The fashion of the 50s: history, trends and icons

The fashion has been a very relevant aspect for society throughout history. In this article we are going to talk about a decade that undoubtedly marked a milestone in this sector, the 50s who have defined the world of the catwalk/fashion shows and of major designers.

From this period onwards fashion changed a big change for both women and men, because they more versatile was in style -most to colour and because she would later shape the guidelines  that define her to this day. 

Fashion history from the 50s

In the first years of the post-war period, society returned to everyday life. People left years of suffering and hardship behind them and women in particular returned to life Nice -most tempting to feel. This part of history is considered the rebirth of fashion and beauty.

The 1950s can be considered the beginning of the era of fashion design, where the new trends that emerged reflect a self-confident -most elegant woman.

A decade that already announced itself 1947 with the presentation of the designs of Christian Dior which decided the women of that time glamour -most beauty to give back what the war years had taken from them.

By the early 1950s, much of France's fashion exports consisted of Dior designs. Clothes that emphasize silhouette, heels to highlight elegance, hairstyles, make-up and accessories in accordance with the style of the moment that required class and a distinction of good taste, were the hallmarks of his successful "New Look" collection.

Characteristics and fashion trends of the 50s

Clothing

For ladies were dresses the look of the moment. They could choose to wear a gown with a body-fitted style or wear one with a cut-out back  and a flared skirt; both styles emphasize the waist. Which was perfectly formed by applying the corset, a accessory that at that time the fashion by Dior ordered to use it from the end of the war until the early 1960s.

Short dresses or skirts were synonymous with disrespect, just like swimsuits, which is why the length of these garments below the knees. Its use has been around since the mid-1950s pants by ladies featured in two styles, one capri cut (very popular these days) and the other long, fitted at the waist and with a wide flare.

As for the trend in shoes, were high heels the protagonists of elegance.

On the other hand, accessories began to become an important ally of the women's look. The 1950s were characterized by the use of wide-brimmed hats, gloves -most colored glasses with a horn rim. The most common jewelry was the parelketting and the parelarmband. 

Among the men the James Dean style, a young film actor of that time who played the menswear influenced. Levi's jeans predominates with white or black shirts tight to the body and black leather jackets in "rocker" style.

However, the most typical garments for men of that time were the formal ones costumes with wide, plain, striped or checked pants, vest of white cotton shirt, tie and handkerchief (placed in the breast pocket of the jacket).

The use of suspenders, gloves, hats or berets as male accessories was also common. As for shoes, the use of Oxfords, Brogues and loafers.

Make-up

The woman's makeup of the 50s was characterized by colors in pastel shades, with black outlines in a feline style. Well-defined eyebrows, use of false eyelashes and red lips, with a tone that is also present in the makeup of today's modern woman.

Hairstyles

Also striking are the hairstyles of the women of the decade. Curls were one of the most famous trends, as was the Italian bun, very common among actresses Audrey Hepburn.

Short hair was also a favorite with pronounced and very sensual waves in the style of Marilyn Monroe, which promoted the blonde color trend for women's hair in the 1950s.

On their part, the gentlemen not so many options to choose from, short and well defined hair was enough. They combed their hair with one side parting in a lock and applied gel to fix the hair well.

The TOP fashion designers and icons of the 50s

When it comes to the best designers in the 1950s fashion world, the talent includes among others Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga, Schiaparelli, Lanvin, Givenchy, Ives Saint Laurent up. These haute couture designers brought the best of the Parisian style from the 1950s to the whole world.

Among the most striking women from the 1950s include: Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn -most Brigitte Bardot. Also the actor James Dean, Elvis Presley, from actors van Grease and the youth series Happy Days were influential elements in youth fashion

The fashion of the 50s in Spain

Spain was a key player and influential on the fashion of the 1950s. Country of origin of one of the most emblematic haute couture designers in the world, Cristóbal Balenciaga, who lived in Paris since 1937, teacher of great designers such as Óscar de la Renta.