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Slacks become increasingly popular among women who were looking to oppose the fashion and societal norms of their era. Although slacks became acceptable for women, the overall fashion mood in the fifties centered around femininity and formality (Fashion History). #breakingbarriers

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Photo Credit: What Was the First Credit Card?

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The credit card system began in 1950 which benefited to the new consumer society. Now, people were able to buy products even if they didn’t have the money. This, of course, included clothing and fashion for women and men.

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Although zippers were present in mens accessories and boots, they were completely foreign to women. Zippers began showing up women’s dresses in the 1950s and were a hit due to their easy convenience (Behnke 6).

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Bikinis appeared in the 1950s and took off, this two piece set used less fabric but was seen as scandalous to some countries and were banned. But some actresses embraced this daring style such as Marilyn Monroe who influenced other women to wear them on beaches. It took longer for average women to adopt the look (Behnke 11).

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Fashion magazines played a key role in reporting new styles and publishing the work of photographers, and champion young designers. Vogue magazine has been considered fashion journalism’s gold standard since the 1930s and is seen as the biggest influence on the fashion industry (Behnke 48).

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Photo Credit: 1950s Men's  Fashion History for Business Attire

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Within the early 1950s the major fashion trends for men included formal wear, typically suits, as an everyday outfit. The ideal look was referred to as the “Mr.T look” which was based around having no shoulder pads to achieve a natural look, narrowed hat brims, as well as textured fabrics. These looks influenced a masculine and successful standard for men. (Vintage Dancer). #mensfashion #Mr.T

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Women were expected to look impeccable at all times in public, especially in the presence of their husbands. This meant perfectly groomed hair, spotless makeup, and a set of matching accessories. They were meant to embody elegance and femininity. #prettyinpink

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“My husband can be well dressed for almost any occasion with only two or three suits in his wardrobe, but with me it’s different. Maybe I can transform an office dress with the addition of a rose or a jewel, but you can do just so much of this and get by. A dress that goes well at a cocktail party might fit in at a wedding, but the chances are it won’t.”
- Time Magazine quoting a young woman, 1953

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During the war, women were at home doing the jobs that men had to leave behind. Women’s clothing was generally restricted during this time, everything from the length of their skirts to the and size of their collars. However, women were able to wear slightly more comfortable clothing while at work. Most of the time, they had to make do with what they had, sewing and mending clothing for them to wear. It will later be seen that fashion designers will end up changing this standard. (Vintage Dancer).

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During the war, men were on the front lines, fighting hand in hand. Men went from obeying the order of the war, to order of big businesses. In the beginning, fashion for men consisted of plain and mannered clothing for the workplace, with slightly more relaxed clothing during leisure hours. There were some changes in color and texture of men’s clothing, but the style generally stayed the same. This was soon about to change, however (Baker 14).

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Many different types of accessories were a common addition to fashion for men and women. One of the most popular accessories was hats, and the wide variety that comes with them. They ranged anywhere from sun hats to a trilby.

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Another popular trend within the 1950s was the infamous wasp waisted design. This style was popularized by Dior after their first fashion collection shown in Paris and became a staple piece among women. This specific corset/girdle stood out compared to the others due to the extreme difference between the ribs, waistline, and the hips. (Vintage Dancer).
#impossiblestandards

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“Later on, the Beauty Editor persuaded Betsy to cut her hair and made a cover girl out of her…” (Plath 6).

The novel does an excellent job at portraying the influence magazines had on a person. Here, this girl changed her appearance in order to appear on a magazine.

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Photo Credit: 50 Years of the Chanel Bag on the Street 

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Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga, and Gucci were key designer companies that greatly influenced the fashion industry and are still present today.

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“She was wearing a strapless white late dress zipped up over a snug corset affair that curved her in at the middle and bulged her out again spectacularly above and below,…” (Plath 7).

This quote depicts a girl dressing as the beauty standard. A large emphasis is place on her figure, which she achieved through a corset.

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Overall dissatisfied with post-war American culture, a group of writes in the early 1950s started a literary and social movement, and given the name Beat Generation. The look consisted of black or striped shirts, black turtlenecks, black skinny jeans or pencil skirts, and berets. The look gained a mild following through their novels, but nothing to the extent of what was showcased in magazines (Central Casting).

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Poodle skirts were invented by Juli Lynne Charlot. Poodle skirts started because fashionable women were often seen walking cute little dogs on leashes, inspiring this design. This design took off and was very popular for teenage girls around the U.S. who often wore them to dances and social events (Behnke 12).

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Celebrities and models greatly influenced the fashion world. For example, Fess Parker wore a coonskin cap on Disney TV which inspired a newfound craze for hats (Behnke 55). #hatlifeornolife

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By the late 1950's, men gained more freedom in their fashion choices. It became popular to see men dressed in informal clothing that consisted of white t-shirts, black leather jackets, and blue jeans. (Men’s Fashion Magazine).

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Another individualistic style that is associated with the 1950s is the greaser look. A greaser's wardrobe consisted of dark jeans, solid black or white t-shirts, leather jackets, and leather boots. However, the look is not complete without a slicked back and greased up hairdo, duck tail, or what would resemble an elephant's trunk. This look was not popularized until it was showcased in movies made in the later 1900's (Central Casting). #rebels

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One of the most popular artist during the decade of the 50's was The King of Rock, Elvis. His iconic look was typically a bright colored blazer, dress pants, and shoes that would match the blazer. His influence led to many men dressing the same way as him. (Men’s Fashion Magazine). #TheKingOfRock

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After the war, women resumed their original roles within the house, taking care of the family and household chores. Famous designers, such as Christian Dior, promoted an idealized image of women in this fashion, a happy housewife. (Baker 22).

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"Across the pond, all eyes were looking at American men for clothing designs that embraced the 4 C's: color, comfort, correctness, and casualness." - 1950s Men's Fashion History for Business Attire

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“This seem a dreary and wasted life for a girl with fifteen years of straight A’s, but I know that’s what marriage was like, because cook and clean and wash was just what Buddy Willard’s mother did from morning till night,…” (Plath 84).

Even at such a young age, the housewife role women should play is implanted into their mind right at the start. After a while, they become so accustomed to it and accept it.

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photo credit: 140 Great Fashion Designs 1950-2000

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Women were always held to a standard of perfection. Their overall appearance reflected their husbands success and developed obsessive desires to fill the role of a good wife. They were expected to look good consistently whether they were out or at home. (Vintage Dancer).
#LittleMs.Perfect

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The perfect look couldn't be complete without the perfect pair of stiletto heals. The stiletto drew attention to a women's ankles, calves, and the movement of her hips as she walked. As time went on, the heel became higher and the toe became more and more pointed. (Baker 47).

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The fashion world went into a craze after movies such as "The Wild One" starring Marlon Brando, as well as "Rebel Without A Cause" lead by James Dean. Both films contained a common theme of teenage rebellion which impacted the young generation to follow in the footsteps and mimic these styles and attitude. (Mens Fashion Magazine).

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“She wasn’t one of the fashion magazine gushers with fake eyelashes and giddy jewelry” (Plath 6).

Here, Ester is defending her boss after Doreen had just gotten done judging her on her looks. Jay Cee, Ester’s boss, isn’t what one would call the “stereotypical girl”. She doesn’t look like the girls in the magazine, and as we can see here, she gets judged for it.

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“No matter how much I eat, I never put on weight. With one exception I’ve been the same weight for ten years” (Plath 24).

After focusing so much on a women’s appearance and figure, body image, whether good or bad, can start to become fixated on. In the 1950s, almost everyone wanted to be skinny and curvy.

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https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sVCYbEF38FCsCoA7HfSpznbMuXSkCdhgOiTWA6g7TGU/edit?usp=sharing

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“This hotel – the Amazon – was for women only, and they were mostly girls my age with wealthy parents [...] and they were all going to posh secretarial schools like Katy Gibbs, where they had to wear hats and stockings and gloves to class.” (Plath 24 ).

At young ages females were expected to always look there best even when attending school. They were expected to not only wear nice clothing but also include specific accessories such as hats and gloves.

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“Her college was so fashion conscious, she said, that all the girls had pocketbook covers made out of the same material as their dresses, so each time they changed their clothes they had a matching pocketbook” (Plath 5).

Individuality was a rarity during the 1950’s. Most girls dressed the same, had the same items, and liked the same clothing items. If there was individuality, magazines didn’t cover it.

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War time restrictions have now been removed and the United States is beginning to see a new consumer society emerging from the depths of war. Although the war had been over for quite some time, the fear of communism and deadly technology lingered in people's minds. With war still fresh in people’s minds, “normal” was comforting and safe in the world of fashion. As the years went on, moving away from the normal standards became more and more popular (Baker 6-8).

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Popular magazines such as Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, and mail order catalogs became huge leaders for advertising clothing. However, due to the war efforts the US succeeded in mass production to produce ‘ready to wear’ outfits mimicking the styles seen in household magazines. Due to this many brands were influenced by Dior who began putting logos and names on their products. This ranged from perfume, gloves, hats, bags, and ties to become “branded” by the designers to ensure authentic products. (Vintage Dancer).