Girdles, Stockings, & Petticoats... Welcome to the 1950s.

Obviously I wasn't alive to take note of the style in the 1950s, but if I had a dollar for every time I heard, "I used to wear that when I was little," I would be rich. Typically the person you most often hear it from is your grandmother or at least someone her age.  


Back then the goal of women was to adopt more of a feminine style much like their grandmothers, but is that really who we want to dress like?  I know I don't. But there is a way to bring back many of the fashion trends in the 1950s in a classy, sophisticated way without worrying about claiming social security. 


After the 1950s fashion history would never be the same. The Second World War inspired fashion ideas from the British 1950s to grasp the idea of the American Market.  The Incorporated Society Of London Fashion Designers chose to design many notable items during the war. It was out with the old and in with new. 

Think back to some of the most famous fashion icons.  Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Classics. 

And who better to thank than Christian Dior? He dominated the fashion world in the 1950s with the hourglass silhouette and what he called "The New Look."Vogue described The New Look as being "from the era of Madame Bovary…wasp-waisted Gibson Girl shirtwaists, pleated or tucked…slow-sloped, easy shoulders…wrapped and bound middles--barrel (almost hobble) skirts--longer, deeply shaped shadow-box décolleté-padded hips…" 

These are some of Dior's designs for Ava Gardner in the movie The Little Hut. 

So here are some tips from Allure magazine:

• remember to highlight your waist with a small belt, this is the best accessory to recreate an hourglass silhouette
• buy a high-waisted mid-length skirt (as seen on: Alexa Chung, Carey Mulligan), below-the-knee pencil skirt (Carine Roitfeld, Kate Moss) or a circle skirt, they’re all very retro

Louis Vuitton (left), Prada (middle) and Jason Wu (right)
Source: http://mamasarollingstone.com/category/fashion/fashion-trends/# 

• don’t be afraid to create an eclectic look with mixed patterns that pop – mix florals, checks and vintage colours
• make sure you have matching accessories: long leather gloves, a satchel, ribbon head band, fedora, horn-rimmed glasses, a silk scarf

Louis Vuitton
Picture: Getty Images

• fur is another key element of 1950′s, especially as a cute addition to the coat
• as of hair, try one of these styles: a pulled back ponytail with bangs, a bouffant top knot, or just anything with waves and structure
• 50s’ makeup means glamour red lips and a liquid eyeliner

Katherine Heigl mimics the 1950s red lips look inspired from Marilyn Monroe. 

So who is my favorite 1950s inspired designer? Lorian Lindsay. Preview her Spring 2011 collection which closely resembles the style of the "Mad Men" TV series. Her fabric colors are delicately picked using smoky grays, navy blues, and touches of beige. She nails the retro look with feminine sophistication to a tee. 

These are just a few of my favorite looks from Lindsay. Notice how they are indeed 1950s inspired with the high waistbands, off the shoulder dresses, and bold prints without looking like your 80-year-old grandmother. Hands down to you Lorian Lindsay. 

So who's your favorite 1950s inspired designer?

The complete catalog and wholesale prices will be available through the Altitude Fashion Showroom.

Designs by Lorian Lindsay; Publicist, Rena Ramirez; Photos by Bob Hsiang; Styling by Kelly Pentecost + Michelle Ruiz;  Hair + Make-up Veronica Sjoen; Models, Sanela Inajetovic, Jenna Fuchser

Keep it classy, 

Elizabeth