You know how styles from the 70s and 80s are always coming back with a vengeance? That same retro-fad is still going strong and that tells us just how good these styles were back then since they are still going strong today. However, one retro-look that is really making waves is the 50s look.
Pulling off something akin to Marilyn Monroe is never easy. You want to look sexy and alluring but also a little vintage. The 50s were known for “nuclear family” looks that made every woman like a loving house wife. It doesn’t mean you have to drown yourself in old styles. To stay trendy, chic, and retro all at the same time consider these simple steps:
Polka Dots are Your Best Friend
There are a lot of simple but fashionable styles from the 50s but one that will always be associated with the era are polka dots. You can look at any show from the era and you are bound to find polka dots littering every scene. This is because it was an era before color TV became commonplace so polka dots were a good way to add some variety to an actress’ costume.
If you don’t know what kind of polka dot look works best, all you have to do is look at the fabric materials. If it even remotely looks like a kitchen table cloth then you’ve got it down right. A rule of thumb is that the best polka dots are plain simple: catsup red base with small white dots are a perfect example here.
Body Hugging Dresses
Take some time to study the dresses of Natalie Wood, Marilyn Monroe, and Diana Dors. After a few slideshows you’ll notice how they all have one thing in common – they all tend to wear very tight body-hugging dresses at the red carpet ceremony.
Tight dresses are still popular today but the way it was done in the 50s is a style on its own. 50s body dresses weren’t revealing in the sense that it showed a lot of skin – although many 50s styles involved more legs, less back – and were instead focused on revealing a woman’s figure.
It might not work for everyone but if you’ve got a nice hourglass body or a pear-shaped figure then a 50s tight dress can work wonders.
Adding That Modern Twist
So you’ve got the basics down: you want to wear something tight and if you can’t find a good 50s design then polka dots will be a safe bet. So how do you pull that off to look trendy and chic in 2015? The answer is to accessorize.
You’ll want to use the retro clothes as your focal point. When people see you in a nice white 50’s cut blouse and skirt they should automatically know what style you’re going for without having to ask. But from there, use modern trends to twist the look into something that can work today.
Utilize modern clutches, sunglasses, and shoes. You’ll want to pair a nice polka dot dress with side-cut open booties or platforms with ankle laces. A leopard print scarf around the neck or waist will work wonders with a plain white 50s office blouse. If you’ve got a solid color dress on then pair it with a large, white winter fur coat just to dazzle the eyes.
Don’t Forget the Gold
Fashion isn’t just about the clothes and the shoes. Gold is a woman’s main arsenal and while it is still the choice today, it was in extravagance back in the 50s. Large, gold dangling earrings, brilliant gold bracelets, and golden necklaces were the symbols of power during the 50s and 60s so make sure to add a touch of gold in your outfit as well.