Sprung has definitely sprung. Sun showers, gale force winds, and a new series of Glee is here. Discard those thick scarves and delightful earmuffs – give them to the local charity shop, send them on a rocket into space, just get rid. The space that fur coat takes up will be needed elsewhere. The cardinal rule of trying to hit the 50s trend running is “These Aren’t The Catsuits You’re Looking For”. If the only exposure to the 1950s you have is super-fun musical Grease, then you need to open your eyes a bit (although a bit of Rizzo hero worshipping never hurt anyone). There’s more to it then gypsy wedding-esque prom dresses and hairbands – there’s a whole subculture to explore.
However, we won’t be going into that today, we’ll only be covering sections; daytime looks, workwear, and accessories. So let’s begin…
Daytime
The 1950s daytime look is very simple to complete. Of the past few trends to hit the high street, the 1950s daytime look is the easiest to achieve. It doesn’t rely on ultra-modern shapes, or need you to don a pair of questionable leggings, instead it relies on feminine styling placed on real womanly shapes. There’s no big shoulder pads or the need to cinch everything in with a massive belt, and don’t even think about wearing a blazer. Blazers for women didn’t even exist in the 1950s.
A major part of the 1950s is the inclusion of repetitive prints; not the aztec prints or geometric patterns that have been so prevalent, but polka dots and hearts, patterns that are truly feminine. A big, blousy statement piece (like a printed jumper), look great with a pair of the hottest part of the 1950s trend: capri pants.
The shin length, cropped trouser are set to come back with a bang, and should be worn with the cutest pair of ballet pumps you can find. Come the summer – like every other summer – you will find many, many different designs of ballet pumps available. Don’t be afraid to go the whole hog and go for the most garish pair you can find. Brilliantly coloured hearts, repetitive stars, or even a sequinned pair, with capri pants leading the way, anything you wear other than them are going to look amazing. Plus, the extra space between the cuff and your feet are going to frame them perfectly, taking them from an accessory, to a statement part of your outfit.