80s child seeks 50s love

Today I'm carry on with the 50s theme, inspired by Make Me Pretty Shop's #fridaysfrock.

In their book "Style Me Vintage" Thompson et al describe the 1950s as a decade of reawakening, rebellion, discovery and progress. If I had to pick my favourite era, in terms of clothing, for me it would be the 50s - the time of doo-wop, bebop, cool jazz, blues and the emergence of Rock 'n' Roll.

There are several reasons why clothing in the 50s does it for me, but the main one is that it was truly the decade of the hourglass figure - hooray for us curvy girls! Thanks to voluptuous, smouldering movie sirens like Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren, the female shape was something to be admired.

#fridaysfrock 1950s style

The shape of the 50s was the contrast of a tiny waist with rounded hips in a pencil or full skirt.

Daytime shopping lists would have included: beaded cardigans, tie blouses, bright floral patterns, bobby socks, saddle shoes and short gloves. Fabrics were big and bold and so too were novelty prints like the poodle trend.

Evening attire on the other hand, would have been brocade, tripe rows of pearls, long gloves, boned strapless bodices, layers of petticoats, fur stoles or wraps and ornate little clutch bags. Underwear was key here girls to make the most of your assets and nip in that waist!

Teddy girls from Flickr

The 50s also responsible for the introduction of denim being worn as a casual and acceptable daytime look for men and women. They were seen as rebellious - think James Dean or Teddy girls - they made a statement and thankfully still play a large part in our wardrobes even now.

Souvenirwear and novelty jewellery was also popular - painted basket bags from Mexico, cat's eye sunglasses in an array of different colours, bright print head scarfs, bamboo earrings and wedge mules.

All in all the 50s had it all - it was full of femine, fun and fitted clothing to make the most of what you had, as well as rebellious and more casual looking styles. It had the music, the movie stars, the drive-ins, and even the rollar skates for goodness sake! 

Yes, I may be an 80s child, but for me it's all about the 50s.

Ta ta for now x