How to Dress Like the 50s with Jeans

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How to Dress like the 50s with Jeans – From oxfords to sweater tees, here are 6 ways to dress like the 50s with normal clothes

This article is all about How to Dress like the 50s with Jeans

If you’ve ever wondered how to dress like the 50s with normal clothes, then this is the post for you!

If you envy the feminine, 50s fashion for women, but don’t always want to wear a dress or a circle skirt with high heels, then you’ve come to the right place.

1950s fashion

​1950s fashion was influence by Christian Dior and his new look which emerged in the late 1940s.

This iconic decade left behind the more utilitarian practical silhouette of the 1940s and brought in a more opulent hourglass figure with a small waist that was emphasized with full hips and breasts.

Although femininity was the focus for 1950s style, 50s fashion wasn’t only about dresses and skirts.

Jeans were also fast becoming a fashion staple and their popularity was boosted after being worn by 50s fashion icons like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn.

The secret to a 50s look with jeans?

It’s all about the fit, the shoes, a great top, and, of course, emphasizing the natural waist. 

Remember, this is the 1950s we’re talking about which always focused on an hourglass figure.

Throw in some pastel colors and a red lipstick if you really want to drive the 50s message home.

The Fit – Make them High-Waisted

A common trend you’ll notice in all the picture is the high waist of 1950s pants.

1950s fashion was all about emphasizing the waist, and jeans outfits were no different.

A belt was also often used to emphasize the waist further.

Straight-leg jeans were also the most common fit in the 50s, it wasn’t common to have the very baggy or very skinny jeans that we have today.

But…as seen by our modern day examples in the end of this article, it is still possible to make a 1950’s inspired outfits with even mid rise skinny jeans.

The key is to bring in other 50s style elements, like pastel colors or red lips.

How to Dress Like the 50s with Jeans #1: Pair them with a sweater tee and cute shoes

Stay comfy and cozy in a sweater tee and high rise jeans, paired with tennis shoes or oxfords like 50s fashion icon Marilyn Monroe.

Ways to glam it up?

Full on old hollywood glamour hair, and her trademark lipstick and eyeliner.

Shop this “How to Dress like the 50s with Jeans” Inspiration:
Lipstick | Cashmere Tee | High Waisted Jeans | Silver Oxfords

Other posts you might like:
15 Sexy Marilyn Monroe Bikini Outfits | Your Sizzling Retro Swimwear Guide
Where to Buy Women’s Saddle Shoes & Oxfords – Your Vintage Shoe Guide

Brigitte Bardot and Italian actress Sandra Milo pair a white teas with their high-waisted jeans, showing how a white t-shirt and jeans are never out of style.

Shop this “How to Dress like the 50s with Jeans” Inspiration:
Sweater Tee | Belt | Jeans | Shoes

How to Dress Like the 50s with Jeans #2: 50s Jeans and Bobby Socks

“Bobby Socks” referred to the way mostly teenagers in the 1950s would roll down their white socks around their ankles.

They wore their white socks intentionally visible with their saddle shoes and loafers, a trend that still comes and goes today!

Make sure to cuff your jeans to really show off your stylish oxfords.

Looks like these teenagers were also fans of the bullet bra. For more on the 1950s bullet bra:
Vintage 1950s Bullet Bras – Behind the Bizarre Trend

Shop this “How to Dress like the 50s with Jeans” Inspiration:
Black Jeans | Sweater Tee | Belt | Socks | Oxford Shoes

How to Dress Like the 50s with Jeans #3: A Plaid shirt and ballet flats are effortlessly chic

Take a cue from Lucille Ball on the set of I Love Lucy and pair a gingham shirt with a pair of cute ballet flats and a blazer.

Rolling up the cuffs is the perfect finishing touch, giving the outfit more of a casual vibe as well as shows off her cute flats.

Although her jeans are looser here, as was common in the 50s, don’t forget the tucked-in blouse and belt to keep the waist defined.

Shop this “How to Dress like the 50s with Jeans” Inspiration:
High-waisted Black Jeans | Belt | Yellow Blazer | Gingham Blouse | Ballet Flats

How to Dress Like the 50s with Jeans #4: Pair them with a striped tee and cute flats

Again, Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot knock it out of the park with more classic jeans outfits that would look just as stylish today.

They pair their dark blue denim with red and white striped tees.

Marilyn ops for a slightly cropped shirt style and high-waisted jeans keep her figure defined, while Brigitte Bardot keeps her shirt untucked for a more casual look.

Shop this “How to Dress like the 50s with Jeans” Inspiration:
High-waisted Jeans | Red Lipstick | Striped Blouse | Red Scarf | Red Ballet Shoes

How to Dress Like the 50s with Jeans #5: Sweater tee and belt dress up your jeans

1950s fashion icon Jane Russell pairs an orange sweater tee and a belt of a similar shade with a dark pair of blue jeans. She also uses a belt to emphasize her curvy figure.

For a modern twist, try an athletic inspired tee with a belt in the same color family.

Shop this “How to Dress like the 50s with Jeans” Inspiration:
Athletic tee | Brown Belt | Red Lipstick | High-waisted Jeans | White Sandals

How to Dress Like the 50s with Jeans #6: Don’t Shy away from Colors

Elizabeth Taylor sizzles in her pair of purple jeans…or are they slacks?

Anyways, with all the colored denim options available, this is an easy and fun look to recreate.

We love how the unexpected color combination looks so stunning on her.

Be creative with purple and yellow, and make sure the waist is emphasized for a true 1950s look.

If you love Elizabeth Taylor’s glam style, you might like:
Lessons in Glamour: The Elizabeth Taylor Style Guide

Shop this “How to Dress like the 50s with Jeans” Inspiration:
Yellow Blouse | Purple Jeans | Yellow Belt | White Heels

Modern Day Examples – How to Dress like the 50s with Normal Clothes: Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift shows us how easy it is to dress like the 1950s fashion with normal clothes.

Looks like she took a queue from Elizabeth Taylor and included some pastel colors!

Love how the denim and the blouse are in the same color family and go together.

What also helps give off the 50s vibe?

The red lipstick and vintage inspired sunglasses.

Shop this “How to Dress like the 50s with Normal Clothes” Inspiration:
Sunglasses | Pink Blouse | Brown Jeans | Red Lipstick | Brown Oxford Shoes

Modern Day Examples – How to Dress like the 50s with Normal Clothes: Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger puts her own unique spin on dressing like the 50s with modern day clothes.

Notice the blouse, tucked into the jeans and the oxfords.

Love how she adds the fedora and the statement oxfords to give it an extra vintage nod.

Shop this “How to Dress like the 50s with Normal Clothes” Inspiration:

Fedora Hat | White Blouse | High-Waisted Jeans | Oxford Shoes | Sunglasses | Green Coat

This article was all about How to Dress Like the 50s with Jeans

Which jeans outfits are your favorites?

How do you like to dress up your perfect pair of jeans?