Fifties Fashions

Rosemary Clooney's "Come on-a My House" was #1 on the charts the day I was born. This happens to be the song that made her a star, an accomplished singer who performed for more than 5 decades. Since I managed to make it through most of the fifties, there is a lot I remember of it (not 1951 or 2 for sure). It's the first fashion era I have a memory of first-hand. Many people find their families to be "perfect", especially unable to see the flaws at a young age. Recognizing that fact, I still think my mother was perfect. And she was perfect for the fashions of the day. She was 5'6" tall and 110 pounds. The shirtwaist dresses, the sweaters, and many of the styles suited her figure beautifully. I thought of her as the ultimate picture of the '50's, surpassing even Harriet Nelson of "Ozzie and Harriet". I mention this because my mother's figure enhances my outlook of fifties fashion as very "stylish" even now.

The "New Look" introduced by Christian Dior in the '40's-flowing longer skirts, wasp waists and more feminine lines-opened the door to the fashions of the '50's. Accentuating the female figure was big and new undergarments became popular to add to the styles. Bullet bras (a cone-shaped cup), girdles, and corsets were the order of the day. They were the fifties "over the top" look. Over these delectable undergarments were the shirtwaist dresses, pencil skirts, and other items popular at the time. Pencil skirts were form-fitting straight skirts to the knee or just below. Since they were tight enough to inhibit a woman's ability to move, they became "wiggle" skirts. A shirtwaist usually has buttons on the top portion, like a shirt, with a full skirt. The skirts were held "aloft" with netting petticoats and crinolines. Some of the petticoats had boning to keep the fullness in them. The boning was ribbed and/or hoop-like for a bigger effect. They were belted to add emphasis to the waistline. Here is one of Heffy's shirtwaist dresses:
at heffyscollections.com

A similar look could be achieved with a full skirt like this one:
Rose print skirt

Skirts of all styles, full to pencil, were topped with sweaters we now call pin-up style such as this one:

Beige cashmere sweater by B. Siegel Co.

Peep-toe shoes and stiletto heels were very popular, adding to the feminine image. After the war, many women left the workplace and became stay-at-home moms (not a '50's term) and the original trophy wives. Women were expected to entertain and attend functions with their mates. The more accomplished they were at this, the better it looked for their men and the more it aided the male's career climb. Right or wrong, it was a popular view at the time. Many of you who remember the fifties may have a different vantage point. My mother worked and never wore heels, but I can see her friends arriving for Mother's Club or a card game in their party dresses and high heels. Peep-toes were my favorite!

During the fifties, Balenciaga designed the sack dress. This was a move away from the New Look drastic figure enhancement to a looser, less fitted style. These paved the way for the shift dresses of the '60's. Check back again for the Sixties blog.