Throughout history, fashion has been a very relevant aspect for society. In this article we are going to talk about a decade that undoubtedly marked a before and after in this sector, the 50s, which defined the world of the catwalk and the great designers. From this period on, fashion experienced a great change for both women and men, becoming more versatile in style, colors, and style="font-weight: 400;">and subsequently setting the standards that have defined it to this day.
History of 1950s fashion
After the first years of the post-war period, society returned to everyday life. People left behind years of suffering and deprivation and in the case of women, they felt beautiful and seductive again. This part of history is considered the rebirth of fashion and beauty. The 1950s can be considered the beginning of the era of fashion design, where new trends that emerged are a reflection of a confident and elegant woman. A decade that began in 1947 with the presentation of the designs of Christian Dior,who bet on returning to the women of that time the glamour and beauty that the war years had denied them.
By the early 1950s, Dior's designs covered a large part of French fashion exports. Suits to highlight the silhouette, heels to highlight elegance, hairstyles, makeup and accessories that matched the attire of the moment that imposed class and distinction of good taste, were the hallmarks of his successful collection "New Look". 
Characteristics and trends of 50s fashion
Clothing
For women, dresses were the look of the moment. They could choose between wearing a body-hugging dress or one that was cut in the back and had a flared skirt; both styles highlighting the waist. This was perfectly shaped by the use of the corset, agarment that at that time imposed the Dior fashion, from the end of the war until the beginning of the 60s.
Short dresses or skirtswere synonymous with disrespect, as were swimsuits, which is why the length of these garments was below the knees.Already in the mid-50s the use of women's pants could be seenin two styles, one capri cut (very common today) and the other long, fitted at the waist and with a wide boot.
As for footwear trends, heeled shoes were the protagonists of elegance.
On the other hand,accessories began to be an important ally of the ladies' look. The 50s were characterized by the use of wide-brimmed hats, gloves and colored horn-rimmed glasses. The most common costume jewelry was pearl necklaces and bracelets.
Among men, the James Dean style was the most popular, a young film actor of the time who influenced men's fashion. Levi's jeans predominated, with tight-fitting white or black shirts and black leather rocker-style jackets.
However, the quintessential garments of the gentlemen of that time were formal suits with wide trousers in a single color, striped or checked pattern,vests, with white cotton shirts,ties and handkerchiefs (placed in the breast pocket of the jacket).
It was also common the use of suspenders, gloves, hats or berets as male accessories. As for shoes, the use of Oxfords, Brogues and loafers predominated.
Makeup
Women's makeup makeup in the 1950s was characterized by shadows in pastel tones, with black feline-style eyeliner. Well-defined eyebrows, use of false eyelashes and red lips, a tone present in the makeup of modern women.
Hairstyles
Women also stood out with the hairstyles of the decade. Curls were one of the most famous trends, as was the Italian bun, very common in the actress Audrey Hepburn.
Short hair was also favored with pronounced and very sensual waves in the style of Marilyn Monroe, who also promoted the trend of blonde color in the hair of the ladies of the 50's.
For their part, men didn't have much to choose from; short, well-defined hair was enough. They wore their hair with a side part and a quiff, applying gel to hold it in place. 
The Top Designers and Fashion Icons of the 1950s
As for the best designers in the world of 1950s fashion, the talent of Christian Dior stands out.. Cristóbal Balenciaga, Schiaparelli, Lanvin, Givenchy, Ives Saint Laurent, among others. These haute couture designers imposed the best Parisian style of the 1950s all over the world.
Among the most outstanding women of the 1950s are: Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot. Likewise, the actor James Dean, Elvis Presley, the actors of Grease and the youth series Happy Days, were also influential figures in fashion for young people.
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