The 1950s was a complete push back in time for women of the decade, coming from a time of creativity and empowerment for women to complete conservatism and objectification. As discussed previously, fashions of the 1940s were influenced by rationing and limited amounts of fabric, until the introduction of the "New Look". The New Look paved the way for the basis of the fashion style of the decade and reflected how men truly wanted the women to look.
The 1950s was time where the country was focusing primarily on the homeland and the men weren't overseas fighting opposing countries. The government (composed of mostly men) was focused socially on what was happening within the country and how the country appeared. Designers were influenced by Christian Dior's now famous designs and applied the outline to their own designs. As a result, dresses exploded with the excess of fabric, intricate prints, collars, and petticoats made from nylon, leather, wool, and rayon. This rise of creative thinkers was due to the economic boom in the US and increased a consumer philosophy in the people.
The end of the war came in 1945 and men came home in record numbers, bring women back home and increasing the rate of consumerism in the country. The baby boom didn't help women's role either, this just gave another "God-given" purpose to women that men incorporated. And since women were at home all day, they had some time to go through catalogs and even watch television where advertisements were plainly seen, especially those directed towards women. These advertisements, clothing specifically, described certain clothes to help a woman please or find a husband, even ads for men's clothing indicated that a woman was purchasing clothes for her husband. There was obviously a certain way men wanted women to appear.
Fashions of the decade began to place emphasis on conformity and lack of individuality. Women sought after the perfect body shape to fit the trendiest clothing, creating a thin waist, larger hips, and a well-defined bust. The standard of beauty in the decade is similar to the standard now; extremely thin and tall women were more admired by most. Corsets became popular once more and were the standard undergarment along with nylons , slimmers, controllers, and bustiers. Brassieres were heavily padded to achieve that almost cone-like shape that women (along with men) most desired. "Stout" sizes and older women fashions were pushed into the background.
Fashion of the 1950s began to give an obvious role for women, especially housewives. There were five present fashions that gave defined a rigid role toward women including housework, lounging, running errands, maternity wear, and party-appropriate clothing. These several different outfits were meant to impress those around them like neighbors, husbands, friends and employers. The fashions didn't focus on individualism and self-expression.
Conformity was a major part of the decade and the styles were used to create a common and standard look for women. Many clothes were almost too similar in shape and silhouette, only varying in color, fabric, or pattern. There was an expectation to match and keep up with what your neighbor was wearing, even family matching was expected on holidays and vacations!
Toward the end of the 1950s, a change was beginning to occur. Less conservative styles appeared and a break from the conformity and embrace for personal style and individualism. Dissimilar silhouettes were appearing creating a variety of tastes. Girls and women began to have clothing options including pants, shorts, and tapered leggings.
Fashions from the fifties greatly showcased the mood of the decade and emphasized consumerism and conformity. Going into the 1960's, fashions started to reflect the upcoming diversity and individuality that would become the main focus behind the fashion revolution during the next decade.
Primary Source
The article "Script Fashion" discusses the growing trends of the New Look in postwar America and France. The author mentions the sole creator of the New Look, Christian Dior. The author states that Dior "seems to have appropriated the fashion rostrum in Paris and decrees decor at will, spins the feminine figure in the unconventional manner, trying to make her look good where she ain't".
The article "Script Fashion" discusses the growing trends of the New Look in postwar America and France. The author mentions the sole creator of the New Look, Christian Dior. The author states that Dior "seems to have appropriated the fashion rostrum in Paris and decrees decor at will, spins the feminine figure in the unconventional manner, trying to make her look good where she ain't".