The 1950s were a decade marked by optimism and economic prosperity. With World War II having come to an end, people around the world were looking towards a much brighter future. Rations and draft sign-ups were replaced with a rising consumer culture and a focus on leading quiet, peaceful lives in the suburbs, most notably in the US. In other words, the sociocultural landscape was gearing up for a big shift—and fashion was at the center of it all.

Influences on 1950s Style

Where the need to conserve resources influenced the fashion of the 1940s, the ‘50s took inspiration from glamorous Hollywood stars, European designers, and famous musicians. Big names like Dior set the standard for elegance in womenswear, and actresses like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn put feminine opulence on the map with their stunning wardrobes both on and off the silver screen. Not only that, but the advent of the home television set meant that fashion was undeniably intertwined with the emergence of pop culture. From sitcoms and variety shows to morning news programs and late-night talk shows, what performers and public figures were wearing was now being broadcast around the world.

Defining the Fashion Trends

The most immediately recognizable 1950s trend is the hourglass “New Look” silhouette that was introduced in the late ‘40s by Dior. This silhouette featured a nipped-in waist emphasized by a full skirt that came down at least to the knees. High-concept for its time and undeniably elegant, the New Look became the blueprint for the decade.

While it’s difficult to imagine since so much of our imagery from the 1950s is in black and white, bold colors and fun prints like polka dots and plaid were actually all the rage. Fashion was becoming a mode of self-expression again after years of dressing on a dime during the war, so women were proudly sporting looks that juxtaposed structured tailoring with bright, imaginative palettes.

1950s-Style Dresses: What to Look For

Perhaps the biggest hallmark of a 1950s dress is the full circle skirt, a type of skirt whose name comes from its construction. The fabric used to make this skirt will form a complete circle when laid out flat, which results in a gorgeous draped effect when it’s worn! You can incorporate this look into your wardrobe easily with comfy, colorful pieces like the Sky Blue 1950s Strap Polka-Dot Swing Dress and Red 1950s Polka-Dot Halter Dress, two fantastic choices that will sway beautifully as you walk in the summer breeze.  

The versatility doesn’t end there, either. You might think you can only show your passion for vintage style on your own time, but in reality, there’s tons of pieces that you can wear to work, too! Dresses like the Dark Green 1950s Plaid Knit Dress take a lovely semi-formal approach with features like bow-tie collars, plaid fabric, and a built-in belt. You can even opt for something a tad flouncier such as the White & Gray 1950s Lace-Up Swing Dress, which has adorable flutter sleeves, a neatly pleated pinstripe skirt, and an optional pleather belt for some added edge.

Lastly on our shopping list for 1950s dresses are pieces that show off the shoulders in some way or another. From revealing necklines to sleeveless designs, women’s fashion was becoming bolder than ever before during this era, especially when it came to party dresses. The Green 1950s Off-Shoulder Vintage Dress is a fabulous example of this with its stunning portrait collar and delightful butterfly-patterned brocade fabric. The sleeveless scoop neckline of the Pink 1950s Rose Floral Swing Dress is another brilliant choice that showcases clean tailoring alongside a fun and feminine pattern.

While those last two might be what you think of immediately when you’re picturing dresses from the ‘50s, there are plenty more ways to rock bared shoulders while staying true to the retro vibe. The Pink 1950s Floral V-Neck Dress contrasts a prim and proper floral fabric with its daring halter neckline, which flows directly into a large triangle keyhole in the back. Then we have the Black 1950s Butterfly Patchwork Vintage Dress, which covers more skin but maintains the mid-century silhouette with its barely-there cap sleeves and full skirt. The Red 1950s Strawberry Ruffle Belt Dress is a total summertime staple, featuring a dreamy strawberry seed print with leaf-like green ruffles and easy-to-wear spaghetti straps. Last but not least, the Pink 1950s Strawberry Mesh Swing Dress is like a walking party with its puffy strawberry tulle, cinched waistline, and bow-accented shoulders.

A Beachside Revolution

Swimwear evolved rapidly throughout the 20th century, and by the 1950s, short, skintight suits were making waves. One popular style was the babydoll swimsuit, a one-piece with boyshorts that often featured a sweetheart neckline and straps that could be removed for sunbathing. The Gingham 1950s Halter Bowknot One-Piece Swimsuit is a great example of this design, with its ruched fabric and halter strap neckline representing other trends of the time. And if you wanted to show some more skin, high-waisted two-piece suits like the 1950s Retro Halter Striped Bikini Set were another common style, foreshadowing the rise of the string bikini that would come later.

The princess swimsuit was another great pick for achieving the coveted hourglass figure. This alternative to the babydoll suit opted for a skirt over boyshorts and flattered the wearer’s body with plenty of ruching. The Retro 1950s Cherry Summer One-Piece Swimsuit and Red 1950s Solid Gathered Halter Swimsuit are two gorgeous princess-style suits that sport the ever-popular halter strap neckline as well as structured cups for some extra security and shaping at the bust. Even though this type of swimwear covers more skin than you might see today, the fact that it’s structured like a minidress somehow makes it feel even more sultry and alluring.

But just like with 1950s dresses, we can’t talk about the swimsuits of the decade without mentioning the vibrant, eye-catching color palettes and patterns women were sporting on the beach at the time. The Black & White 1950s Barbie Striped Halter Swimsuit, for example, is a wonderful throwback to the first-ever Barbie doll from way back in 1959! Its monochrome stripes and bustline keyhole are fantastically flattering and sure to turn heads across the board. On the other hand, the 1950s Lace Strawberry Cami Tankini Set channels your soft and sweet side with its modest construction, delicate strawberry-studded overlay, and adorable ruffled hems.

Ladies who love to push boundaries and break new ground will feel right at home in 1950s-style swimsuits. Pieces like the Yellow 1950s Sunflower Cross Halter Swimsuit take rebellion to the next level with their skin-baring designs, and others like the Black 1950s Gingham Halter Bowknot Bikini Set perfectly blend nostalgic style with modern sophistication for a whole new experience. No matter what you prefer, these suits keep the vintage spirit in mind with vibrant color and pattern combinations that are guaranteed to grab attention.

Dreaming in Luxury

Sleepwear in the 1950s was incredibly diverse, so here, we’ll just be highlighting a few of our favorite styles. Satin nightgowns like the 1950s Lace Backless V-Neck Satin Sleepwear were favored by many women in the warmer months because of their refined, elegant look and comfortable fabric. Some gowns would come with a sheer robe in what was known as a peignoir set, which could be worn both at bedtime and while getting ready the next morning. Our 2-Piece Apricot 1950s Floral Straps Slit Nightgown & Robe fills this role perfectly with a simple, floral-patterned mini nightgown and a matching robe with beautiful lace trim and two sets of ribbon closures.

And then, of course, there was the babydoll pajama set, consisting of a lightweight, smocklike top and puffy or loose-fitting bloomers. Initially designed with wartime fabric shortages in mind, these nighties have become one of the pinnacles of sexy vintage lingerie (we’re looking at you, Sabrina Carpenter!). Sets like our Pink 1950s Square Collar Ribbon Pajamas and Light Blue 1950s Square Collar Pajamas are a spectacular mix of comfort and sensuality, made of layers of soft fabric and decked out with bows and ruffles—in other words, they’re a girly girl’s dream!

Modern Styling Tips: Bringing the 1950s to Life Today

If you’re in love with 1950s fashion but aren’t sure how to bring the aesthetic into your everyday wardrobe, don’t worry! We’ve got some tips here that will help you get started.

● Blending Eras: Rather than leaning completely into the vintage looks, try mixing vintage-inspired pieces with contemporary accessories first.

● Classic for a Reason: The right silhouette goes a long way! Pieces with a timeless kind of fit that flatters the figure and gives the illusion of an hourglass shape will help you achieve that retro vibe with ease.

● It’s All in the Details: Completing your look with vintage hair, makeup, and footwear will make everything feel way more cohesive. Do some research on simple styles for beginners and have fun trying things out!

Embracing the Unforgettable Charm of the 1950s

Because the ‘50s fashion landscape was home to shakeup after shakeup, the dominant styles of that era are still looked at as inspiration for modern couture. To this day, contemporary designers are using cinched hourglass silhouettes, slimming textures, and experimental draping to bring their innovative visions to life on the runway, making these 1950s staples some of the most timeless motifs to ever hit the scene. If you’re already a fan of this era of fashion, or if you liked what you saw here and want to explore further, the team at Retro Stage invites you to check out our collection of 1950s-inspired dresses, swimwear, and so much more.