Retro Cool: 50s Fashion for Kids and Boys
Fashion trends have a unique tendency to come and go, and it seems that the 50s style is making yet another comeback. While 50s fashion is often associated with poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and leather jackets, it had a significant impact on kids and boys’ fashion styles as well. The 50s were a time of economic growth and expansion in America, and kids and boys’ fashion trends reflected this new sense of optimism and prosperity. In this article, we will dive into the retro cool world of 50s fashion for kids and boys.
The Iconic 50s Fashion Silhouettes
The 50s were a decade of fashion revolution with clothing designs showcasing the era’s newfound prosperity and post-war glamour. Clothes were designed to highlight the waist and emphasize an hourglass silhouette, with dresses and skirts featuring full, flared skirts. For boys, slacks were tailored with a high waist, flat front, and a straight leg. An equally popular look during this era was the “bad boy” look, featuring leather jackets, slim-fit t-shirts, and pointed-toe shoes.
Colors and Fabrics
The colors used in 50s fashion for kids and boys were primarily bright and cheerful, with pastels featuring prominently in outfits. Pink, blue, and green were popular shades for girls, while boys’ clothes tended to feature deeper hues such as navy blue, forest green, and burgundy.
Fabrics during this era were light and comfortable, often using cotton and cotton blends like denim, corduroy, and leather for boys’ jackets. The girls’ dresses and skirts were often made with crinoline, which was a stiff petticoat fabric that gave the clothes a voluminous look and was perfect for twirling and dancing.
Accessories
Accessories have always been an essential part of fashion, and during the 50s, they were no different. For girls, accessories like pearls, headscarves, and white gloves were the go-to for any well-dressed young lady, while boys accessorized with fedoras, skinny ties, and loafers.
The 50s Hollywood Influence
Hollywood had a significant impact on 50s kids and boys’ fashion, with celebrities like Elvis Presley, James Dean, and Marlon Brando setting trends that are still popular today. Elvis Presley’s pompadour hairstyle, which was tall and slicked back at the front, became a staple of boys’ fashion, as did James Dean’s classic red windbreaker jacket. Marlon Brando’s look from “The Wild One,” featuring a black leather jacket, white t-shirt, and motorcycle boots, came to represent the rebellious spirit that epitomized the era’s fashion.
Conclusion
The 50s were a period of prosperity and growth in America, and this era’s fashion was reflective of this newfound optimism. Kids and boys fashion showcased a range of silhouettes, colors, and fabrics that have remained relevant even today. The Hollywood influence on fashion, especially the bad boy image, continues to inspire young boys and girls alike.
In conclusion, 50s fashion for kids and boys was all about bright colors, voluminous silhouettes, and accessories that emphasized a look of prosperity and abundance. From poodle skirts and saddle shoes to leather jackets and pointed-toe shoes, this era’s fashion was truly iconic, and its influence continues to be seen today.
