As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, it’s time to start thinking about your summer wardrobe (Summer officially starts June 20th). And what better way to get inspiration than by flipping through the pages of a Sears 1955 Spring / Summer catalog?
From flowy sundresses to high-waisted shorts, this catalog is filled with timeless pieces that still have a place in our closets today. So grab your lemonade, put on your cat-eye sunglasses, and join us as we dive into the world of summer fashion in the 1950s.
(NOTE: click the link above to visit the entire catalog. IT’S HUGE!)
All images from ‘christmas.musetechical.com’
The 1950s Spring / Summer Fashions for Women
“This is the year for dresses with matched accessories”. Parasol & dress for only $8.98.
“This is the year to look smooth. The smooth, slim dress looks smartest in navy or black”. You can also call this style “the wiggle dress”.
” This is the year for the Petticoat Dress. Ours are the finest, fullest and most flattering we’ve seen for only $10.98″.
The dress on the right is gorgeous and very on trend for this year as floral dresses are being seen all over town.
“This is the year for new elegance in dresses that wash” & “This is the year for pleats and these wash!”
“This is the year to go formal”. Women’s 1950s evening dresses. AND “This is the year
“This is the year get more for $5.98” (Like a floral swing skirt dress, coat dress or a stripped flare skirt dress). AND “This is the year for Caribana cottons. They’re washfast…won’t shrink over 1%..wrinkle resistant”. LOVE the patterns on the skirts (the one in the middle is drummer boys and they are calling it a ‘dirndl skirt’).
In these 1950s dresses, you will be able to take them from Spring right into Summer. What one is your favourite (I like the top middle floral dress with the bolero cardigan)?
“Skirts & blouses that go together” and “Fashion Separates add up to a versatile wardrobe for city and country wear”.
Love all the combinations of floral full skirts with blouses, blouses with shorts, blouses with capri pants. How fun and a great way to haves o many fun combinations for summer!
“New Junior Cottons” for young Women’s 50’s dresses.
‘California styled separates of sportswear denim’. “Sun and fun fashion in brilliant colors to mix or max in the fashion fabric of sportswear…a superior quality denim with new depth and brilliance of color”
These fashions are SO FUN!! Bermuda shorts (love!), pedal pushers, culottes (can I have 2?!), matching bra and shorts, Italian pants and shirt and blouse. You will 100% be the best dressed at your Summer BBQ.
The “Sensational New TAB SHIRT” is what caught my eye on this page of fun 1950s tops and blouses. I love the jacket-style look that you can wear open or closed with a belt.
To have a standout Summer dress or skirt, you 100% need to start with a stunning novelty print fabric for your Butterick Pattern design. The “Signed Originals by Famous American Artists” is just what you need!
I love the boat print on the dress at the bottom. What is your favourite?
Women’s 1950s skirts-pleated, tiered, & patterned.
Women’s 1950s swimsuits-‘Kerrybrooke Sea Stars’.
Fantastic Women’s 1950s summer shoes (Oxfords, espadrilles & sandals). “Luscious Color!” “Breeze-cool Cotton Play Shoes to wear wherever your summer fun plans take you. Stay-bright colors was as easily as your nylons”.
Further Reading: “Kedettes”-Keds Stylish Women’s Shoe Division
“Winsome Wedgies”. These wedge Summer shoes will be perfect with any outfit you chose to pair them with.
1950s Men’s Summer Fashions
“OUTDOOR WEAR for Leisure Hours”. Men’s sports shirts and shorts.
1950s Men’s Short Sleeve Sport Shirts….”Cool as a Summer breeze”.
‘Sport Style Knit Shirts & Soft, Knit Cotton Terry Cloths shirts for men’.
It’s swimming time! Summer Beachwear for men. Cabana beach set & swim trunks.
The “California-Styled Casual Coat & Tropical Slacks” are the perfect look for stylish men in 1955 Summer (and today!).
Thanks for dropping by! Share what your favourite Summer fashions were in the comment section below (or anything else about this topic).
Further Reading: Vintage Summer Blog Posts & Vintage Catalogs (Archived Vintage Inn Blog Posts)
VINTAGE SHOPPING: If you like what you see and you would like to own your own vintage summer fashion piece, I highly recommend Etsy , eBay to do your shopping.
Enjoy your Summer Friends!
Liz
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay, are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase
