Fashion in the 1950s was timeless, elegant, and laced with glamour. In addition to the Elegant poodle skirts and pencil dresses of this era, there are countless other styles of this era that inspire fashion enthusiasts today.
Here are 14 1950s dress to impress outfit ideas that will be sure to turn heads and make you stand out whether you’re attending a retro event, a vintage party, or just want to add some nostalgia to your wardrobe.
Bohemian Elegant Outfit
Embrace your free spirit and your creativity with the bohemian look. Make your outfit bohemian by wearing a flowy, floral-patterned dress or skirt with a crochet cardigan or fringed jacket. An oversized sunglass and wide-brimmed hat complete the outfit. Wear it with sandals or ankle boots.
Select a dress or skirt that has a unique pattern or colour to add a modern twist.
Retro Swimwear Elegant Outfit
There is a lot of fun and playfulness to the retro swimwear look. Make sure your one-piece swimsuit has a high-cut leg and a bold pattern or colour. You might also want to add a sarong or a cover-up, along with a pair of flip flops. This look can be completed by wearing oversized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Try a swimsuit in a bold colour or with a unique cut for a modern twist.
Poodle Skirt and Blouse Combo Elegant Outfit
There is no doubt that the poodle skirt became an Elegant symbol of 1950s fashion. Make your outfit pop with a bright poodle skirt and a fitted blouse in a complementary hue. You can dress up your outfit by adding a cardigan or bolero jacket. Put on kitten heels or saddle shoes and sunglasses to finish the outfit.
Add a playful touch to your outfit by choosing a poodle skirt with bold patterns or fun appliqués. Opt for a skirt in a solid colour paired with a blouse with intricate details for a more sophisticated look.
Hollywood Glam Elegant Outfit
There is nothing more sophisticated and glamorous than Hollywood glamour. Invest in a dress with sequins or beads in a metallic shade or a bold color. Don’t forget to wear statement earrings, high heels, and a clutch. Boas and fur stoles can add a luxurious touch to any outfit.
A high bun or sleek waves are ideal for Hollywood glamour hair.
Greaser Elegant Outfit
Rebellion and attitude are the hallmarks of the greaser’s style. Make your outfit stand out with a leather jacket, a tight-fitting T-shirt, and a pair of black jeans or pegged pants. Don’t forget to wear ankle boots or sneakers and a headscarf or bandana. Makeup will complete the look with red lip color and smoky eyes.
Wear high heels or a skirt with the greaser outfit for a touch of femininity.
Swing Dress with a Petal Skirt Elegant Outfit
It captures the essence of 1950s fashion to wear a swing dress with a petal skirt. Make your choice of dress a colour that is vibrant or has a playful pattern. Add a headband or a hair scarf to complete the look, and wear it with ankle socks and saddle shoes.
Layer your dress with a bolero jacket and add statement earrings for a more dramatic look.
High Waisted Skirt and Crop Top Elegant Outfit
It is chic to pair high-waisted skirts with crop tops, a classic design from the 1950s. Pair your skirt with a crop top in a complementary shade and a bold colour or pattern. Wear kitten heels with a belt to define your waist and a belt to define your waist.
Wear a silk blouse or lace crop top with a high-waisted skirt to add an air of elegance.
Pin Up Girl Elegant Outfit
There is nothing more feminine and glamorous than a pin-up girl look. Make sure you choose a dress with a tight-fitting bodice and a full skirt. You can finish the look by wearing red lipstick, cat-eye makeup, and high heels. Luxurious accessories like fur stoles and boas can make an outfit stand out.
Use a headband to tie high ponytails or voluminous curls for ultimate pin-up hair.
Schoolgirl Elegant Outfit
An innocent and playful way to embrace 1950s fashion is by wearing schoolgirl clothing. A plaid skirt and a white blouse make for a polished look, and a blazer or cardigan adds a polished touch. Don’t forget to wear knee-high socks and Mary Jane shoes with this outfit. This look is completed with a headband or a bow in the hair.
Choose a plaid skirt in a color that is not traditionally plaid, like pink or green, for a modern twist.
Rockabilly Elegant Outfit
Rebellion and attitude are at the heart of rockabilly style. Black pencil skirts or black dresses with tight-fitting black tops are ideal. An ankle boot, a leather jacket, and a bandana or headscarf will complete your look. Makeup for this look will include a bold red lip and smoky eyes.
Wear a floral headband or delicate necklace with the rockabilly outfit to add a touch of femininity.
Housewife Elegant Outfit
In the housewife look, practicality and elegance go hand in hand. Choose a knee-length dress that is simple and solid in color or has a subtle pattern. Adding a sweater or cardigan will make the outfit more cozy. Make the outfit sophisticated by adding a pearl necklace and ballet flats or loafers.
Select a dress with a bold colour or a unique cut to add a modern touch.
Polka Dot Pencil Elegant Dress Outfit
In the 1950s, polka dots became a huge trend, and polka dot pencil dresses are an essential part of any vintage wardrobe. With its elegant style and versatility, this dress is perfect for both casual and formal occasions. Adding pearls, a clutch, and stiletto heels will complete your look.
Pair a polka dot pencil dress with a statement necklace or bold lipstick for a modern twist.
Full Skirted Sundress Elegant Outfit
On a sunny day, you should wear a full-skirted sundress. Make your dress stand out by choosing a dress with a bright, floral pattern or one that’s bold in color. Complete the look with denim jackets or cardigans, as well as espadrilles or sandals. An oversized sunglass and wide-brimmed hat will add glamour to your outfit.
If you want to create a flattering silhouette, cinch the dress in at the waist with a thin belt.
Preppy Elegant Outfit
There is nothing more elegant or sophisticated than the preppy look. To achieve a polished look, wear a plaid skirt and a white blouse, and add a blazer or a cardigan. Put on knee-high socks and Mary Jane shoes to complete the look. You can complete the look by adding a headband or bow to your hair.
Choose a plaid skirt in a color that is not traditionally plaid, like pink or green, for a modern twist.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that the 1950s were a decade of timeless fashion, and the 14 outfits presented here will inspire you to wear the same style at a later date. These outfits are stylish and versatile, perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia to your wardrobe. You will be sure to turn heads wherever you go if you embrace the elegance and glamour of the 1950s.
A dress is not the only thing that defines fashion. There are fashions in the sky, in the streets, fashion is about ideas, the way we live, what’s going on.” – Coco Chanel.
Good luck with your styling!
