Fashion in the 1950s reflected a new sense of optimism after World War II. As the economy recovered, styles shifted away from the practical, no-frills clothing of the war years. Women’s fashion became more feminine and elegant, while men’s clothing focused on clean, tailored looks. At the same time, the rise of youth culture began to challenge these traditional styles.
A classic 1950's knitwear set, featuring our Sally pullover with our Joanne cardigan, both in a plum color. Matching knit sets like these were very popular in the 1950's.
The Ongoing Influence of the 'New Look'
Christian Dior’s “New Look,” introduced in the late 1940s, continued to shape 1950s women’s fashion. It emphasized an hourglass shape with a cinched waist, full mid-calf skirts, and structured tops. Crinolines and petticoats were worn underneath to add volume, and bullet bras created a pointed bust shape.
Tailored dresses, skirts, and jackets helped create a sleek silhouette. Pencil skirts, full-skirted dresses, and slim-fit cigarette pants with feminine blouses became everyday staples.
Small hats worn toward the back of the head were in style, and women often styled their hair in soft curls, buns, or ponytails with wavy bangs—looks made popular by icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.
Working class women's fashion in the 1950s
In the 1950s, working-class women embraced practical but stylish clothing. Simple cotton or nylon dresses with fitted waists were common for daily wear. Aprons were worn at home, and sturdy shoes or low heels were used for work. Even casual clothes often featured full skirts, reflecting the decade’s love of feminine shapes.
A casual 1950s look featuring a red shirt dress with a wide skirt and fitted waist, paired with my wedge Sidse sandals. Photo: Tami Meijburg
1950s upper-class women's fashion
For upper-class women, 1950s fashion was all about looking polished. Dresses had fitted waists and full skirts supported by petticoats, while necklines were often deep and flattering. Fancy fabrics like silk, taffeta, and satin were used for formalwear, and tailored suits were worn during the day. Pearls, gloves, hats, and elegant hairstyles completed the look. Evening gowns often featured lace, beading, and embroidery, echoing Hollywood glamour.
The look of this 1950s-inspired evening outfit shows a fitted waist and classic details like gloves and a feathered headband worn at the back of the head. Photo: Tami Meijburg
Men’s Fashion in the 1950s
Men in the 1950s wore tailored suits with clean lines and narrow lapels, usually in dark colors like black, navy, and grey. High-waisted trousers with straight or slightly wider legs were standard. For casual wear, cardigans, polo shirts, and letterman jackets became popular. Hats like fedoras and trilbies were still a regular part of a man’s outfit.
Working-Class Men’s Style in the 1950's
Men in trades or factory jobs wore sturdy clothing like jeans, cotton or denim work shirts, and overalls. Durable jackets and work boots were common. Off the job, casual outfits like t-shirts, button-down shirts, and military-inspired jackets became more widespread, along with sweaters and bomber jackets.
1950's upper-class Men’s Style
Upper-class men continued wearing tailored suits, often in two- or three-piece styles with narrow lapels and high-waisted trousers. While vests began to fade out, accessories like silk ties, cufflinks, and pocket squares were still popular. For less formal occasions, sport coats and lighter trousers offered a more relaxed look.
The Rise of Youth Fashion and Rock ’n’ Roll
Teenagers in the 1950s began developing their own style, influenced by rock ’n’ roll stars like Elvis Presley and James Dean. Denim jeans became a symbol of rebellion and freedom, and leather jackets and pompadour hairstyles became trendy among young men. Girls wore circle skirts with tight sweaters or blouses over their bullet bras—giving rise to the nickname “Sweater Girls.”
Saddle shoes became a popular choice for teenagers to wear with both jeans and skirts. Both boys and girls adapted this iconic shoe styles, in many different colors, the most common being brown and white.
Elliot, our unisex saddle shoe, became a teen favourite in the 1950s, for both boys and girls.
The Stiletto Heel is Born
Footwear in the 1950s balanced elegance with fun. The invention of the stiletto heel in 1956 was a big shift. Thanks to a metal rod hidden inside, heels could be thinner and taller than ever before. The stiletto quickly became a favourite for both everyday wear and special events.
Julia is our 1950s-inspired pump with a high, slim, stiletto inspired heel.
Pumps and Oxford shoes stayed popular, while teenage girls loved ballet flats and saddle shoes, inspired by style icons like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot. For men, Oxford shoes remained common, and loafers became a go-to choice for more casual outfits.
Curious on reading more about the history of the classic Oxford shoes and it's cousin, the Derby shoe? Read our deep dive on the iconic shoes in our article Oxford and Derby shoes: An Everlasting Classic or read about the history iconic saddle shoe in our article Are Saddle Shoes Back in Style? A Timeless Two-Tone Trend
Sources:
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Shoes – An Illustrated Story by Rebecca Shawcross
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Tidens Mode by Anne-Grete Steckhahn
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Vintage Fashion – Collecting and Wearing Designer Classics by Emma Baxter-Wright, Karen Clarkson, Sarah Kennedy, and Kate Mulvey
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Vintage Shoes by Caroline Cox