As Halloween approaches, there’s a resurgence in people’s interest in the fashions of past decades. Everyone’s going to an 80s disco night or a 20s swing party. One classic costume that comes back each year is the classic 1950s poodle skirt look. The 50s were such an iconic time, and some of the fashions are relatively easy to replicate, so they’re a popular choice for costumers. But how accurate is the modern day picture of the 50s? What did people actually wear back then? Let’s dive a little deeper and find out!
Were Poodle Girls really a thing?
One of the most unique and recognizable fashions of the 1950s that we think of today is the Poodle Skirt. These skirts were wide circle skirts made of felt, with decorations appliqued onto them. The skirt was originally designed by Juli Lynne Charlot when she needed a Christmas skirt on short notice. She wasn’t very good at sewing, so she made a seamless circle skirt. It quickly caught on. The first type of dog she put on it was actually the dachshund! Because this style of skirt was so easy to make, it gained popularity, especially among teenage girls. Because they were so customizable, girls could ad whatever their heart desired to their skirts, making them a fun and fashionable way to express themselves.
Because these skirts were so fun and memorable, they have become an icon of the era. However, they were far from the only skirt that people wore at the time. Let’s take a loot as some other styles.
The Shirtwaist Dress
Another popular but more mature style was the shirtwaist dress. These dresses took the traditionally masculine style of a button-up collared shirt, and gave it a feminine flare. These dresses followed the fashionable silhouette of the era while being more durable and practical for everyday wear. Nowadays, some may scoff at dresses as being impractical, but the wide skirts are actually very easy to move in, which was essential for the busy housewife of the 50s. However, for those who wanted a still more practical option, or simple were inclined to new daring styles, there were other wardrobe possibilities to choose from.
Pedal Pushers
One new invention that emerged at this time was known as “pedal pushers.” These were short pants for women that ended at the upper calf area, and would probably be referred to as capris today. They were initially called “knickerbockers” and were primarily a men’s fashion, but over time they became popular among women. The name comes from their history of being worn by cyclists, as they prevented pant legs from being caught in the chains.
Men’s Fashions
We’ve touched on a few common fashions for women, but what did the men wear? When planning a 50s look, you most often see guys wearing the classic white t-shirt, jeans, slicked back hair, and leather jacket. This style, called the greaser style, was primarily favored by rebellious teens. Inspired by popular films of the time, it was very much a pop culture influence and was not a widely worn style among adults.
Most men in this era were working class, and the societal norm was still to wear a suit and tie to work. One particularly popular suit style took off after the release of an influential film in 1956. Staring Gregory Peck, the movie was titled “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit.” Unsurprisingly, this simple outfit featured in the title caught on.
Another interesting fashion trend was the khaki colored chinos favored by ivory league college boys, which eventually spread to other groups as well. These pants were originally inspired by the military uniforms of British troops in India. Their lightweight cotton fabric made them a popular choice for summer wear.
Would you still wear these trends today?
So, what do you think? Was your idea of 1950s fashion pretty accurate, or were there some styles you didn’t know about? We’ve only highlighted a few fashion trends here, as the decade was one of dramatic changes in a lot of areas of style. Are there any 1950s fashions that you love or still wear today? Let us know!
If you liked these fashions and want something similar, check out these Amazon products that are modern dupes for these classic looks!
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