We’re Obsessed With the 1950s Bobby Soxer Aesthetic: Here’s 5 looks to try

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This post is all about the Vintage 1950s Bobby Soxer

The adorable Bobby Soxers were the teenage “rebels” of the 1940s and 1950s.

Although it is kind of hard to imagine how chics rocking saddle shoes and poodle skirts could be rebels….

Ready to step back in the time machine and get the inside scoop on a day in the life of a bobby soxer? 

Who were their heartthrobs and what were cool “in” styles?

Then we’ll get to our 5 favorite 1940s and 1950s bobby soxer looks.

Other posts you might like:
The Ultimate Guide to Poodle Skirts in the 1950s

Meet the Bobby-Soxers

Who were bobby soxers?

The 1940s 1950s bobby soxers were a subculture of teenagers and college girls who loved popular music, (especially Frank Sinatra!) and wearing bobby sock uniforms. 

These fangirls were trendsetters for American teen culture at the time. 

What did that include?

Rebelling against adults, huge celeb crushes, and defining their own “in” fashion.

Fitting in was key for bobby-soxers. Fashion conformity was the name of the game. This was the cornerstone of bobby-soxer culture.

Bobby socks were THE central clothing element. These were paired with various cool vintage style outfits.

Where did these girls get ideas for what was in looks for their outfits? The most popular source of clothing inspiration was none other than Seventeen magazine!

It had the skinny on everything, from which retro jeans styles were cool, makeup, and hairstyles!

Bobby-Soxers: A Day in the Life

What did bobby soxers love to do?

Bobby soxers loved any activities involving jazz and big band swing music. 

Socializing at the local diners and going to the movies were also high on the must-do!  

To listen to Frank Sinatra or watch him on the silver screen… that was the question.

Of course bobby soxers loved lively debates over their favorite sexy artists, bands, and records.

What did bobby soxers (teenage girls) spend most of their money on? 

Thanks to the 1945 Seventeen Magazine surveys, the bobby soxers spent most of their money on entertainment, movies, candy, lunches and sodas! 

That explains those old vintage photographs of teenagers at diners! 

Hmm…Do I want a Coca-cola or a chocolate milkshakes?

Frank Sinatra: The Bobby-Soxer Idol!

In the 1940s and 1950s, the legendary singer, Frank Sinatra, not only released a stunning collection of hit songs, but he also starred in dozens of Old Hollywood films.

His bright blue eyes and smooth mesmerizing voice captivated the hearts of women worldwide.  

And he especially stole the hearts of the Bobby-Soxers!

It’s no wonder that it took an army police officers (literally hundreds!) to control his fanatical crowd of 30,000 bobby-soxers when he hit the stage at New York’s Paramount Theater in October 1944. 

It was the event of the year!

To express their infatuation, the bobby soxers…. swooned!

Frank Sintara’s classic pop numbers included some of the most memorable and romantic songs ever written, like “Strangers in the Night”, “New York New York”, and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”

Female Teenagers “Bobby Soxers”: An Important New Consumer Demographic

With the United States entering World War II, industrial production boosted the economy. 

Gone were the gloomy frugal days of the Great Depression. Families and teenagers, could now get jobs and spend money. 

What were popular jobs for teenage girls in 1940s -1950s? 

Babysitting, waitressing at the local diner, or clerking at a grocery store were all popular jobs for teenagers. And of course some lucky teens also got allowances from Mom and Pop.

With this money, teens flocked to movie theater, soda shops, and concerts to see their favorite big band singers in action! …and of course they loved shopping for clothes!

Popular media, advertisers and companies recognized this emerging market. In September 1944 the Seventeen magazine launched officially. 

The teenager consumer demographic would become dubbed the dubbed the “teen tycoons”.

Shirley Temple: The Bobby Soxer Queen!

Shirley Temple played the role of the ultimate teenage Bobby Soxer in the 1947 film The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer.

In this romantic comedy, the bobby-soxer has a huge crush on an older gorgeous playboy, played by Cary Grant. 

And of course the bobby soxer wears cool teen vintage fashion and throws around the young generation slang, like “Jeepers!”.

Notice how Shirley Temple proudly shows off her bobby socks with her adorable retro style outfit!

Bobby Soxer Fashion – How to Pull off the Ultimate 1940s-1950s Look

Central to bobby soxers’ uniform-like outfits were the distinctive white ankle socks. 

These socks were proudly paired with summer shoes, and favorites included saddle shoes, penny loafers or ballet-style slippers. 

Looking for the ultimate 1940s – 1950s costume inspiration? You’ll love this line up of five fabulous bobby soxer outfits! 

To finish off each look, don’t forget the retro waves and simple classic vintage make-up: defined eyes and lips.

Vintage Bobby Soxer Look #1: “Dresses and Bobby socks”

To recreate this first bobby soxer outfit style, simply pair a vintage dress or skirt and blouse combo with white ankle socks and black loafers.

This look is oh so easy and so chic! 

Even Old Hollywood stars wore this trend, as seen below by Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner.

Vintage Bobby Soxer Look #2: “Skirts and Bobby Socks”

The secret to channeling this bobby soxer style is to pair your favorite retro skirt and shirt (or dress) with classic saddle shoes and voilà…. say hello to the classc bobby soxer style!

Notice the stunning dress and skirt variations. These include the full circle skirt, which is oh so perfect for the dance floor, as well the early 1940s a line style dress.

This is fitted at the hips and gradually widens towards the hem, hence the “A” shape.

Below, Ava Gardner takes inspiration from the bobby soxer aesthetic while golfing.

Vintage Bobby Soxer Look #3: “Preppy Bobby Socks”

Want to show high school or college pride à la retro style? 

Pair your white socks with saddle shoes, a circle skirt, and a preppy school themed vintage sweater and you’re looking like a retro hottie! .

Don’t these vintage high school fashions look so fashionable and chic?

Vintage Bobby Soxer Look #4: “Jeans and Bobby Socks”

Want a sophisticated style, and the 50s poodle skirt not up your alley?

No problem!

Pair some retro cigarette style jeans with your favorite vintage top, socks and saddle shoes.

Even Marilyn Monroe (bottom right) got on board with this trend.

Other posts you might like:
How to Dress Like the 50s with Jeans

Vintage Bobby Soxer Look #5: “Shorts and Bobby socks”

Sun. SPF. Saddle Shoes. And Fun!

What better summer outfit for any age group?

Big smiles and great times inbound! Or perhaps nap time and tanning. 

Below, Ava Gardner and Marilyn Monroe show off their shorts and bobby socks summer outfits.

This post was all about 1950s Bobby soxers

Hope you enjoyed the journey down memory lane with the bobby soxers. 

Time to round up your own gang of bobby-soxer pals, and make awesome memories!

What were your favorite vintage clothes styles?

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