The 1950s are often remembered for Christian Dior’s “New Look,” with its cinched waists and full skirts. However, 50s and 60s fashion offered a surprising array of styles, reflecting a growing sense of personal choice and the influence of groundbreaking designers. This era witnessed a significant shift in women’s fashion, paving the way for the revolutionary styles of the 1960s.
Beyond the New Look: Expanding Choices in the Fifties
While the “New Look” dominated early 50s fashion, it wasn’t the only trend. As fashion curator Daniel Milford-Cottam notes in Fashion in the 1950s, women could be equally fashionable in full or narrow skirts, form-fitting sheaths, or loose sack dresses. This newfound freedom of choice marked a departure from previous decades. Designers like Cristobal Balenciaga, Charles James, and Hubert de Givenchy further diversified the fashion landscape with innovative silhouettes. James Laver, in Costume and Fashion: A Concise History, observes a shift towards less structured and straighter cuts as the decade progressed.
The Rise of the Straight Cut and the Sheath
Chanel, Dior, and Balenciaga introduced the straight-cut suit, contrasting sharply with the “New Look.” This style emphasized the natural female form, with jackets hanging loosely at the hips. Sheath dresses, epitomized by Givenchy’s designs, and high-waisted chemise dresses, pioneered by Balenciaga in 1957, also gained popularity in the latter half of the decade. Balenciaga’s signature swing outline, often seen on model Suzy Parker, further exemplified this trend.
Sportswear and Youthful Styles
Despite the elegance of haute couture, sportswear remained popular. American designer Claire McCardell continued her success from the 1940s with wrap dresses and introduced pedal pushers with matching tops. Young women embraced McCardell’s sportswear and informal styles like sundresses and swimsuits, seeking alternatives to the more formal attire.
The Iconic Poodle Skirt and Casual Elegance
The poodle skirt became a symbol of 1950s fashion. Created by Juli Lynne Charlot, these felt skirts, often embellished with various designs, were typically paired with tight-knitted twinsets. While more casual than Parisian haute couture, they retained the “New Look’s” defined waist and full skirt. This symbolized a blend of casual style with the era’s prevailing elegance.
From the 50s to the Swinging Sixties
The evolving styles of the 1950s laid the groundwork for the fashion revolution of the 1960s. The emphasis on individual expression and experimentation with silhouettes paved the way for the miniskirts, A-line dresses, and bold patterns that would define the next decade. The 1950s represented a pivotal period in fashion history, bridging the classic elegance of the past with the youthful exuberance of the future.
