The 1950s was a time of great change in Britain. Following the end of the Second World War, people were keen to move away from the austerity of rationing, including the rationing of clothing which ended in 1949. In February 1947, Christian Dior launched a new clothing collection which introduced the “New Look” to post-war Britain. The New Look consisted of frivolous full skirts and tiny waists which we have come to associate with a classic 1950s look. Although there was some opposition to the style by some women who believed the New Look was impractical and was only within the means of the very richest of Parisian society, the look still became one of the most iconic fashion styles of all time, proving that French designs are never out of fashion.

Of course the full calf-length skirts of the New Look were not the only option available to women at the time. Here are some top tips for creating your very own perfect 1950s look.

(Image: Storefront at Norrmalmstorg in Stockholm, 1957. Via Stockholm Transport Museum on Flikr)

Dresses

Dresses of the 1950s commonly appear in a full-skirted silhouette, or with a slim pencil skirt. For the most authentic look, choose dresses with hemlines which fall just below the knee or lower. Square or sweetheart necklines were popular, as were halter necks.

If you choose a dress with a full skirt, you may wish to enhance the look by adding a petticoat. Make sure the petticoat you choose is not too full for the skirt. The skirt should drape nicely over the top of the petticoat with no distortion of the shape. Opt for a petticoat which is approximately one to two inches shorter than your skirt so that it is not visible, as petticoats in the 1950s were still considered underwear. Your petticoat should also not be too short, as this will cause the bottom of your skirt to flop instead of retaining the desired flounce.

(Image: This advertfrom 1957 shows a fitted pencil skirt. Via diepuppenstubensammlerin on Flikr)

Skirts and Trousers

Like dresses, skirts were full and flirty or fitted to create a Marilyn-esque wiggle. Both styles are flattering on all kinds of figures, enhancing your curves if you have any or helping to create them if you don’t. Choose a high-waisted style and tuck your blouse neatly in to the waist. Finish the look with a pretty belt to keep your waist looking stylishly tiny. 

(Image: Fenwickswindow display, Newcastle, 1958. Via Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums on Flikr)

Popular styles of trousers include capris which were cropped at mid-calf length, or cigarette trousers which sit at ankle-length. For the first time in history, jeans were worn as a fashion item instead of being reserved as a tough workwear item. Again, for the most authentic look, steer away from styles that sit at the hip as this creates a very modern look. Instead, opt for a style which sits at the natural waist. 

Tops and Blouses

If you decide on wearing a skirt or trousers, you will of course need a top or blouse to wear as well. Short sleeved blouses were popular, and featured a variety of different collar styles including peter pan collars, notched collars and shawl collars. Raglan and dolman sleeves were fashionable. Details such as ruffles, delicate beading or buttons up the back of the blouse may be present. Sheer blouses look very feminine and stylish but plain white shirts also became popular in the 1950s, a look seen on Audrey Hepburn in Roman
Holiday. 

Pair a pencil skirt or capris/cigarette trousers with a fitted sweater for the iconic “sweater girl” look or for full skirts and dresses choose a sweet cardigan which ends at the waist. For some extra sparkle, choose a beaded cardigan in a fine knit.

(Image: 1950s magazine advertisement for “U.S. KedettesCasual Shoes for play, beach, or pool”. Despite the advert being for an American brand, it nonetheless shows styles which were also popular in the UK. Via Classic Film on Flikr) 

Stilettos were very popular during the 1950s when heels became slimmer and higher than ever before – however shoes with a thicker heel were often favoured for day-wear. Wedges, slip-on mules and ballet pumps were also in style. Saddle shoes and loafers were worn with casual outfits or sportswear, and were commonly worn with bare feet (no stockings needed for this laid-back style) or with white bobby socks.

Accessories

Plastic novelty jewellery was popular in the 1950s but diamanté pieces, bamboo and pearls were also in style. Cat-eye sunglasses were also available in many colours to be matched to any outfit.

For handbags, bucket-shaped or basket bags were common, and the “Kelly” bag (a larger, flat bag often found in leather or reptile skin) found popularity in 1956 when Grace Kelly was seen using one. 

(Image: A model wearspearl jewellery, a veiled hat and gloves, 1950. Via The Coincidental Dandy [© The Estate of Erwin Blumenfeld, collection Henry et Yorick Blumenfeld], public domain on Flikr]

Decorative gloves and hats were still seen, especially for dressier and less casual looks. These accessories were favourites of Queen Elizabeth II, whose look was much copied by women at the time. A beautiful silk or nylon scarf can be worn tied around the neck or head to add the perfect finishing touch to your outfit.

Finally, if you want to go for a totally authentic look, choosing 1950s-style underwear can really help. Girdles and corsets were still worn by women during the 1950s and these are especially helpful in creating the very small waists which were in fashion at the time. Pointed bullet bras help to lift and define the bust in a different way to modern bras, which helps to further enhance the look of a small waist. Seamed stockings (and of course a suspender belt or other piece of lingerie with suspenders to hold them up) will take your look from retro to truly 1950s.

(Image: Toni TrioHome Permanent Wave advert from 1952. Via The Bees Knees Daily on Flikr)

Hair and Makeup

Women’s hair in the 1950s was commonly softly curled or waved using rollers or pin curls. Perms were used to help women with straight hair achieve these styles.  There are many guides and tutorials available on the internet for learning how to create 1950s hairstyles, however vintage hairstyling techniques can be difficult if you’ve never tried before. For the best results, I’d recommend having a practice before going to an event. 

(Image: Advert from1950 Cashmere Bouquet Lipstick. Via Jussi on Flikr)

For makeup, start with a natural-looking foundation. Tans were in fashion but the heavy contouring and highlighting which is common in modern makeup will not help you to create a 1950s look. Eyeshadows were available in both neutral shades and in colours so you can match your makeup to your outfit. Applying your eyeshadow with a light hand will help keep it from looking too modern. You could also choose to line your eyes with a black eyeliner, or a softer brown shade which was favoured by Marilyn Monroe. Eyebrows were carefully defined and appeared in more angular shapes than in previous decades. For lipstick, shades of red and coral were popular. Like with hairstyling, it’s possible to find lots of useful information on the internet. Look for makeup advertisements from the 1950s (which can be found in colour) to see the most authentic styles and colours.

Where to buy

If you shop carefully, 1950s styles can easily be found on the high street. Take care to avoid hemlines that fall above the knee, as well as obviously modern details such as studs and large mesh panels. Other features to look out for include natural fabrics such as cotton or wool, high waists, dresses with button-up fronts (“shirtwaists”), and classic patterns such as florals, stripes or small polka dots.

If you don’t feel like braving the high street in search of appropriate items, you can turn instead to companies which sell reproduction vintage items – that is to say, modern clothing which has been designed to look like original clothing from decades gone by. Sometimes these items are even produced from original patterns and may also use original fabric or notions such as buttons.

Here are some options for souring 1950s-style clothing:

Collectif

Lady V London 

Vivien of Holloway 

House of Foxy 

Lindy Bop

Heyday

Alternatively, you can seek out original 1950s clothing and create a completely authentic look. You can find original vintage clothing in vintage shops, at vintage fairs, or online. Here are some options for shopping for original 1950s clothing online:

Etsy 

Asos Marketplace 

Beyond Retro 

Rockit Vintage 

Love Miss Daisy