The Ultimate '50s Fashion Guide

What's old is new again.

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
Style Director

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to. Over her six years with Marie Claire, Sara has reported on the ever-evolving world of fashion— covering both established and emerging designers within the industry. Sara has held fashion positions at Lucky and SELF Magazine and was a regular contributor to Equinox’s Furthermore website, where she wrote across their style, wellness, and travel verticals. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and currently resides in Manhattan. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork.