Timeless and Flattering Trends from 50s Teenage Fashion

You don’t need to be a 1950s teen to look fabulous in classic 50s teenage fashion trends that can be worn by everyone of any age and right now in today’s world!

Some of the key styles and trends of 50s teenage fashion have stood up to the passage of time and are as perfect to wear today, as they were for 1950s teenagers rocking then in the post second world war era of bobby socks, full skirts and blue jeans.

Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, Roman Holiday, 1953

50s teenage fashion origins story

The 1950s teen was influenced in many different ways where teen fashion was concerned.   Songs like “Blue Suede Shoes” and “White Sports Coat” give us a hint of what inspired 50s teenage fashion.

1950s teenagers were not targeted by fashion designers or department stores back in the day, and you would see them adopt the styles of adult men and women, with full skirts over stiff petticoats, or pencil skirts worn with fitted sweaters for teen girls, and black leather shoes and belts by young men.

Teenagers sitting on park bench , Hungary, 1958

But, as is true for the term “teenager” anywhere and in any decade, 50s teenage fashion had its own interpretation of 1950s trends with teen girls rocking pedal pushers and capri pants as casual wear and young men wearing black shirts with blue jeans for that rebel-without-a-cause panache.

In high school, teen girls would wear bobby socks with their full skirts or the demure style of a sweater worn buttoned up over a Peter Pan collared blouse. Those full skirts were usually made of wool felt in bright colours, and included the timeless poodle skirt.

Teenage beatnik art contestants, 1959 Venice, Calif

These 50s teenage fashion circle skirts were worn with fitted blouses, wide belts, bobby socks and flat shoes, all emphasizing the hourglass shape and providing timeliness feminine appeal.

Young men in the 1950s were inspired by such fashion icons as Marlon Brando and James Dean who lit up the silver screen in their blue jeans and black leather jackets, a style that resonates today.

The 1950s teen boy also rocked the preppy look of cardigan sweaters over slim pants, button-down skirts and skinny ties.

Two teenage Women 1956, GDR

Looks to rock today

There are some styles and trends from 50s teenage fashion that are so classic and timeless, anyone of any age can rock them today and look great doing so!

Full skirts with wide belts paired with ballet flats amplify the female form in a way that flatters every figure and can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.

Blue jeans worn with black leather jackets over classic white T-shirts are another look that work for teen girls, young men and everyone else.

So be inspired by 50s teenage fashion to rock some timeless trends today!

Links [i] [ii] [iii] [iv]

[i] https://www.thevintagenews.com/2018/09/09/dress-1950s

[ii] https://fiftiesweb.com/fashion/1950s-teen-clothes/

[iii] https://crandall1950syoungculture.wordpress.com/fashion/

[iv]  https://medium.com/@sarthakjain_75660/teenage-fashion-in-the-1950s-718d4aba5d2c

• 1950s