The Ultimate '50s Fashion Guide

What's old is new again.

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Published In Features
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.

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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 oversees fashion coverage spanning seasonal trends, celebrity style, designers, Fashion Month, and shopping. With more than a decade of experience in fashion media, she has held roles at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and contributed style and travel coverage to Equinox’s Furthermore. A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is based in New York City, where she writes about fashion through both an industry and personal lens, including the realities of getting dressed as a working mom. Follow her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.