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Fashion History Throughout 1950s


After World War II ended, fashion was in transition. New fabrics and techniques were invented, and people created new styles and silhouettes.

In Paris, Dior launched the "vertical line", also known as the sheath dress. Its overall silhouette was long and narrow. Generally, it was made with three pieces: a bodice, skirt and jacket. The bodice was high V-shaped with shirring necklines with long straight sleeves, the skirt was narrow and slim, and the jacket was short and boxy.

The tiny waistline became a popular style this year. Many designers emphasized the waistline, especially Dior. He hired technicians with new skills to create higher waistlines for his collection.

The United States' new trends spread all around the world. The "American Look" especially appealed to teenagers.

Many designers were focusing on the sleeve. Sleeves were still wide but were becoming softer and smoother than previous styles. Popular styles of this year were tailored tweed dresses, ankle-length evening dresses, and small daytime hats with jewels and fur trimming. Popular colors were charcoal grey, green tones, blue tones, purple, and orchid pink.

This year was all about changes of waistline, from the high waist to the no waist.

Among designers, Dior and Balenciaga led fashion trends. Dior presented high-waisted garments with swimsuit-inspired tight shapes from neck to hips, which flared smoothly over the knees. Balenciaga went another direction, with slack-waist dresses and middle length skirts. Balenciaga made the silhouette almost not touch the body. The choices of personal fashion styles represented the freedom of women's lives after World War II ended.

This year focused on shape and sheen. The waistline became more loose. The half-fitted suit and sheath dress were introduced. Hair lengths and skirt lengths became shorter. The skirt lengths were up to 14 to 15 1/2 inches from the ground. The hair trend called "the Italian haircut" is a layered short haircut with curly hair, also known as "the puddle haircut". The common silhouette of women's wear had bulky shoulders with wide lapels around the chest.


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