Silhouettes In The 50's

During the 1930’s the public began to feel the effects of the Great Depression, many designers were restricted in experimenting with new fashions due to the fall in the economy and the rise in employment. However, this difficult time period did not stop women from flocking to the shops to enjoy the new fashion craze that was arising. Women were expected to wear clothing that was sombre and modest, it reflecting the difficult social and economical situation of the decade. In Italy, women’s fashions moved away from the seductive and daring style of the 1920s towards more romantic, feminine silhouette inspired fashion. Fashion was more significant during this time period in Italy because

Throughout the decade both genders became much more fashion conscious and a woman’s appearance was often linked to the success of their husband. The daily reminder from radios, TV’s and magazines to be desirable and beautiful for their husbands motivated women to splash out and spend a lot of money on clothes.

Women everywhere used household items, including cellophane and pipe cleaners, to create shoe decorations. Everything was recycled, giving rise to such advertising, Vogue’s “Make Do & Mend” campaign. (Keogh). Shoe factories were told to limit the height of shoe heels to one inch and allowed for only six color choices. For women, nylons stocking were banned. Magazines and beauty salons helped out by offering tips on how to paint legs with back seams and tan using makeup. (Keogh). Clothing was also made to be comfortable. Since women were replacing jobs for men in factories there clothing had to be loose fitting and comfortable. In 1947, Dior introduced the “New Look”, featuring longer lengths and fuller skirts, they were being to look more like women again.Women’s fashion changed to a soft, feminine and romantic image, this set the stage for fashion of women in the next decade.

The 1920’s fashion was a period of liberation, change, and even more importantly a movement towards the modern era. Fashion in the 1920’s varied throughout the decade but one could see the noticeable change from the previous fashion statements and eras. At the start of the decade, women began emancipating themselves from the constricting fashions by wearing more comfortable apparel. As women gained more rights and World War I forced them to become more independent, flappers came to be, mass-produced garments became available, and artistic movements increased in popularity, one can see how the fashions from the roaring twenties characterized the time and redefined womanhood. (1920s clothing 1)

Throughout the 1920s through the 1950s Women’s clothing in America was affected by World War II, which lead to the exploration of different styles, the encounter of new trends and the exchange of ideas and new styles.

The 1920s was a pivotal era in women’s fashion—an era that saw Prohibition, Jazz and celebration of war’s end. Gone was the hourglass figure of the 19th Century, swept away by the World War I, and replaced by the figure of a modern, independent woman. This book covers fashions from 1920 to 1924, an often overlooked period of fashion which was a time of transition between the draped and layered fashions of the post World War I era and the free and easy gowns of the jazz age flapper.

The political and economic crisis of the 1930’s strongly affected the way women dressed. The harsh situation in the country forced them to abandon fancy trends (in clothing, accessory, beauty department) in favor of the simplicity. Women quite often looked up to the glamorous Hollywood movie stars for fashion and beauty inspirations. However, the upcoming war stripped them of this sole way to escape the grim reality of day-to-day life. The hard times that emerged at the end of the 1930’s with the upcoming war on the horizon translated into simple and practical clothing.

During the 1920’s the clothing began to become more modernized and moved away from the fashion of the later decades. The 1920’s had various clothing styles that would depend on many aspects. Depending on the time of day, who was there, the type of outing, and the type of party there would be many different looks that could be presented. Men and Women could change into multiple outfits a day to fit the occasion. The clothing worn also depended on the persons age, occupation, and social class. There were many guidelines for clothing in the 1920’s.

In the movie, the majority of the characters are teenagers in high school; teenagers were the driving force behind fashion during the nineteen fifties. As well as, the way teenagers and young women dressed was influenced by the rock n roll craze. Today, our fashion sense is way different than it was during that time period; however, our fashion would not be the way it is today if it was not for the trends that were popular throughout the fifties. In several ways, the nineteen fifties took a turn in the fashion industry, especially for the woman. Before, while the men were away fighting in World War II, women were sent to fill their spots in the factories.  At this point in time the way women dressed was heavily restricted to where they must wear certain things, rather it be the length of their skirts to the size of their collars; however, as women continued to work throughout the nineteen fifties, they began to dress how they felt and dress more comfortable. Some popular fashion trends during the nineteen fifties were poodle skirts for teenagers, slim pencil-line skirts for women, and saddle shoes. Stiletto-heeled shoes also emerged in the early nineteen fifties and there were a variety of different colors so you could get the pair that match your shoes to your outfit. Women such as Audrey Hepburn helped inspire the casual look, and Marilyn Monroe inspired tiny waistlines, full skirts, and busts. On a different note, fashion for men during the nineteen fifties was very quiet and conservative. Men mostly wore plain fabrics in dark, like blue, brown, and grey. People were beginning to feel more freedom in the way that they dressed, their rules were no longer as strict as they had been in the past and they could do what they want; if they wanted to wear a dress that day they could, as well as they could wear a skirt, or even pants. People no

Clothing has always been a social representation of who you are as a person. Throughout time clothing has been changing from the time of cavemen when humans wore animal fur and skin to now where you see models wearing diamonds as a shirt. In the 1940’s women stole the scene of fashion introducing a different style of clothing you would never see in today’s fashion world. As the world changes, so does clothing.

In the 1920’s men and women abandoned restricted fashions and turned to more fashionable and comfortable clothing. During this time both men and women’s fashion drastically changed in style, fit and quality. The new fashions during this era were a way people could express themselves and their lifestyles. Much of men’s clothing were influenced by popular athletes and their fashions. As many different

The 1920’s, also called the roaring 20’s, was a time of change. During this time period the fashion for both men and women was changing immensely. The aftermath of WWI caused America to enter a vigorous era. As a result of the role of women during the war, many customs and morals were changing. The Stock Market started booming, many new dances and music came about, and women got the right to vote and enter the workforce. There was an uprise in almost every activity, and fashion was definitely one (Tirocchi, Anna and Laura). Although fashion varied throughout the decade, one could notice a drastic change from the prior fashion.

The Years between the 1950’s and 1960’s was an explosive time in fashion. The 50’s represented an out coming of the new generation. People began to gain their own personal style and appearance, influenced by films and singers (“Vintage Fashion”). Their styles incorporated leather, jeans, corduroy, and the ballet shoes for the girls. Men’s wear began to drastically change. Men would wear a leather jacket, with jeans that narrowed at the bottom, and a simple t-shirt (Peacock 210-211). This was the first time in history that jeans were not just worn by the working class but by all men (“Brief History”). The man’s lust for flesh grew during this time, so women’s skirts began to get shorter and the bikini was invented. Clothes were made to glorify the female body and emphasize every curve. It wasn’t until the Barbie doll was created in the late 50’s that young girls began to have a separate fashion from their mothers. Young girls would wear sweaters with full skirts or pants

This changed in 1947 when the French designer Christian Dior launched his ‘New Look,’ drastically altering the square-shouldered, straight female silhouette of the last ten years. This look was decidedly opulent and decadent. The skirts alone used up to 30 yards of fabric, as much fabric as 10 - 15 wartime skirts. The fashions developed after the war reflected a hopeful and optimistic view. Fashion reflects values and lifestyle.

From conformity to rebellion, post war citizens in 1945-1959 had changed the way they dressed and influenced many more future fashion trends that we can see today. Fashion in this period of time was significantly different, mostly