1950s Style Dresses & Clothing for Women

Collectif's 1950s collection brings the decade's defining silhouettes – nipped-in waists, full swing skirts and figure-skimming pencil shapes – to vintage-inspired clothing made new for today. Every style is available in UK sizes 6 to 26.

1950s Silhouettes in the Collection

Swing dresses are the heart of the collection: a fitted bodice and a full circle skirt, as seen in our signature Dolores and Caterina styles. Shop all swing dresses.

Pencil dresses follow the body and finish below the knee for a sharper, wiggle-style look. Shop pencil dresses.

Tea dresses offer softer, day-to-day 1950s style. Shop tea dresses.

Separates such as circle skirts and fitted blouses let you build the look piece by piece.

1950s Colours and Patterns

Daywear in the 1950s favoured soft pastels such as pink, blue, yellow and mint, while evening looks leaned towards red, black and navy. The decade's signature prints were polka dots, florals and checks, all of which you'll find throughout the collection.

How to Complete a 1950s Look

For extra volume under a swing dress, add a petticoat. Pair it with a cardigan from our knitwear range for cooler days.

Curious about the era itself? Read the real history behind 1940s and 1950s fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions About 50s Fashion

What did women wear in the 1950s?

Women in the 1950s wore fitted dresses with defined waists, full swing skirts, pencil skirts, A-line skirts and matching skirt suits. Cotton dresses in pastel shades were popular for daywear, while satin, silk and taffeta were saved for evening.

Why were dresses so popular in the 1950s?

After the Second World War, textile production recovered and fabric became plentiful again. Fashion moved away from wartime practicality towards fuller skirts and nipped-in waists, and the dress became the defining piece of the decade.

Is this genuine 1950s vintage clothing?

No. Collectif designs new, vintage-inspired clothing. Styles are based on 1950s silhouettes but made with modern sizing, so they are easier to fit and care for than original vintage pieces.

What sizes do your 1950s dresses come in?

Our clothing is available in UK sizes 6 to 26. Check our fit and size guide before ordering.

Do you deliver outside the UK?

Yes. UK delivery is free on orders over £90, and we ship internationally. See our delivery information for details.