### Styles
1. **Swing Dresses:**
- These dresses were characterized by a fitted bodice and a flared skirt that typically fell just below the knee. They were perfect for the popular dance styles of the time, like swing dancing, hence the name.
2. **Poodle Skirts:**
- Although not technically a dress, poodle skirts were a quintessential part of teenage fashion in the '50s. These were full circle skirts often decorated with a felt appliqué of a poodle or other motifs. They were usually worn with a petticoat underneath to give the skirt extra volume and a tight-fitting sweater or blouse on top.
3. **Shirtwaist Dresses:**
- This style mimicked women's fashion but was popular among teenage girls as well. Shirtwaist dresses featured a button-down bodice, a notched collar, and a flared skirt. They were often belted at the waist.
4. **Sundresses:**
- These were popular during the warmer months and came in various strap styles including spaghetti straps, halter necks, and wide straps. Sundresses often featured bright colors and floral patterns.
### Fabrics and Patterns
- **Cotton and Polka Dots:**
Cotton was a popular fabric choice because it was comfortable and easy to clean. Polka dots were a beloved pattern choice, along with plaids and floral prints.
- **Gingham and Checks:**
Gingham was another favorite fabric, giving a youthful and cheerful look suitable for school dances and casual wear.
### Accessories
To complete the 1950s teenage dress look, accessories played a crucial role:
- **Petticoats:**
Petticoats were worn under skirts to create volume, essential for achieving the iconic '50s silhouette.
- **Saddle Shoes:**
These were often paired with poodle skirts and ankle socks. Saddle shoes had a distinctive white and black color scheme.
- **Scarves and Sweaters:**
Scarves could be tied around the neck or in the hair, and cardigan sweaters were often draped over the shoulders and worn unbuttoned.
### Cultural Influence
The 1950s were a time when teenagers began to have a distinct fashion identity, influenced by film, television, and rock 'n' roll music. Icons like Audrey Hepburn and Sandra Dee influenced teenage fashion with their on-screen outfits, which translated into everyday styles that were emulated by American teens.
Teenage girls in the 1950s dressed in a way that was both conservative and expressive, balancing between the adult expectations of post-war society and their own burgeoning sense of style and individuality. This era laid the groundwork for the more radical styles that would define the 1960s and beyond.
450 × 354
Source:https://www.masterfile.com/image/en/846-02793686
1000 × 812
Source:https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Hepburn-Vintage-Cocktail-Bowknot/dp/B0CTCW7PYH
740 × 740
Source:https://www.rubylane.com/item/2009519-RL799/Vintage-1950s-Teen-Colony-Fashions-Gingham
389 × 502
Source:https://witness2fashion.wordpress.com/tag/teenage-girls-clothes-1950s-1960s-fifties-sixties/
446 × 570
Source:https://www.blue17.co.uk/vintage-blog/50s-teenage-fashion/
1000 × 828
Source:https://www.amazon.com/Girls-Sleeve-Dresses-Vintage-Hepburn/dp/B09HSDXF3D
210 × 400
Source:https://www.thepeoplehistory.com/50sclothes.html
1549 × 2048
Source:https://www.vintage4me2.com/products/simplicity-2611-1950s-teen-misses-day-dress-size-33-b-vintage-sewing-pattern
972 × 640
Source:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/391039180142693176/
345 × 300
Source:https://fiftiesweb.com/fashion/1950s-teen-clothes/