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Monday, June 17, 2013

Fabulous 50s Dresses



50s Swing Style Dress Vogue Magazine 1956:  Photo Credit
I have a thing not just for the modern, but just about any era out there. The 1950s was unique in the area of women's fashion. The 1940s was a time of rationing and limiting fabrics due to the war. When the war ended there was a demand for fabrics that reached an all time high. Fabric makers got creative and began searching for different types of fabrics to meet that demand. For the first time in years fashion designers had an array of fabric choice available, and in abundance. The styles that emerged took advantage of the availability of fabric and created designs with lots of gatherings and pleats. The swing dress is one example of clothing made with a lot of fabric. I love the design of the swing dress and the way it accentuates the waist. It's a style that is endurable and looks just a good worn today as in the era it was created.
 
Swing Dress 1955 Vogue Magazine: Photo Credit

There were many styles and colors of swing dresses available. Sleeveless, off the shoulder and halter style. Polka dotted, patterned and solid colored. The favored body type for women at the time was a narrow waist, defined hips and well defined shapely bust. 





1950s Pencil Dress: Photo Credit
Another style I love from the 50s is the pencil style dress and skirt. I have always found them to be glamorous, with their sleek lines. These hit the fashion world at the same time as the swing skirts and dresses and gave women the option of many different looks. For those woman who did work outside of the home these were popular office wear. There is something so classic and sophisticated about the 50s style of woman's clothing.




Photo Credit
The 50s was a time of not only fashion change for women, but for society as well. America was at the height of it's prosperity after the war. I don't know about you, but I love the fashions and styles of the 50s!

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