10 Fashion Trends From the 1950s That Are Bound To Make a Comeback
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Fashion has always been cyclical, with past eras inspiring modern trends decade after decade. So, it should be no surprise that the exuberant fashion trends of the 1950s are making a comeback.
Indeed, the polished yet playful styles of the 1950s are experiencing a revival, offering a fresh take on vintage elegance. “The 1950s fashion embraced femininity with A-line dresses, matching sets, puffy skirts, and romantic details like softer shoulders, lace, and delicate patterns,” says Tali Kogan, a personal stylist and fashion coach for the 900 North Michigan Shops in Chicago. “This era marked a shift from formal attire to styles that balanced comfort and elegance — a timeless concept that very much resonates today.”
These days, she says, the shops are well-stocked with styles that reflect these nostalgic influences. “Modern fashion trends prioritize less formal, more comfortable ways to look elevated and put together,” Kogan says, giving these vintage elements an especially practical, wearable spin. Ready to give these iconic looks another go? Here are 10 fashion trends from the 1950s to keep your eye on now.
Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Kogan notes that cat-eye sunglasses — a statement-making style for specs in the 1950s — are back in fashion. These days, it's about styles that "bring the vintage edge" with evocative cat-eye shapes, "making it easy to channel 50s-inspired style into an effortless, elevated wardrobe."
Cinched-Waist Peplum
So tailored, so feminine, so elegant: peplum waistlines are poised for another big moment in the fashion spotlight. "Matching sets and cinched-waist peplum pieces echo the tailored, feminine style of the 50s, reimagined for the modern wardrobe," Kogan says.
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Structured Handbags
The 1950s were not about slouchy handbags: The name of the game was structured, polished, and buttoned up. Kogan sees structured handbags as one of the '50s fashion trends poised to make a comeback — a notion born out by the prevalence of such styles in Chicago's 900 North Michigan Shops, she says
Full Skirts
"The 1950s were a golden age of fashion, marked by elegant silhouettes, bold femininity, and meticulous tailoring," says Monica Mahoney, the designer behind the eponymous fashion brand. Among the defining styles of the era was the full skirt, which she says offers a "graceful yet wearable style that’s poised for a modern revival."
Lace and Romantic Details
Kogan notes that 1950s fashion embraced femininity and romantic details like softer shoulders, lace, and delicate patterns were en vogue. These feminine details are once again popping up in fabrics and silhouettes for a timeless appeal with a nod to vintage style.
Opera Gloves
Just look at any recent red carpet and you'll note the prevalence of opera gloves, so popular in 1950s women's fashion, now back in style on everyone from Ariana Grande to Pam Anderson to Kerry Washington (all of whom wore the style at the 2025 Golden Globes).
Wooden Heels
Nina Shoes brand was founded in the ‘50s and relaunched its archive collection this year to nod back to the company’s founding. Among the shoe styles reinvented for the collection are wood bottoms with glamorous details.
Ankle-Strap Shoes
Also in Nina’s archive collection are ‘50s vintage shoes outfitted with the ankle strap so ubiquitous in that decade. “The ‘50s were a very forward-looking decade, creative, optimistic, and innovative,” says Nina Shoes creative director Flori Silverstein. “That beauty and originality fits perfectly into today’s mood — upbeat and creative, modern, flirty and fun, even as we look forward into the future.”
Corset Waist
Current trends point back to the celebration of the hourglass silhouette in the 1950s, through corset-style waists and other details that accentuate the femininity of gorgeous hips and bustlines — at every size.
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Two-Piece Sets
The 1950s embraced the two-piece set for women, often in the form of tailored suits. The two-piece ensemble trend is as relevant as ever now (albeit often in different, more casual silhouettes).
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