Fashions

A detailed Summary of Fashions

Fashion and makeup trends in the 1950s reflected shifts in popular culture and were heavily influenced by film stars and television. A thriving youth culture contributed to changes in fashion, which were generally less conservative than in past decades. The exception was men's fashions, which became more subdued in the 1950s and included dark gray, blue, brown, and black suits. However, the Beatnik generation also contributed to fashion trends, and leather, denim blue jeans, and sneakers were also popular in the 1950s, especially among teenagers. Rock and roll also influenced the "greaser" look that developed around that time. The cult of the housewife similarly impacted new looks developing throughout the decade. A rise in consumerism encouraged many people to amass large, colorful wardrobes.

One of the most well-known fashion trends from the 1950s was the poodle skirt. Poodle skirts were round-cut, calf-length, full skirts, cinched at the waist. An applique of a poodle on the bottom left of the skirt was common, but other motifs were also used. Basic circle skirts, also calf-length or cut just below the knee, were common. Most were pleated, slightly puffy to maximize their "swing." Almost all 50s dresses and skirts accentuated

Accessories were all-important in the 1950s. Women sometimes wore short white gloves and short satin scarves tied in a knot around their neck. Handbags ranged in style and included round boxy ones that looked like hat boxes. One of the most notable fashion trends in the 1950s was the stiletto heel. Invented by Charles Jourdan in 1951, the stiletto replaced earlier chucky heels. Women still wore pumps and other, more conservative footwear, but the stiletto became immensely popular. Moreover, shoes came in every possible color, to match any outfit. In the 1950s, shoes were an integral part of the ensemble. Sandals and pumps with the toes cut out grew in popularity, as did saddle shoes, "winkle pickers," or pointy-toed shoes, penny loafers, colorful sneakers like Converse's, and clear plastic high-heeled sandals. Women often carried umbrellas as a fashion accessory. In some cases, the umbrellas had a six-inch steel spike at the end that matched the pointy spike of the stiletto heel. Spike-tipped umbrellas doubled as a weapon of self-defense for women walking alone (Thomas). Costume jewelry included strands of beads and pearls, but the most funky fashion accessory trend during the 1950s were the bejeweled butterfly glasses. These spectacles were truly a sight to see: not only were they brightly colored, adorned with glitter and rhinestone studs, but they also had elaborate butterfly wings at the corners.

1950s hair styles ranged from casual ponytails to elaborate bouffants and the ubiquitous beehive: a teased mane of hair piled

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Category: Miscellaneous