How to dress in American 1950s style
The American look of the 1950s was one of the most influential in fashion history. With the end of World War II, the United States experienced a period of great prosperity and optimism, which was also reflected in fashion.
Women wore fitted dresses with full skirts, while men opted for sport jackets and cigarette pants. Colors were bright and bold, such as red, blue, and green. Accessories were essential to complete the look, such as shoulder bags and men's hats.
In this article, we will explore in detail the American look of the 1950s and give you some tips on how to dress retro but always current.
How did the American look of the 1950s develop?
After World War II, the US textile industry received a boost thanks to the country's economic recovery. The production of synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester allowed for durable and modern-looking clothing items to be created.
In addition, Hollywood stars of the time like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean helped spread American style around the world. Their way of dressing was simple but sophisticated, with elegant yet comfortable clothes.
Today, the American look of the 1950s is still very popular and represents an alternative to contemporary fashion. If you want to dress in retro style, keep reading to discover our tips.
The iconic clothing items of the 1950s
The 1950s were a decade of great changes in fashion, with strong American influence. This period was characterized by elegant and sophisticated dresses for women and a casual yet refined look for men.
Women
For women, sheath dresses were very popular, often worn with tight belts to emphasize the female figure. Full skirts were also very common, along with cardigans and turtleneck sweaters.
Another iconic clothing item of the 1950s was the Chanel suit, made up of a short jacket and knee-length skirt. This outfit inspired many other fashion brands and is still considered a classic today.
High-heeled shoes were essential to complete any outfit, while elbow-length gloves were often worn for formal occasions such as weddings or evening events.
Men
Men in the 1950s often wore cigarette pants with narrow cuffs at the ankle, accompanied by sport jackets or blazers. Short-sleeved shirts were ideal for summer, while striped shirts were perfect for a more casual look.
Moccasins were a popular choice for shoes, along with classic Converse All-Stars sneakers. Men also often wore hats like fedoras or baseball caps to complete their look.
Another iconic clothing item of the 1950s for men was the leather jacket, often associated with bikers and the emerging rockabilly movement of those years.
- Sheath dresses
- Full skirts
- Cardigans and turtleneck sweaters
- Chanel suits
- High-heeled shoes
- Elbow-length gloves
- Cigarette pants
- Sport jackets or blazers
- Short-sleeved striped shirts
- Moccasins and Converse All-Stars sneakers
- Hats like fedoras or baseball caps
- Leather jackets
In summary, the 1950s were a period of great innovation in fashion, with iconic clothing items that have inspired many future trends. Elegant and sophisticated dresses for women and casual yet refined looks for men are still appreciated today and continue to influence contemporary fashion.
How to choose the right fabrics for an authentic look
To create an authentic American-style 1950s look, choosing the right fabrics is essential. The right fabrics can make the difference between a mediocre outfit and an extraordinary one.
Fabrics to avoid
Firstly, synthetic fabrics such as polyester and acrylic should be avoided as they were not commonly used in the 1950s. Additionally, they are fabrics that do not breathe well and therefore are not suitable for hot summer days.
Recommended fabrics
The most commonly used fabrics in the 1950s were cotton, wool, denim, and natural silk. Cotton was very popular because it was lightweight and breathable, perfect for summer days. Wool, on the other hand, was mainly used in winter and was often combined with cashmere to make it even more valuable.
Denim was widely used in casual clothing such as jeans or work shirts due to its durability. Finally, natural silk was mainly used for elegant clothing such as evening dresses or high-quality shirts.
Colors and patterns
As for colors and patterns, the 1950s were characterized by pastel shades such as pink, sky blue, and mint green. Patterns like polka dots, stripes, and checks were very popular.
An example of an authentic 1950s outfit could be a light blue cotton shirt with gray wool pants and a denim jacket. Or, a polka dot natural silk dress with high-heeled shoes.
- Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and acrylic
- Prefer natural fabrics like cotton, wool, denim, and natural silk
- Choose pastel colors and polka dots, stripes or checks patterns
Remember that choosing fabrics is only part of the puzzle to create an authentic American-style 1950s look. Attention to details such as accessories, garment cuts, and combinations between them are equally important.
Tips on how to wear the American 1950s look today
The American 1950s look has come back into fashion and is becoming increasingly popular. If you are interested in this retro style, here are some tips on how to wear it today:
Choose the right fabrics
Fabrics are an important element of the 1950s American look. Choose natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and denim to achieve an authentic look. Avoid synthetic fabrics as they were not common in the 1950s.
Play with proportions
In the 1950s, dresses often had a high waist and a wide skirt. You can recreate this effect by choosing high-waisted pants or full skirts. Additionally, you can balance the silhouette with a form-fitting top or a tied blouse at the waist.
Add retro accessories
Accessories can make all the difference in completing your 1950s American look. Opt for aviator sunglasses, neck scarves, or headscarves. Shoes also play an important role: choose ballet flats or low heels for a feminine touch or vintage sneakers for a more casual style.
Experiment with colors
Bright colors were very popular in the 1950s. Experiment with colors like red, yellow, and pink for a lively look. Alternatively, you can opt for more subdued shades like white and black for an elegant appearance.
- Choose natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and denim
- Play with proportions by choosing high-waisted pants or full skirts
- Add retro accessories like aviator sunglasses or neck scarves
- Experiment with bright colors or subdued shades like white and black
By following these tips, you will be able to create an authentic and fashionable 1950s American look that will make you feel confident and glamorous.
Conclusion
The 1950s American look is a timeless classic that can be easily adapted to modern times. With a few adjustments, you can create a retro yet modern outfit that will make you feel confident and stylish. Always remember to choose natural fabrics, play with proportions, add retro accessories, and experiment with colors. Follow these tips and you'll be ready to show off your 1950s American style wherever you go!
Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.
