13 Fashion Trends from 70 Years Ago That Would Surprise Us Today

Fashion is ever-evolving, and the trends that were all the rage 70 years ago might surprise us today. The 1950s were a time of post-war optimism and economic growth, which was reflected in the bold and innovative fashion choices of the era. From elegant evening wear to everyday casual styles, the fashion of the 1950s continues to influence modern designers. Here are 13 fashion trends from 70 years ago that would surprise us today.

1. Poodle Skirts

Poodle skirts were a quintessential 1950s fashion trend, especially popular among teenage girls. These full, swing skirts often featured appliqués of poodles or other motifs. Today, it’s hard to imagine a skirt with a dog design being a fashion statement, but back then, it was a symbol of youthful exuberance.

2. Bullet Bras

The bullet bra, also known as the torpedo or cone bra, was designed to create a pointed bust shape, which was highly fashionable in the 1950s. This look was popularized by icons like Marilyn Monroe. Modern lingerie trends favor a more natural silhouette, making the bullet bra a surprising relic of the past.

3. Men’s High-Waisted Pants

Men’s fashion in the 1950s often included high-waisted trousers, which sat well above the natural waistline. Paired with a tucked-in shirt and a skinny tie, this look was considered very sharp and sophisticated. Today, men’s pants generally sit lower on the hips, making high-waisted trousers a surprising trend from the past.

4. Circle Skirts

Circle skirts were another popular trend for women in the 1950s. These skirts were made from a full circle of fabric, giving them a voluminous and dramatic look. While modern fashion occasionally revisits full skirts, the extreme volume and structure of 1950s circle skirts are a surprising contrast to today’s streamlined silhouettes.

5. Elvis-Inspired Fashion

Elvis Presley’s influence on 1950s fashion cannot be overstated. His iconic style, including slicked-back hair, leather jackets, and flashy suits, inspired many young men. Today, Elvis-inspired fashion might seem costume-like, but it was a major trend 70 years ago.

6. The New Look

Christian Dior’s “New Look” revolutionized women’s fashion in the late 1940s and early 1950s. This look featured a cinched waist, full skirt, and padded hips, creating an exaggerated hourglass figure. While modern fashion embraces a variety of silhouettes, the extreme femininity of the New Look is a surprising reminder of past fashion ideals.

7. Bold Patterns and Prints

The 1950s saw an explosion of bold patterns and prints in both men’s and women’s fashion. From polka dots and florals to atomic and geometric designs, the era was not afraid of making a statement. Today’s fashion tends to favor more subdued prints, making the bold patterns of the 1950s a surprising trend.

8. Hawaiian Shirts

Hawaiian shirts became a popular casual wear trend for men in the 1950s. These brightly colored, patterned shirts were often worn untucked and paired with casual trousers. While Hawaiian shirts have made a comeback in certain circles, their popularity as mainstream fashion is surprising given today’s more muted casual styles.

9. Gloves as a Fashion Staple

In the 1950s, gloves were an essential accessory for women, worn with both formal and casual outfits. Gloves added an element of elegance and sophistication, regardless of the occasion. Today, gloves are typically reserved for warmth or specific formal events, making their everyday use a surprising trend from the past.

10. Men’s Hats

Men rarely left the house without a hat in the 1950s. Fedoras, trilbies, and pork pie hats were popular choices that completed a gentleman’s look. The decline of hat-wearing in modern times makes the ubiquitous presence of men’s hats 70 years ago quite surprising.

11. Peplum Tops and Dresses

Peplum tops and dresses, which feature a flared ruffle or extension at the waist, were highly fashionable in the 1950s. This style accentuated the waist and added a feminine flair. While peplum has seen revivals, its consistent popularity in the 1950s is a surprising contrast to its more sporadic presence in modern fashion.

12. Cat-Eye Glasses

Cat-eye glasses were a fashionable eyewear choice for women in the 1950s. These glasses featured exaggerated, upswept outer edges that added a playful, feminine touch. Modern eyewear tends to favor more understated styles, making the bold cat-eye glasses a surprising trend from the past.

13. Saddle Shoes

Saddle shoes, characterized by their distinctive contrasting saddle-shaped band, were popular among both men and women in the 1950s. Often worn with bobby socks, they were a staple of casual fashion. Today, saddle shoes are considered retro, highlighting their surprising popularity 70 years ago.

Conclusion

Fashion trends from 70 years ago offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. The bold styles and unique silhouettes of the 1950s may seem surprising today, but they laid the groundwork for many modern fashion elements. By understanding these trends, we gain insight into how fashion evolves and the cyclical nature of style. Whether it’s the dramatic circle skirts or the sophisticated men’s hats, the fashion of the 1950s continues to inspire and surprise us.