Holly Go Lately: The 50s are Back

Oh, the 1950s. A time of repression, growing commercialism and the spread of a disease called urban sprawl.  But, I must say, while suburban housewives cried into their Crisco, they sure looked lovely.  So let us just blur out all that business about the H bomb and civil rights squashers and reveal the truly wonderful fashionable side of the 50s.

Lucille Ball was wacky,
but a style icon nonetheless

Some really key transitions took place in this mid-century decade. With the invasion of television into more and more homes, popular fashion became influenced by the most-watched TV stars and musicians. Not to mention the expanded influence advertisers had over their consumers, making the introduction of the new and latest styles an instantaneous and wide-reaching venture.

This picture says it all about the early 50s: Commercialism,
Italian immigrants and lots of tiny tots
dressed just like mom and dad.

And then there was the advent of that most powerful of human forces, the teenager.  It's hard to imagine now, but there was a time when society as a whole just refused to recognize an emotional, hormonal or stylistic difference between dear old dad and rebellious young danny boy.  Previous to the 1950s, young men and women had no choice but to dress like their parents, but advertisers quickly cashed in on the idea of targeting teens and tailoring fashion just for them.

And so, the sweet style of the 50s came to be. Pompadours and poodle skirts. Leather jackets and tight tees. Horned rims and rockabilly. It was like an explosion of awesome after the static style of the 1940s.

The Man in Black knew how
to rock a sweet pompadour

Lucky for us, the tremors from this era have been rumbling just under the surface ever since. But recently, I sense a fuse has been re-lit. I feel another explosion coming on.

Yes, that's right people. You (possibly) heard it here first. The fashion of the 50s is back.

Glamorous in a gorgeous circle skirt dress

I'd love to give each amazing style an individual little blog hug and go on about their virtues, but for now, it's just general tip of the hat. This one's about comebacks, and all the aspects of the era are resurfacing. The recent lean towards more tailored and feminine styles is like a flashback to what 50s fashion was all about.
Easy to wear shirt dresses and circle skirts that emphasize the waist are paired with leather jackets and brow-line glasses. It's like the greasers got it on with the squares and had beautiful trendy babies.

Buddy Holly had style

As for men's fashion, I've been seeing more and more young men donning the Buddy Holly horn rimmed glasses, showing off biceps in a tight white tee and sporting a well-groomed pompadour. I have to say, this look is a little more than dreamy.

So, my fashion advice for 2011 is: hop on the sock-hoppin' 1950s bandwagon before it's full and the fuse fizzles out.

Buddy Holly Glasses by Thrush

These glasses are an especially interesting mix of the horn rimmed and the brow-line styles.
Love the two tones.  Thrush has a great collection of 50s pieces.

Mary Norton Sky Blue Dress by Pretty in Prague

There is so much to adore about this dress I don't even know where to start. The buttons, the shape and that irresistible circle skirt that looks light as air. Sigh.

50s Via 80s Motorcycle Jacket by Vintage Verite

It can be hard to find true 50s vintage, so why not go for an inspired substitute? Elements of 50s fashion have been popping up all over the place over the years, especially during the leather-jacket-loving 80s.

Debate Team Sweater Vest by Fab Gabs

The sweater vest: Dapper, yet practical. I especially like the look of a simple sweater vest like this paired with a plain white greaser tee.  Two 50s styles together at last.

Poodle Skirt by Butch Wax Vintage

Break out the Little Richard record, 'cause it's time for the sock hop!  This is a sweet classic of a poodle skirt.

Robin's Egg Day Dress by Creature Songs

Oh, to have the perfect shirt dress. This so one is so lovely and dainty with the delicate colour and the lacy collar. Makes me want to run through a field of grass at sundown, or something.