Circular skirts

Circle skirts reached their height of popularity in the 1950's, it was the classic flaring silhouette that became and iconic image of fashion from that time period.

The skirt was names after its construction from a circular piece of cloth,with a cutout in the center for the waist.many paper patterns  for circle skirts were available at the time for women to purchase and make for themselves,giving and opportunity for them to add their own persona touches.

Circular skirts were worn mainly by teenagers in the 50's accompanied by petitcoats,many of these skirts were homemade and decorated with applique however it was not just the teens that had started wearing them,women of all ages had started wearing them, as they were a simple design that was flattering to all types of figures.

these skirts are still seen on the market today though they have been modified slightly,the fabrics and the lengths of the skirts have been altered and they usually come in block colour without any type of decorative technique applied onto them.

cigarette pants

Cigarrete pants were another popular trouser style in the 50's.These developed from the Capri pants as they were almost a longer version. They had high waists,full hips,they were slim fitting through the legs and ended just above the ankle. Many paper patterns were also made and bought for the trousers too as women did alot of sewing and constructing of garments at home.

capri pants a look of the 50's

The capri pants were a look that was introduced and soon became popular in the 1950's, trousers were still considered to be shocking before the war period but became more acceptable to be worn by women after the war.

These capri pants followed the slim body, perfect body silhouette that was popular in the 50's but was a chance for women to get more freedom and be more practical unlike the constructed dresses and skirts. 

The look was supported by Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn which made the Capri pants even more popular and successful during the 50's.Women felt that they too could be like Audrey Hepburn if they wore the same clothing as she did.

The introduction of the Capri pants was a revolutionary change and they are still seen on the runway and streets today.

1950's hollywood

Hollywood was a big influence on the people of the 50's ,people used Hollywood actors as inspiration for fashion and people such as Audrey Hepburn, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Marlon Brando became the icons of the time.Women wanted to be as beautiful and sexy as the women shown in these films and men, teenage boys particularly  wanted to be as rebellious as the heroes shown. The styles that were seen in these films was soon reflected in society as many teens took on the looks of their favourite stars.

Advertisements

Even the modelling and the poses,the way clothing was displayed in the 50's was very different to what is seen today ,they were untouched images of the women and it was all very natural ,most of the magazine adverts including hand written text and they were formatted more as illustrations than glossy high quality images.

advertising in the 50's

Looking through a magazine from the 50's showed how different the advertising and media resources were from then and now.Advertising then made women feel like they could achieve beauty no matter who they were or how they looked because the women that were shown in the magazines and the adverts were everyday women displaying everyday things that real women could relate to.The media portrayed positive messages whereas now the media doesn't relate to real women and makes women think that they have to be a certain way or certain size to fit into society.