Hello, lovely!
There’s something rather wonderful about 1950s fashion. Beautifully fitted cardigans, swishy skirts, elegant coats and those gorgeous little details that make an ordinary outfit feel a bit special. And you don’t need an original Dior dress, a wardrobe full of vintage clothing or the patience to spend half your morning getting dressed to enjoy it.
In fact, some of the easiest ways to recreate 1950s style involve clothes you can find on the UK high street right now. A full midi skirt, a fitted jumper, a pair of ballet flats and a lovely structured handbag can give you a rather convincing fifties feel. Or perhaps you’re more of a cigarette trousers and boat neck top sort of girl. Both work beautifully.
The trick is knowing which shapes to look for, how to put them together and which little details make the biggest difference. But before we go shopping, let’s have a look at what women actually wore during the decade. Because 1950s fashion changed quite a bit between 1950 and 1959.
What Did Women Wear in the 1950s?
Women’s fashion in the 1950s is best remembered for fitted waists, full skirts, pencil dresses, neat knitwear and elegant accessories. The fashionable silhouette often emphasised the bust and hips while creating a defined waist. Dresses commonly fell below the knee, while cardigans, tailored jackets and coats completed the look. However, these were mainly the fashionable styles of Britain, Europe and America, and they certainly weren’t the only clothes women wore. Age, occupation, income and personal taste all influenced what ended up in someone’s wardrobe. A young woman heading out dancing, a factory worker and a well dressed office secretary weren’t necessarily following the same fashions. And as the decade progressed, designers began experimenting with much less restrictive shapes.
Early 1950s Fashion: Full Skirts and Defined Waists
To understand early 1950s fashion, we need to pop back to February 1947, when Christian Dior unveiled his first collection in Paris. The collection became famous as the New Look, with its rounded shoulders, narrow waists, emphasised hips and long, generous skirts.After the fabric restrictions and practical tailoring associated with the Second World War, Dior’s extravagant use of material represented a striking change. The style continued to influence fashionable clothing during the early 1950s, appearing in everything from expensive couture to more affordable ready made garments and home sewing patterns.
Take a look at this 1947 Dior dress in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. The fitted waist and wonderfully full skirt show exactly why the silhouette became so recognisable. By the early fifties, similar proportions could be found in day dresses, skirts and tailored suits. American designer Anne Fogarty was particularly associated with full skirted dresses that combined a fashionable silhouette with practical, wearable fabrics. A lovely example is this 1952 photograph of Suzy Parker wearing an Anne Fogarty dress. Notice how the bodice fits closely before the skirt falls away from the waist? That’s the shape we’re looking for. And happily, you can still create something similar with a modern midi skirt and a simple fitted top.
Late 1950s Fashion: Softer Shapes and a More Youthful Look
By the second half of the decade, fashion was becoming rather more interesting. The fitted waist and full skirt certainly hadn’t disappeared, but designers were increasingly experimenting with simpler shapes. Christian Dior introduced his A line collection in 1955, while Cristóbal Balenciaga presented his revolutionary sack dress in 1957. Balenciaga’s design removed much of the familiar emphasis on the waist. Rather than following the body’s curves, the dress hung more freely from the shoulders.
The reaction wasn’t universally enthusiastic. After years of carefully constructed hourglass figures, a dress that didn’t show off the waist was quite a change. Then, in January 1958, Yves Saint Laurent presented his first collection for Dior, introducing the Trapeze line. The new dresses had a softer outline, widening towards the hem without relying on the tightly defined waist associated with Dior’s earlier designs. You can see the difference in this wonderful 1958 photograph of Dior model Svetlana Lloyd wearing Saint Laurent’s Bonne Conduite design. The relaxed shape feels surprisingly modern, doesn’t it?
At the same time, younger women were developing their own styles, influenced by popular music, cinema and emerging youth culture. Slim trousers, casual knitwear and simpler separates offered alternatives to the more formal outfits associated with the beginning of the decade. If you fancy exploring the rebellious side of fifties fashion, have a read of my guide to 1950s subcultures, where you’ll find everything from rockabilly style to Teddy Girls.
The Key 1950s Clothing Styles to Look For
So, we’ve had our little fashion history lesson. Now for the fun bit. When you’re looking for 1950s inspired clothes, it’s far more useful to recognise the shape and construction of a garment than to search exclusively for things labelled ‘vintage’. Modern shops don’t always use historical terminology, and plenty of beautiful fifties inspired pieces are hiding under rather ordinary product descriptions.
Full Midi Skirts
A full skirt is probably one of the easiest ways to introduce a little 1950s glamour into your wardrobe. Circle skirts were popular during the decade, but so were pleated, gathered and gored skirts. Not every skirt was enormous, and not every woman walked around with layers of netting underneath her clothes. For a modern version, look for a midi skirt that sits at your natural waist and has enough fabric to move nicely when you walk.
What to search for: Full midi skirt, cotton poplin skirt, fit and flare skirt, pleated midi skirt or circle skirt. Cotton poplin is especially lovely for creating a crisp, structured shape. Softer viscose blends are good if you’d prefer something with a little less volume. You can add a petticoat if you fancy a fuller silhouette, but it’s certainly not essential for everyday wear.
Pencil Skirts and Sheath Dresses
The pencil skirt is another classic shape associated with the 1950s. Unlike a full circle skirt, it follows the body’s natural curves, narrowing towards the hem to create a sleek silhouette. A pencil skirt typically sits at the waist and falls to somewhere around the knee or below, although the exact length varies. A back vent or kick pleat makes walking and sitting considerably easier. Always worth checking, especially if you’re planning to catch a bus rather than glide across a Hollywood film set.
The mid-century pencil skirt was a different design, intended to create a slim, tailored outline, generally with more practical construction. For today’s wardrobe, choose a properly fitted pencil skirt in a comfortable fabric with a little give.
What to search for: High waisted pencil skirt, tailored midi skirt, straight wool skirt, sheath dress or fitted pencil dress.
Fitted Cardigans and Twinsets
Oh, how I love a good cardigan.The 1950s gave us some beautifully shaped knitwear, including fitted jumpers, short cardigans and matching twinsets. A classic twinset consists of a knitted top and matching cardigan, often worn with a skirt or tailored trousers. They’re wonderfully useful for modern wardrobes too. A neat cardigan can make jeans look more polished, while a fine knit tucked into a full skirt immediately creates that lovely fifties silhouette.
Look for cardigans that finish around the waist or upper hip, particularly if you’re wearing a high waisted skirt. Fine wool, cotton and cashmere blends work nicely, although you don’t need anything particularly expensive. And if you’re interested in the history behind these lovely knitted pieces, I’ve explored them in more detail in What They Wore: Vintage Knitwear Throughout the Decades.
Shirt Dresses and Fitted Blouses
Shirt dresses are particularly useful if you want a 1950s inspired outfit that feels appropriate for everyday life. Look for dresses with a defined waist, buttons down the front, a neat collar and a skirt that gently flares out. A simple belt can help give the dress a more structured appearance.
Fitted blouses are another useful wardrobe staple, especially those with small collars, short sleeves, gentle gathers or subtle shaping through the waist. Avoid automatically choosing oversized tops if you’re trying to recreate the more fitted early fifties silhouette. A blouse that can be tucked neatly into a skirt will usually work better.
What to search for: Belted shirt dress, cotton midi shirt dress, fitted blouse, Peter Pan collar blouse or tailored short sleeve shirt.
Cigarette Trousers and Capri Pants
Not terribly keen on skirts? That’s perfectly fine. Women wore trousers during the 1950s too, especially for casual activities, leisurewear and increasingly fashionable relaxed looks. Slim cigarette trousers and cropped Capri pants are particularly useful references. They work beautifully with fitted knitwear, boat neck tops and ballet flats. You can take inspiration from Audrey Hepburn’s style for a more understated interpretation, or explore Brigitte Bardot’s wardrobe for something a little more playful.
What to search for: High waisted cigarette trousers, slim ankle trousers, tailored cropped trousers or Capri pants. Choose a pair that fits neatly through the hips without being uncomfortable. Slightly cropped hems are especially useful for showing off a lovely pair of flats.
Five 1950s Outfit Ideas You Can Wear Today
Right, we’ve covered the wardrobe essentials. But how do you actually put them together without looking as though you’re heading to a fancy dress party? Here are five outfits inspired by genuine 1950s fashion, all built around pieces you should be able to find in modern clothing collections.
1. Everyday 1950s Style: The Full Skirt and Cardigan
This is probably my favourite starting point because it looks lovely without requiring too much effort.
The outfit:
A full midi skirt in navy, brown, green or a cheerful print, paired with a fitted short sleeved jumper or simple blouse. Add a waist length cardigan, comfortable ballet flats and a small structured shoulder bag. For a particularly pretty combination, try a cream cardigan with a dark green skirt and tan leather accessories.
Where to wear it: Shopping, coffee dates, lunch with friends or a wander around town.
The modern touch: Forget the enormous petticoat for everyday wear. Let the skirt hang naturally and choose shoes you can comfortably walk in. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, add a small brooch to your cardigan.
2. 1950s Workwear: The Pencil Skirt and Fine Knit
For work, I’d lean towards the beautifully tailored side of 1950s fashion. Think smart separates, neat proportions and accessories that look considered without becoming overly formal.
The outfit:
A charcoal, chocolate or navy pencil skirt worn with a fine cream jumper, a cropped tailored jacket or cardigan, and leather loafers or low court shoes. Finish with a structured handbag and perhaps a silk scarf. It’s a lovely combination for an office, especially during autumn and winter.
Where to wear it: Office days, business meetings or anywhere you want to look polished.
The modern touch: Choose a skirt with a practical vent and enough stretch to sit comfortably. And if you prefer trousers, swap the skirt for tailored cigarette trousers. For a little more inspiration, have a look at Grace Kelly’s classic wardrobe. Her beautifully coordinated separates are a useful reference for smart, understated dressing.
3. Casual Weekend Style: Capri Trousers and a Boat Neck Top
This is the perfect outfit if you love the relaxed side of 1950s fashion. It’s simple, comfortable and rather chic.
The outfit:
Black or navy cropped trousers paired with a striped boat neck top or fitted knitted jumper. Add ballet flats or loafers, sunglasses and a canvas or woven bag. A silk scarf tied loosely around your hair or neck is a sweet finishing touch.
Where to wear it: Weekend errands, picnics, holidays or a relaxed Sunday afternoon.
The modern touch: You can easily swap the Capri trousers for dark, straight leg jeans.
It becomes less of a direct historical recreation, but the fitted top, cropped proportions and classic shoes still give the outfit a lovely midcentury feel. And if you prefer your fifties style with a little more attitude, Brigitte Bardot’s casual outfits are well worth exploring.
4. 1950s Date Night: The Little Black Dress
The 1950s produced some truly beautiful eveningwear, from elegant fitted cocktail dresses to elaborate full skirted gowns. But unless you’re attending an especially glamorous event, you probably don’t need layers of tulle and a pair of satin evening gloves. A simple little black dress will do very nicely.
The outfit:
Choose a black dress with a fitted bodice and either a gently flared or pencil shaped skirt. Add kitten heels or elegant low court shoes, a small clutch bag and a pair of pretty earrings. A cropped cardigan or little evening jacket is useful when the weather turns chilly.
Where to wear it: Dinner dates, cocktails, evening events or celebrations.
The modern touch: Try a dark burgundy, bottle green or chocolate brown dress if black isn’t really your colour. For makeup, a softly defined eye and red or berry lipstick work beautifully.
5. 1950s Winter Fashion: The Wool Coat and Cosy Knitwear
There are few things I love more than a beautifully tailored vintage winter coat. And the 1950s really knew how to do outerwear. Princess coats followed the figure through the bodice before flaring towards the hem, while swing and box coats offered roomier alternatives. You can recreate the general look without needing an original coat.
The outfit:
Start with a wool blend midi skirt or tailored trousers, a fine knitted jumper and comfortable ankle boots. Add a long, softly flared coat or a fitted coat with a defined waist.Finish with leather gloves, a knitted beret and a scarf in a complementary colour. A camel coat over chocolate brown and cream is particularly lovely. Or go for navy, burgundy and grey if you prefer cooler shades.
Where to wear it: Winter outings, Christmas shopping, work and everyday cold weather dressing.
The modern touch: Prioritise warmth and practical footwear. A beautiful coat is considerably less enjoyable when you’re freezing beneath it. For more historical examples of coats, winter knitwear and accessories, have a look at my 1950s winter fashion guide.
Where to Find 1950s Inspired Clothes on the UK High Street
You don’t need to rely on specialist reproduction brands or spend hours hunting through vintage shops.
Many of the basic shapes associated with 1950s fashion are still produced by mainstream retailers.
The secret is knowing what to look for.
Start with Modern Wardrobe Staples
Shops such as Marks & Spencer, Next, Uniqlo, John Lewis and H&M are useful places to search for classic pieces, depending on the season and current collections.
Rather than hunting for a particular garment that might disappear next week, search their clothing categories for timeless shapes.
For example, try looking for:
- Skirts: Full midi skirts, pleated skirts, pencil skirts and structured cotton skirts.
- Knitwear: Fine knit jumpers, waist length cardigans, cashmere blends and knitted tops.
- Dresses: Fit and flare dresses, belted shirt dresses and simple fitted midi dresses.
- Trousers: Cigarette trousers, cropped tailored trousers and slim ankle length styles.
- Coats: Princess style coats, belted wool coats, swing coats and softly flared overcoats.
- Accessories: Structured handbags, silk scarves, brooches, loafers and ballet flats.
The exact product names will vary, so don’t be surprised if a beautifully fifties looking skirt is simply described as a ‘cotton midi skirt’.
Quite often, those are the best finds.
Pay Attention to Fabric and Fit
A good silhouette makes more difference than an elaborate print.
For fuller skirts, cotton poplin, substantial cotton blends and other structured fabrics can help maintain the shape.
For pencil skirts, look for smooth fabrics with enough structure to hang neatly and enough stretch to move comfortably.
Fine gauge knitwear works beautifully with both.
It’s also worth paying attention to where tops finish. If you’re wearing a high waisted skirt, a shorter cardigan or tucked in blouse will often create a more balanced shape than a long, loose jumper.
And don’t forget alterations.
A perfectly ordinary high street skirt can look considerably more elegant when the waistband and length are right.
Choose Colours and Prints You’ll Actually Wear
Polka dots, gingham, florals and novelty prints are all associated with midcentury fashion, but you don’t have to wear them.
Solid colours can look every bit as convincing.
Cream, navy, black, grey, tan and chocolate brown make excellent foundations, while red, turquoise, pink, green and rich jewel tones can add a little personality.
Personally, I love the combination of a plain, beautifully fitted cardigan with a patterned skirt.
It gives you that vintage feeling without making the outfit too busy.
How to Accessorise a 1950s Inspired Outfit
Accessories make an enormous difference to how an outfit comes together. You can wear a perfectly modern dress and give it a distinctly fifties feel with the right shoes, bag and jewellery.
For daytime, try a structured handbag, small earrings, a silk scarf or a lovely vintage brooch. For evening, delicate jewellery, a clutch bag and elegant court shoes can make a simple dress feel considerably more glamorous. You don’t need everything to match perfectly, although coordinated accessories were certainly part of fashionable midcentury dressing. I’d generally choose one or two vintage inspired details rather than wearing every accessory you own at once. Unless you’re in the mood for maximum glamour. In which case, I entirely understand.
1950s Hair and Makeup: The Finishing Touches
The right hairstyle can make even a simple outfit feel much more vintage. Shorter, carefully set hairstyles were especially fashionable during the 1950s, with sculpted curls, neat waves, rounded bobs and elegant swept back styles appearing throughout the decade. For a simple modern interpretation, try softly curled ends, a neat side parting or a low chignon. You don’t need a complicated roller set every morning, although they’re rather fun when you have the time. Victory rolls are more strongly associated with the 1940s, so I’d save those for a look specifically inspired by the wartime era.
As for makeup, think defined brows, softly powdered skin, a subtle sweep of eyeliner and beautifully coloured lips. Red lipstick is a classic, but pink, coral and softer rose shades are lovely options too. I’ve put together a more detailed 1950s makeup guide if you’d like to explore the beauty styles of the decade. And remember, modern makeup products make recreating these looks considerably easier.
