Fashionistas of the Fifties
Shapes and Sizes
In the 1950s, the ideal body shape for women was curvy with defined hips and bust, and a thin waist. In order to achieve this shape, women used undergarments such as girdles and brassieres. A popular brassiere known as the bullet or sweater bra, was used to define the bust even further. In addition, women also wore stiff petticoats or crinolines to make their dresses stand out.
According to the video " Women's Ideal Body Types Throughout History" by BuzzFeed, the ideal body shape in the 2000s is " flat stomach, 'healthy' skinny, and large bust and butt".
Women's Ideal Body Types Throughout History
Skip To 1:34 for 50's Skip to 2:36 for 2015
Undergarments
The Rich and Famous of the 1950s
Christian Dior and Coco Chanel were two of the most well-known clothing designers of the 50s. However, their individual styles could not be more different. Dior is the creator of the "New Look", which was soft and feminine with rounded shoulders, cinched waist, and full skirt. Chanel, on the other hand, took items traditionally used in a man's wardrobe and added a feminine touch. She designed the first LBD (little black dress), which was, and still is, a staple piece in every woman's closet. Coco is also famous for the Chanel suits, striped sailor shirts, quilted Chanel purse, and the perfume Chanel No. 5
Dior's New Look
Dresses, Dresses, and More Dresses
The most popular dress styles of the 50s were swing dresses, circle dresses, "New Look" dresses, halter dresses, strapless evening dresses, shirtwaists, coat dresses, sheath dresses, little black dresses, bell dresses, and jumper dresses.
Sheath Skirt and Full Skirt
Pants and Shirts
In the 1950s, women sometimes wore shorts or pants called dungarees. They were worn to casual events such as picnics or barbecues, or to play outside.
Popular Designers and Fashion Icons of Today
There are many well-known designers and brand names today. Some of which include Dolce and Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, and Marc Jacobs. However, many people also follow the fashions of celebrities, such as Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Lauren Conrad, Rihanna, and Alexa Chung.
Women's Clothing Today
It goes without saying that the clothing of today is much sloppier than it was back then. Women today have a much wider variety of clothing to choose from including shorts, pants, t-shirts, tank tops, athletic clothing, skirts, and dresses. As a result many people go for comfort rather than dressiness. The fashion today is still formal for necessary occasions but casual or even grunge on most days.