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Columns : Tyrina Talks Fashion Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM


The Glamorous Fifties
By Tyrina Neely
Aug 23, 2010 - 10:26:54 AM

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50DiorNewLook1.jpg
Dior New Look - www.mariabuszek.com

The fashion of the 1950’s is back for fall, hearkening the glamour of fashion icons including Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Brigitte Bardot. Though your lifestyle may in no way mirror those of the iconic beauties of the 1950s, bringing in a little of the era through your fashion can make you feel glamourous in your own right as you go through your day!

The key to being chic is knowing what silhouettes and colors work for you and staying true to your own style rather than jumping all over every trend that gains momentum in the fashion world. How can you channel the 1950s in your wardrobe without looking like you’re in full on costume? By interpreting the silhouettes, patterns and accessories that were popular during the era into looks that work for your body and lifestyle.

One of the most popular and influential designers during the 1950’s was Christian Dior and his “New Look.” Soft, sloping shoulders, tiny waist, full bust and full hips, Dior’s New Look took France and the world by storm after WWII. The New Look was characterized by an hourglass silhouette, overtly accentuating a woman’s natural curves, tempered by long voluminous skirts.

50s-Office-Looks---Polyvore.com-1.jpg
1950s Office Looks - Polyvore.com

Skirts

Full circle skirts were tremendously popular in the 1950s. Often worn with a petticoat underneath to add fullness to the skirt, circle skirts are typically calf length. To take this 1950s look and make it modern and wearable in your everyday life, ditch the bulky petticoat and opt for a longer length A-line skirt. An A-line skirt is graceful and classic, and extremely easy to wear. The silhouette is universally flattering, creating an hourglass silhouette on those with even the narrowest of hips.

The pencil skirt is a wardrobe staple for any modern woman and was quite popular during the 1950’s as well. Pencil skirts have a bad reputation for being restrictive and only suited to waif thin females.

When purchasing a pencil skirt, ones that fall just above the knee tend to be more comfortable for walking and sitting. However, if you prefer a slightly longer style that falls below the knee, look for one with a kick pleat or back slit that will open slightly as you walk, making it wearable for moving around all day and comfortable when you are seated. When they fit properly, pencil skirts are very flattering on curvy figures as well. Avoid a fit that is too tight, clearly visible when the skirt pulls across the upper thighs.

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Isabel Marant - Style.com

Prints

Large, bold floral prints are very reminiscent of the 1950s. Though florals for springtime often come in frothy pastel hues, for fall this print will come in rich jewel tones. Whether you prefer distinct floral prints or more abstract ones such as a watercolor floral print, you’ll effortlessly channel the femininity associated with the fifties with this print.

If florals prints make you want to sneeze, checkered prints and my all time favorite gingham were also hugely popular during the fifties. Gingham is a small checkered pattern that is to die for when in bright pastel colors such as blue, yellow, pink and green. This unisex pattern looks great in a traditional button down for the professional women, and just as adorable in a feminine A-line dress for casual wear.

Accessories
Cat spectacles, costume jewelry and chiffon scarves are all reminiscent of the era of glamour. Unless you and lady Gaga share a day job, cat spectacles are probably not a fashion accessory you’re planning on picking up anytime soon. Interpret this popular fifties look with a cat-eye makeup technique, extending the lash line of the upper lid for a seductive cosmetic trick that will compliment a 1950s look.

***image5** *Costume jewelry production exploded in the 1950’s. Chanel often styled her looks with faux strings of pearls and colored stones. Though women of the fifties often wore complete sets, the necklace was a pivotal accessory. Chanel was also very influential and popular during the 1950s. She re-launched the Chanel Suit and styled it with layers of black and white pearls. The 1950s also saw the launch of the signature chain strap quilted Chanel bag. Add interest to your classic pearls by layering them with a faux gold or even black beaded necklace. You can lay them independently around your neck or intertwine the two necklaces for a twist on a timeless accessory.

No fifties look was complete without a chiffon scarf tied around the neck or hair. Achieve a similar look with a printed silk scarf tied around the neck and paired with a crisp button down under a suit for professional wear or paired with denim for casual wear.


Tyrina Talks Fashion is your weekly serving of fashion forecasting, trend reporting, figure analysis and helpful fashion tips and tricks. Email Tyrina with your fashion questions and photos at tyrinaalicia@hotmail.com. Visit www.primadonasales.com



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