The Ultimate '50s Fashion Guide

(Image credit: KAT IRLIN)

published 20 August 2021

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.

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Carolina Herrera Polka Dot Puff-Sleeve Tieneck Blouse

Ganni Rose Print Oversized Tie-Neck Stretch-Silk Blouse

Maje Carlie Tie-Collar Poplin Shirt

Alice + Olivia Vicky Puff Sleeve Button Blouse With Tie

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.

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Rodarte Polka Dot Midi Skirt

Kate Spade New York Floral Skirt

Printed Skirt

Prada Printed Pleated Cotton A-Line Midi Skirt

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.

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Mikimoto Classic Stud Earrings

Lulu Frost Pearl Necklace

Mateo Pearl Anklet

Catbird Gumball Pearl Charm

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.

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Christian Louboutin Vernica Patent Leather Mary Jane Pumps

Miu Miu Patent Leather Square-Toe Mary Jane Pumps

The Row Leather Mary Jane Pumps

Jeffrey Campbell Bourdin Mary Jane Pump

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