Fit and Flare
Fit and Flare
According to The Lady, fit and flare dresses originated in the late 1940s. However, they used quite a lot of fabric, which tore into post-war funds. So, their popularity peaked in the 1950s. Overall, the fit and flare dress radically changed the way women dressed until well into the 1960s.
The fit and flare dress is definitely still popular today. According to The Lady, there are some design differences between today's fit and flare and the 1950s'. For example, a modern style is more likely to end above the knee and reflect modern stylish patterns.
Denim
Denim
According to Levi Strauss & Co., May 20, 1873 was the birth date of the blue jean. Denim was a very popular choice in the 1950s. According to History of Jeans, young people started wearing denim in the 1950s for a variety of reasons, especially as a means of rebellion and as inspiration from movies. Some public places like schools and theaters actually banned jeans because of what they symbolized.
You may know this already, but denim is still really popular today! Many people wear it as jeans or jackets, and it's a very practical choice for colder seasons.
Pencil Dress/Skirt
Pencil Dress/Skirt
According to The Maker's Atelier, the first pencil skirt was designed by Christian Dior as part of his "H-line" collection of 1954. So, not only did pencil skirts and dresses gain massive popularity in the 1950s, they were designed in that time period as well. According to Vogue, it was also a practical and smart garment for working women.
Pencil dresses and skirts are still worn today! Many celebrities and well-known figures have worn pencil dresses or skirts to public events, including Michelle Obama and Meghan Markle.
Tapered Pants
Tapered Pants
Tapered pants were a trend in the 1950s, but, unlike the pencil skirt, they did not originate in the 1950s. According to Refinery 29, men's trousers of the 1800s were the first reflection of the tapered pant style, and it became one of the first pants ever acceptable for the average woman in the late 1800s. According to StyleJeansWear.com, the 1950s represents the transition between wide leg jeans and tapered pants.
Today, tapered pants and capris are less popular than they were in the 1950s, but that doesn't stop people from wearing them! They are considered casual clothing in modern times.
If you want to look into more 50s fashion, check out fiftiesweb.com! It has details on select items that were popular in the 1950s, including the four trends above, different patterns in women's dresses, men's uniform workplace attire, ladies' shoes, hats, ladies' suits and coats, pants and shorts, and teen clothes. Check it out!
