Fashion 1950 - 1960

One result of the Post-World War II economic expansion was a flood of synthetic fabrics and easy-care processes. "Drip-dry" nylon, orlon and dacron, which could retain heat-set pleats after washing, became immensely popular. Acrylic, polyester, triactate and spandex were all introduced in the 1950s.

From the mid-1950s, a new unfitted style of clothing appeared as an alternative to the tight waist and full skirt associated with the New Look.

In the 1950s fashion was the most important thing for teengers. Their fashion was more built out and stylish. They started to get more hip and less like their mothers.

The hair styles of the 50s were huge and the most popular one was the beehive but most people just wore pony tails if they couldn't afford it.  But in the late 1950s people started getting more money so they could afford to get it done profesionally.

Jewellery in the 50s was important to teenage culture. The things they wore were pearls, diamonds and rubies.They wore it mostly on their necks, wrists, ears and sometimes their nose.

 

Shoes in the 1950's were important to men and woman. Men wore black tight boots or black shoes.  Girls or woman wore high heels or  stilettos. Sometimes women wore bare feet when dancing.

Fashion 1940 - 1950

The New Look

On February 12, 1947, Christian Dior launched the first collection of the House Of Dior. The new collection went down in fashion history as the "New Look". The signature shape was characterized by a below-mid-calf length, full-skirt, pointed bust, small waist, and rounded shoulder line.

Women's Daywear of the late 1940′s.

1.The fitted jacket-and-skirt suit, with a peplum to the hip.
2. One and two fabric day dresses with squarish curved necklines.
3. The bust shaped by soft flowing gathers , swags or drapery on the skirt.

Evening wear dress styles of the late 1940′s.

1. Lace and taffeta with asymmetric, bouffant styling were all the rage.
2. Cap sleeved cotton blouses [and rayon too for a while until polyester arrived]
3. Wide-leg pants and matching tap-style shorts for recreation.

Women’s Underwear in the late 1940′s.

By the end of the forties, corsets had been finally replaced by the all in one girdle and the increasingly popular two piece – bra and the girdle.

Nylon Stockings began to adorn womens legs once more, having been used in chiefly for parachutes during the war years.
This time the sale of fully fashioned stockings took off on a global scale.
There wasnt a fashionable woman alive who couldn’t wait to jump into the latest pair.

Women's shoes

Wedge heels were still worn but now with shallower wedges.
Shoes became more delicate,high-heeled court shoes, or shoes finely strapped round the ankles, worn with beige nylons were the rage for a time as part of the ” New Look”.

Plain high heeled black leather or suede court shoes were the main shoe style.

Rouched Chiffon Gloves were popular in the 1940′s and Opera Gloves continuedto be worn right into the 1950′s for evening wear.