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Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed the 1950s

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The 1950s was a decade of great change in fashion. After the austerity of the war years, people were eager to embrace new styles and trends. Fashion became more glamorous and feminine, with a focus on cinched waists, A-line skirts, and swing dresses. Here are 50 looks that defined the era:

Fifty Fashion Looks that Changed the 1950s: Design Museum Fifty

by Paula Reed

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1. Poodle Skirt

A Poodle Skirt With A White Poodle Appliqued On The Front. Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed The 1950s: Design Museum Fifty

The poodle skirt was one of the most iconic fashion trends of the 1950s. It was typically made of a full circle of fabric, with a poodle appliqued on the front. Poodle skirts were often worn with bobby socks and saddle shoes.

2. Pencil Dress

A Black Pencil Dress With A Cinched Waist And A Flared Skirt. Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed The 1950s: Design Museum Fifty

The pencil dress was another popular fashion trend of the 1950s. It was a fitted dress that flared out at the hem. Pencil dresses were often made of wool or rayon and were worn with heels or pumps.

3. Cinched Waist

A Woman Wearing A Dress With A Cinched Waist. Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed The 1950s: Design Museum Fifty

Cinched waists were a key feature of 1950s fashion. Women would often wear belts or girdles to create a more hourglass figure. Cinched waists were often paired with A-line skirts or swing dresses.

4. A-Line Skirt

An A Line Skirt With A Flared Hem. Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed The 1950s: Design Museum Fifty

A-line skirts were another popular fashion trend of the 1950s. They were fitted at the waist and flared out at the hem. A-line skirts were often worn with blouses or sweaters.

5. Swing Dress

A Swing Dress With A Full Skirt And A Cinched Waist. Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed The 1950s: Design Museum Fifty

Swing dresses were a popular fashion trend of the 1950s. They were fitted at the bodice and flared out at the hem. Swing dresses were often made of cotton or rayon and were worn with heels or pumps.

6. Capri Pants

A Pair Of Capri Pants With A Cropped Leg. Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed The 1950s: Design Museum Fifty

Capri pants were a popular fashion trend of the 1950s. They were cropped pants that ended just below the knee. Capri pants were often worn with blouses or T-shirts.

7. Pedal Pushers

A Pair Of Pedal Pushers With A Rolled Up Hem. Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed The 1950s: Design Museum Fifty

Pedal pushers were another popular fashion trend of the 1950s. They were cropped pants that ended just below the calf. Pedal pushers were often worn with bobby socks and saddle shoes.

8. Bobby Socks

A Pair Of Bobby Socks With A Ribbed Cuff. Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed The 1950s: Design Museum Fifty

Bobby socks were a popular fashion trend of the 1950s. They were short socks that ended just below the ankle. Bobby socks were often worn with saddle shoes or loafers.

9. Saddle Shoes

A Pair Of Saddle Shoes With A White Saddle And A Black Toe. Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed The 1950s: Design Museum Fifty

Saddle shoes were a popular fashion trend of the 1950s. They were two-tone shoes with a white saddle on the front and a black toe. Saddle shoes were often worn with bobby socks or pedal pushers.

10. Loafers

A Pair Of Loafers With A Penny Slot On The Front. Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed The 1950s: Design Museum Fifty

Loafers were another popular fashion trend of the 1950s. They were slip-on shoes with a penny slot on the front. Loafers were often worn with socks or without socks.