The Ultimate '50s Fashion Guide
What's old is new again.
Adding a dose of glamour to your wardrobe doesn't have to mean ballgowns and opera gloves. Instead, take a cue from the iconic fashion of the '50s, brimming with refined pieces that are still wearable for everyday occasions; cinched waist skirts, feminine pearl accessories, and elegant (yet manageable) Mary Jane pumps. Here's what to buy from the best of '50s fashion trends to inject some retro charm into your fall fashions.
The Tie Neck Blouse
While unearthing vintage finds is always great fun in our book, modern-day iterations of the pussy bow blouse are everywhere. They also make for a great 9-to-5 top.
Shop Them Here
The Midi-Skirt
Play up proportions with a voluminous full-skirted style that cinches at the waist and falls just below the knee. Pair them with understated tucked-in tees, nostalgic sweater sets, or trendy oversized knits.
Shop Them Here
The Pearl Accessories
Not sold on the ultra-polished pearl persona? It's time to reconsider. Cool pearl anklets, baroque shapes, and off-beat hues take pearl accessories from conservative to contemporary.
Shop Them Here
The Mary Jane Shoes
Mary Janes are having their moment yet again, emerging with refined pointed toes, multiple mid-foot straps and two-tone color combos. The silhouette is as chic as a heel with the support of a flat.
Shop Them Here
RELATED STORIES
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Sara Holzman is the Style Director for Marie Claire, where she's worked alongside the publication for eight years in various roles, ensuring the brand's fashion content continues to inform, inspire, and shape the conversation about fashion's ever-evolving landscape. With a degree from the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is responsible for overseeing a diverse fashion content mix, from emerging and legacy designer profiles to reported features on the influence of social media on style and seasonal and micro trends across the world's fashion epicenters in New York, Milan, and Paris. Before joining Marie Claire, Sara held fashion roles at Conde Nast's Lucky Magazine and Self Magazine and was a style and travel contributor to Equinox's Furthermore website. Over her decade of experience in the fashion industry, Sara has helped guide each brand's style point of view, working alongside veteran photographers and stylists to bring editorial and celebrity photo shoots to fruition from start to finish. Sara currently lives in New York City. When she's not penning about fashion or travel, she’s at the farmer’s market, on a run, working to perfect her roasted chicken recipe, or spending time with her husband, dog, and cat. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork
-
30 Things Zendaya Would Probably Buy in Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale
From polished trench coats to sultry date-night dresses.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Fan-Favorite Royal Samuel Chatto Made a Rare Public Appearance for King Charles’ Pre-Christmas Lunch
Royal fans are obsessed with the attractive young royal, who is a grandnephew of the late Queen Elizabeth.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
There’s a Symbolic Meaning Behind Kate Middleton’s Recent Obsession with Bows in Fashion
A royal fashion expert says it could have a connection to Prince William.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
30 Things Zendaya Would Probably Buy in Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale
From polished trench coats to sultry date-night dresses.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
I’m Crafting a Cozy Winter Wardrobe With These Sale Finds From J.Crew
Not a single item exceeds $150.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
These Are the Luxury Fashion Items That Ruled 2024
A retail analyst, a high-end fashion sourcer, and two fashion directors weigh in.
By Emma Childs Published
-
We Just Simplified the Cocktail Attire Dress Code for You
From classic little black dresses to slip skirts to separates.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Top Five 2025 Denim Trends Call Back to Basics
Far-from-fleeting styles like straight-leg jeans and denim maxis are here to stay.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
8 Classics From Amal Clooney’s Capsule Wardrobe
From fitted blazers to delicate kitten heels.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
11 Holiday Gifts Marie Claire Editors Are Giving and Getting
Use our guide to simplify your shopping experience.
By The Editors at Marie Claire Published
-
Fashionable Gift Ideas for Every Type of Personal Style
From the classic dresser to the eccentric trendsetter.
By Emma Childs Published