The 1950s was a decade marked by
optimism, prosperity, and a return to traditional values in many parts of the
Western world, particularly the United States. After the hardships of World War
II, people were eager to embrace stability, comfort, and a sense of normalcy. It was the reason I chose to place my
historical mystery, Ink and Intrigue at
Ivy Tree Inn, in the year 1958. This cultural shift was clearly reflected
in the fashions of the era—which remains iconic to this day.
Fashions
of the 1950s
Since
my character, Ariadne Winter, is employed at a women’s fashion magazine, I
dedicated time to researching the fabrics, textures, and styles of the 1950s.
Though she dreams of becoming a hard-hitting investigative journalist, her
upper-middle-class New York upbringing and journalism degree make her a natural
fit for Ladies’ Lifestyle Magazine—a tribute to iconic publications of
the era like Ladies’ Home Journal and Look. Despite her
ambitions, Ariadne never loses her sense of style. When it comes to fashion,
Miss Winter is always impeccably dressed and effortlessly on point.
The
fashion of the 1950s was elegant, structured, and deeply influenced by a desire
to appear polished and put-together. Women’s clothing embraced femininity with
cinched waists, full skirts, and soft pastel colors. One of the most
influential designers of the decade was Christian Dior, whose 1947 “New
Look”—featuring narrow waists and voluminous skirts—set the tone for much of
the decade. Dresses often included petticoats to enhance fullness, hats and
pearls were standard accessories for a polished look.
Teenagers
were beginning to carve out their own identity through fashion. Girls wore
poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and tight sweaters, while boys sported denim
jeans, leather jackets, and slicked-back hair—a look inspired by Hollywood
stars like James Dean and Marlon Brando. This emerging youth culture stood in
stark contrast to the more conservative styles of previous generations. The
rebellious image of Hollywood icons often influenced how teenagers spoke and
behaved, leading to tension within families rooted in traditional values—a
recurring pattern seen throughout history as each new generation navigates
adolescence and seeks its own identity.
Men's
fashion in the 1950s favored clean lines and a more conservative approach.
Businessmen wore grey flannel suits with narrow ties, while casualwear might
include a cardigan or a bowling shirt. The growing influence of television and
cinema helped spread these styles quickly across the country.
The
1950s reflected a unique combination of traditional values and modern styles.
Whether it was a woman stepping out in a circle skirt, or a teenage boy wearing
jeans and slicked hair, these elements helped define the decade’s identity and
left a lasting impression on American culture.
