Plaid has long been a staple in fashion, but there’s something especially captivating about the way it was worn in the 1940s and 1950s. Vintage photos from this era capture the charm and versatility of plaid, whether it’s on crisp suit jackets, cozy flannel shirts, or chic dresses. Plaid is always a standout pattern and a fashion favourite.
In this post, we’ll take a nostalgic look at the iconic plaid fashions of the ‘40s and ‘50s, showcasing how this timeless print became a key part of everyday style.
Today is also PLAIDURDAY (OCT 4TH 2024) where we celebrate all things PLAID! I love a good plaid pattern and especially when it’s vintage!
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.
The Best Vintage Photos from the 1940s & 1950s of People in Plaid Fashions: Timeless Style Inspiration
1950s photo of a couple in plaid shirts posing together outside. Love the Ducktail hairstyle on our man. Very cool.
Source: Etsy-iloveyoumorephotos
The following photo is from a past blog post on Easter photos & ads and I wanted to share it, not only for the plaid shirt but it has a similar feel to the photo above. That feeling being FUN!
1950s Vintage Photo: Easter egg race winners, Gatineau Park, Quebec, 1957.in
Plaid and a car, a perfect combo in this 1940s vintage photo. LOVE the plaid dress on the young woman in the photo.
Further Reading: Plaid: A Fall Fashion Trend. The Vintage Edition
Source: Etsy-therescuedphoto
I would love to have the fabulous plaid vest our photo booth gal named “Rose” is sporting in this 1950s image. So awesome!
Further Reading: 1950s Photos of Everyday Women’s Hairstyles & Vintage Photo Booth Images 1930s-1950s
Bottoms up! 1950s photo of a man finishing the last of his beer.
Source: Etsy-DearMacyVintage
Fun on the farm! 1940s vintage photo of a group of young women posing together on a farm. Love the girl in the middle with the cute cowboy hat and of course we have to point out our gal on the left in her plaid shirt.
Source: Etsy-DearMacyVintage
A lovely wedding day photo with our young bride sporting a stylish plaid jacket (I actually think it’s a suit jacket as I see a pretty blouse poking out) and our groom in a lovely suit.
The back of this photo says: “Taken April 5th, 1953. Charles 25 years, 9 mins 25 days. Evelyn Wall”.
Source: Etsy-DearMacyVintage
1940s vintage photo of a group of girls wearing matching plaid bows in their hair and seem to be all wearing some sort of costume. Of what? Not sure. Comment below if you know!
Source: Etsy-AlaskaVintage
1950s vintage photo of a family photo in the living room with bold floral wallpaper. The youngest in the photo, is sporting a plaid shirt. They look so happy.
Further Reading: Be Inspired! Vintage Photos of Wallpaper Designs in Mid Century Homes
Ready for a fun night out! 1940s photo of 2 women posing outside in their going out outfits. Our lady on the left is sporting a lovely plaid dress while her friends in a cute two piece suit with blouse. Big fan of the ladies 40s curl hairstyles.
Source: Etsy-girlcatdesign
Time to wash the pot! 1950s vintage photo in I think a school classroom.
Source: Etsy-AlaskaVintage
I’m slipping this 1930s photo from 1935 in because it’s PLAID BIKINI! Amazing! Love it!
Source: Etsy-DearMacyVintage
Saddle shoes, rolled up jeans and a plaid suit jacket look so cool together! I want to sport this fun 1940s look right now.
Further Reading: Vintage Photos of Saddle Shoes
While not plaids for the body, how about plaids for your interior design? I just HAD to share this photo from the 1950s of this very busy living room. What do you think of the plaid curtains, pillows, carpet, rattan furniture with floral cushions and a very interesting horse wallpaper? Would you of decorated your home this way?
Source: Etsy-SherwoodsTreasures
Thank you for dropping by and stepping into the world of Plaid with me. I hope you enjoyed the photos I shared today and please comment below on anything you wish to chat about on this topic. I love hearing from my readers!
Further Reading:
- Plaid: A Fall Fashion Trend. The Vintage Edition
- Vintage Plaid Party Time -Vintage Ads, Vintage Fashions & More!
- Vintage Fall / Autumn 1920s-1960s Blog Posts (Archived)
Liz