50 years ago this month, this is what women were wearing.
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| Oleg Cassini |
Perhaps the biggest influence on fashion here in the States, Jackie Kennedy personified the ladylike look most women tried to achieve. Simple sheath dresses were very popular.
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| Jean Patou |
Elegant suits had shorter and boxier jackets with 3/4 sleeves and big buttons.
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| Handmacher |
Pillbox hats were the latest craze for the head, but hats were dwindling in popularity. Long gloves were worn with suits and coats that had 3/4 sleeves. Simple coats with fur wedding ring collars were everywhere.
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| Sue Brett |
Full skirted dresses were having their last hurrah. They were shorter in length and would disappear within a year or two.
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| Sweater by Braemar, pants by Geist & Geist |
Skinny pants for casual wear were sometimes made of knits. They were paired with sweaters or blouses.
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| Edward Abbott |
Brocade was big. Cocktail dresses were usually simple sheaths in opulent fabrics or full skirted styles in chiffon.
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| Pierre Balmain |
Evening gowns usually had simple lines and were made of luxurious fabrics. Brocades and heavy satins were most popular. Every woman had or wanted a mink stole or jacket for evening.
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| Van Raalte |
No matter what she was wearing on top, a woman in 1961 always wore a bra and girdle. A slip was always worn under dresses and suits.
