How to Dress in the American 1950s Fashion

After World War II, there were some major fashion changes. The 1940s silhouette had wide shoulders and a short skirt, but the 1950s styles were hourglass in shape (fitted body with small shoulder, small waistline, full skirt and higher heels). Near the end of the decade, a newer fashion look was becoming popular, later made popular by Jackie Kennedy. If you're interested in dressing in a '50s style, this article is for you.

Steps For The Fabulous 50s Look

Womenswear

1. Find a fitted blouse. Quarter length sleeves are okay. The shoulder should be fitted, not puffy. Sleeveless was also a popular blouse. Collars could be pointed or rounded, called Peter Pan collars.
   
   
   
2. Look for jackets that are very fitted, with more rounded shoulders. They were hemmed at the hip level. Collars were often small and rounded, like Peter Pan. There were many types of decorative pockets and big buttons on jackets in the '50s.
   
   
   
3. Choose the type of skirt. Make sure it matches the blouse or that it is a neutral color. Skirts were full (circle, gathered, pleated or gored), but some were narrow and straight often called pencil skirts. Swing skirts that were knee high were also popular, along with the poodle skirt. Poodles were not the only animal featured of swing skirts. Nearly any animal, insect or flower could be featured on a skirt.
   
   
   
4. Try a shirt dress. Shirt dresses were popular. These had a shirt-like bodice, with a gathered skirt. A narrow belt was worn. Other dresses had fitted bodices with straight or narrow skirts.
   
   
   
5. Realize that further into the decade, styles changed. After 1955: the A-line look (narrow shoulder to wide hem) became popular. Looser fit dresses were also seen. Sac (or Sack) dresses were loose and baggy. At this time the hemline was near the knee. Jackets became 'boxy' and the 'Chanel' look or suit was worn. This had contrast trim around the jacket edges, no collar, small pockets with contrast buttons.
   
   
   
6. Get the right type of pants/trousers. Pants: the legs became narrow during the '50s. Pants were very popular and worn at home and leisure. The capri was mid-calf length, peddle pusher was a long short, and Bermuda shorts were knee length. These were worn with flat shoes, ballet-type flats, and simple sneakers (like Keds). Socks were optional.
   
   
   
7. Be sure your accessories match the 'timing' of the rest of your outfit. Accessories: small hats were popular, but during the latter years 'flower pot' hats were seen. These were bigger and higher in shape. Gloves of all colors were worn with dresses. Shoes often had pointed toes and thin kitten heels. Handbags grew smaller, often envelope in shape. The 'Kelley' bag was a simple hand bag with handle. Early in the '50s hairstyles were short and close (Audrey Hepburn), but later became larger and bouffant (Liz Taylor).
   
   
   

Menswear

1. Wear a fitted suit. Suits were becoming more narrow - with slim "cigarette leg" pants and a sack coat shape (Brooks Brother's suit). Charcoal grey was popular color for men's suits. Note: a white shirt was usually worn with this grey suit, along with a plain, narrow tie.
   
   
   
2. Ditch the hat. Before the war, all men wore hats. But moving into the '50s, hats became less and less popular. Why? Because men were driving more and hats were bothersome to wear while in the car.
   
   
   
3. Pay attention to shirts and pants. Khaki and plaid shirts or button-down collared oxford cloth shirts were seen on students. T-shirts were seldom worn alone, being an undershirt. Jeans were for outdoors or teen wear.
   
   
   
   • Note: Bermuda shorts, Hawaiian shirts and box shirts were worn in the summer.
4. Get a haircut. Hair was worn short, in a post-military style. Men started to wear their hair longer at the end of the decade, but it was still groomed to stay off the ears.
   
   
   

A Quick Rundown of 1950s Clothing

It may be hard to walk into a clothing store and ask for 1950s inspired clothing. You won't find a dedicated section in too many stores for these accoutrements. You'll need to do a little hunting. Here's what to look for.

• Knee-Length skirts
• Stockings
• Floral fabirc
• Fitted tops and full skirts
• Full-length ball gowns
• Tight pants
• Long jumpers
• Stilettos
• White blouses
• Wide skirts
• High heels
• Any dress that gives you an hour-glass sillhoute

Source :  http://www.wikihow.com/Dress-in-the-American-1950s-Fashion