Fashion of the 1950s: 41 Vintage Sewing Projects

Nothing says the 1950s like skirts and dresses! The 1950s was the height of ladylike fashion, and dresses and skirts pulled away from the boxier, military-inspired shapes of the 1940s and focused instead on creating a softer and rounded silhouette.

The typical 1950s silhouette highlights a small waist against a fuller skirt, and popular details include ribbon trim, bows, and crinolines or tulle underneath skirts. This list of 1950s inspired dress and free skirt patterns are filled with feminine styles, tea-length skirts, and most importantly, lots of fun details.

If you've been searching for even more 1950s inspired sewing patterns, then you're in the right place. Our list of vintage-inspired sewing patterns includes DIY accessories, ladies' top patterns, and more!

Detailed in this list are other wearable and embellishment projects, such as peter pan collars, high fitted waists, vintage DIY bikinis, and lots of feminine details like ruffles and bows.

One of the fashion highlights of the 1950s was hair accessories such as hats, headbands, and veils. Worn by fashion icons like Doris Day, Sandra Dee, and Elizabeth Taylor, DIY hair accessories like these are sure to be attention grabbers and are the perfect complement to any outfit.

Plus, these hair accessory patterns are a great way to add some gorgeous vintage touches to your wardrobe without looking like a costume.

A lady's outfit is never complete without the perfect bag! DIY clutches and other small purses were popular with 1950s women and were used as daily pocketbooks as well as essential evening wear.

While modern clutches often use materials like leather or vinyl, vintage clutches were often an affordable way to add elegance to one's wardrobe with fabrics like satin or velvet and details like beading. Make a vintage-inspired clutch for your modern wardrobe with these DIY bags.