A Blast from the Past: 1950s fashion

By Brie Roche-Lilliott and Ashley McCarthey, Staff Writers

photocredit: ew.com

Fashion trends of the ‘50s are not just worn in old films like Happy Days or Grease. Although some may not realize it, most of us incorporate some aspect of 1950\’s clothing trends in our style today.

Summer Husain, sophomore, says, “From such an inspiring time comes inspiring clothing. You can\’t go wrong with a [‘50s] leather jacket.”

Stiletto heels, a high narrow heel on women’s shoes, became popular among young women. Gone were the thick-heeled shoes of prior decades. Keds, flats, and ballet shoes—shoes seen everywhere on the streets today—were also popular styles for teenage girls. One style of shoe from the ‘50s more popular today than it was then is Converse shoes.

In the ‘50s, it was unacceptable for girls to wear anything but skirts and dresses. Their high-waisted skirts and pencil skirts are making a comeback at FVHS. The nearby Fashion 21 sells a wide variety of high waist skirts that pair nicely with a belt and tucked in shirt.

The classic cardigan is practically a necessity to complete the ‘50s style. Girls wore them with large petticoat skirts and a string of pearls or scarf. A guy\’s cardigan would be paired with a collared, button-down shirt or a tie for those older. Sporting a boyfriend\’s varsity letterman jacket was a sign of status in the ‘50s and although less because of status and more because of endearment, is a practice done by students at FVHS.

Unlike what stereotypical Hollywood films want you to believe, most guys dressed in the “preppy” sweater-vest and slacks. Few pulled off the tough guy greaser style. However, for the few rebels daring enough to dress greaser, they were usually seen with cuffed blue jeans, black or white T-shirts with rolled sleeves, leather jackets, and a slicked back “ducktail” hairstyle.

Crew cuts and button-down men\’s flannels were at their peak in the 1950s. Both remain part of the foundation of current men\’s attire. Cat-eye glasses, scarves, and pedal pushers (cropped pants), were all popular trends for young girls, and have maintained as basic necessities to girls\’ wardrobes.

“I love so many things that came from the ‘50s,” says Logan Wagner, junior. “Guys back then wore vests, skinny ties, suspenders, and dress shoes, and I like wearing all of those.”