The Ultimate '50s Fashion Guide

What's old is new again.

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50s fashion
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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.

Camerique

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Bettmann

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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.

Silver Screen Collection

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Hulton Archive

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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.

Mondadori Portfolio

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Mondadori Portfolio

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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.

Mirrorpix

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ullstein bild Dtl.

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Sara Holzman
Sara Holzman
Style Director

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she has worked in various roles to ensure the brand's fashion content continues to inform, inspire, and shape the conversation around fashion's ever-evolving landscape. A Missouri School of Journalism graduate, she previously held fashion posts at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and covered style and travel for Equinox’s Furthermore blog. Over a decade in the industry, she’s guided shoots with top photographers and stylists from concept to cover. Based in NYC, Sara spends off-duty hours running, browsing the farmer's market, making a roast chicken, and hanging with her husband, dog, and cat. Find her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.