How to Look Like A 'Timeless Beauty' of the 1950s On a Budget!
- Isabella Boston
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
You Can Look Like A Timeless Beauty of the 1950s Without Breaking Your Bank
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There is beauty in simplicity.
I have always felt that I was born in the wrong era. I love looking at vintage photos; the women look flawless, elegant, and exquisite. From their makeup down to their shoes, these ladies were the epitome of modest elegance.
These women possessed romanticized glamour and an emphasis on ultra-femininity. They embraced and loved being women with all the rights and responsibilities that came with it, and without apology. Motherhood was a sacred calling that they nurtured, and they worked hard to make the home a sanctuary for their families.
And to top it all off, these women were oftentimes selfless, bringing beauty to the world while adding value to it.
But did you know that most women of the vintage era had fewer clothes than we do today?
They knew how to purchase for less and make informed choices, allowing themselves always to look well-polished and put together. The key to looking like a "Timeless Beauty" on a budget is this: It's not how much you have, but WHAT you have. In other words, put quality over quantity.
With a little time and effort, you, too, can look like a timeless beauty for any occasion.
Below are some outfits and ideas inspired by Classic Hollywood and 1950s fashion, along with links to purchase them.
I believe every elegant woman should have these eight basic items in her wardrobe. Then, you, too, will look like a "Timeless Beauty".
The A-line/Full Dress & Skirt: The 1950s era celebrated the hourglass figure with structured undergarments, such as corsets, and full skirts, creating a distinct, curvy, and feminine shape that many people, even today, find flattering and empowering. The fabrics and prints were pastel colors, gingham, polka dots, and floral prints, creating a charming, feminine aesthetic. I recommend at least three dresses/skirts in different colors for your closet. You can rotate and mix and match with accessories to always look like a timeless beauty of the 1950s!
The Pencil Skirt: The pencil skirt is a timeless piece that also gives a nice, feminine silhouette. It elongates the body, accentuates the waist, and streamlines the figure. The high-waisted styles cinch at the narrowest part of your torso, defining the waist and giving an hourglass effect. This skirt is extremely versatile, allowing you to go from work to dinner or a casual meeting. I recommend having at least one black skirt, if not more. You can mix and match with various blouses, tops, cardigans, and sweaters.
The Blouse: 1950s blouses were flattering due to their well-tailored fit and feminine details such as pintucks (tiny pleats), bows, and Peter Pan collars. Other classic collars, such as boat necks and V-necks, added softness. Like the dresses and the skirts, blouses were cinched at the waist, creating the famous hourglass figure. The styles ranged from classic button-downs and knit tops (twinsets) to more structured designs with puff sleeves or elegant necklines, all designed to highlight a feminine shape. I recommend starting with a white, black, and beige blouse for your 1950s Timeless Beauty look. These colors will pair well with your black pencil skirt and are a good choice for you on a job interview, a business meeting, or a lunch date with a friend. Remember, a timeless beauty is always prepared for last-minute surprises!
A Twinset or Sweater Set: These are matching cardigans over knit tops or dresses, creating an elegant, chic, and comfortable look. You should aim to have at least three sets in different colors to rotate with your blouses and skirts! (The above dress and sweater are sold separately.)
Shoes: Unlike modern shoes, 1950s shoes featured an elegant curve and point: An inward curve to the heel, which made them appear more graceful. Shoes were almond-shaped and had pointed toes that elongated the foot. Slingbacks offered a delicate look while elongating the leg, perfectly complementing the era’s cinched-waist dresses and skirts. Kitten heels and flats offered a more practical yet stylish option, giving a comfortable fit with added flexibility. You should choose a style that fits your unique personality, helping you to reclaim your inner beauty. I recommend having one basic black pair of shoes and a pair of nude shoes that will go with everything. For formal wear, you should have at least one pair of metallic dress shoes in silver or gold to complement an evening gown. (But, that's for us to discuss in a later blog!)
Hosiery: There’s a quote that I like: “A woman is never fully dressed if her legs aren’t too!” This was the mannerism of the women of the 1950s. Women wore hosiery for glamour, modesty, and to achieve a fashionable look with smooth legs. Stockings were essential for achieving a well-polished look with dresses, heels, and skirts. Garter belts held them up, but by the end of the decade, the rise of panyhose became a more popular choice. Today, you can wear thigh-high stockings without a garter belt, or with a garter belt, if you choose, that are comfortable and perfect with your retro-style fashion.
A Handbag: The handbags of the 1950s were flattering due to their structured, petite shapes that complemented the era’s hourglass silhouette. They had features like bold metal chasps, shiny hardware, and structured handles that added polish, elegance, and glamour to any outfit. Women coordinated and matched their bags with shoes and gloves, making them integral to a complete look of everyday glamour.
A Tube of Red Lipstick: Wearing red lipstick can give you a powerful boost of confidence. It acts like armour, making you feel more powerful, capable, and ready to take on the world! It also brightens your complexion. It is glamorous, classy, and elegant. There is a shade of red lipstick for every skin tone; the key is finding the right shade for you! Milani is not only budget-friendly, but also cruelty-free!
Additional Tips: A pair of pearl stud earrings or a necklace can instantly add elegance to an outfit. Jackie Kennedy Onassis was a lover of pearls and once said, "Pearls are always appropriate."
You should keep things simple. There is beauty in simplicity. Keep your makeup soft and natural, and your nails well-groomed and clean. A quick layer of clear polish, a squirt of hand lotion, and a nail file will instantly add femininity and elegance to your hands, making them more attractive and flattering. You might want to consider investing in a pair of quality, but affordable dress gloves to keep in your purse and elevate your "Timeless Beauty" outfit.
Looking like a “Timeless Beauty of the 1950s” doesn’t have to break your bank. It’s about quality, not quantity. With the right items in your closet, you can make dozens of fashion outfits out of just several basic items. The possibilities are endless!
To shop for elegant retro-style clothes that are a good value for your money, please visit Belle Poque for more fashion ideas!
This Little Black Dress is a dream come true! It is an A-line gown with a halter top and a charming bow-tie draping the back neck. The dress is crafted from satin and is available in 22 colors! You can wear this dress in confidence to a wedding, cocktail party, baquet, gala, or any formal affair. Please click here to purchase.