suits

Color

Rich natural tones, some bright colors for evenings

Accessories

Small hats, long gloves, large bags, costume jewelry, nylon stockings, shoes with high slender heels.

Ladies, 1955 - 1959

Silhouette

Shapely, long, feminine, becoming sraighter and shorter.

Bodice

Fitted, semi-fitted.

Neckline

High round, boat-shaped, collars standing away from the neck

Sleeves

Raglan, dolman, kimono; from 1956: some inset

Skirt

Mid-calf-length, gathered, straigh, pleated; from 1956: some flared

Fabric

Cotton, wool, linen, rayon

Trimmings

Braid, binding, leather buttons and trim

Color

Natural dye tones, subtle colors, sage green, burnt orange

Accessories

Large pillboxes, short gloves, large bags, shoes with stiletto heels and pointed toes

Gentlemen, 1950 - 1959

Jacket

Semi-fitted, single-breasted, three button fastenings, narrow lapels, flap pockets, breast pockets, late period waist-length jackets with zip fastenings, wool and wool mixture cloths, later some suedes and leathers

Waistcoat

Collarless, single-breasted, worn only as part of a three-piece suit to match jacket cloth

Trousers

Straight-cut with turn-ups, later narrow, tight at ankle, no turn-ups, wool cloths, man-made, denim popular

Shirt

Collar attached, plain colors, small collars, cotton, man-made fabrics

Color

Subtle blue, green, brown, grey, mixed color tweed jackets, light colored trousers

Accessories

Narrow ties, matching silk pocket handkerchiefs, knitted sweaters, scarves, elastic-sided boots, lace-up shoes with pointed toes.

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