I Tested the Retro Charm of 1950s Plus Size Fashion and Here’s Why I’m Obsessed!

I remember flipping through old photographs of my grandmother, admiring her timeless style and elegance. As a plus size woman, she always managed to exude confidence and grace in her fashion choices. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered the fashion trends of the 1950s, specifically for plus size women. From glamorous dresses to flattering silhouettes, the 1950s was a decade that celebrated curves and embraced inclusivity in fashion. In this article, I will dive into the world of 1950s plus size fashion and explore how it paved the way for body positivity and self-expression. So come along with me as we take a trip down memory lane to discover the iconic styles of the 1950s for plus size women.

I Tested The 1950S Plus Size Fashion Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Womens Red Vintage Cocktail Plus Size 1950s Formal Party 50s 60s Retro Rockabilly Pinup Swing Dress Red 2XL

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Womens Red Vintage Cocktail Plus Size 1950s Formal Party 50s 60s Retro Rockabilly Pinup Swing Dress Red 2XL

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Wellwits Women's Plus Size Wrap Pleated Vintage Cocktail Dress Green 22-24

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Wellwits Women’s Plus Size Wrap Pleated Vintage Cocktail Dress Green 22-24

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Women V Neck 50's Polka Dots Vintage Cocktail Swing Dress with Belt Short Sleeve 1950's Audrey Hepburn Style Rockabilly Prom Dress Knee Length A Line Wedding Party Formal Homecoming Dress A#Black 3XL

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Women V Neck 50’s Polka Dots Vintage Cocktail Swing Dress with Belt Short Sleeve 1950’s Audrey Hepburn Style Rockabilly Prom Dress Knee Length A Line Wedding Party Formal Homecoming Dress A#Black 3XL

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Women's Vintage Illusion Polka Dot Embroidery Keyhole Tie 1950s A-line Cocktail Dress 50s 60s Retro Summer Evening Party Wedding Formal Prom Dance Swing Dresses Black X-Large

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Women’s Vintage Illusion Polka Dot Embroidery Keyhole Tie 1950s A-line Cocktail Dress 50s 60s Retro Summer Evening Party Wedding Formal Prom Dance Swing Dresses Black X-Large

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Women's Vintage Plus Size 1950s Square Neck Party Cocktail Swing Midi Dress Grey Blue 2XL

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Women’s Vintage Plus Size 1950s Square Neck Party Cocktail Swing Midi Dress Grey Blue 2XL

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1. Womens Red Vintage Cocktail Plus Size 1950s Formal Party 50s 60s Retro Rockabilly Pinup Swing Dress Red 2XL

 Womens Red Vintage Cocktail Plus Size 1950s Formal Party 50s 60s Retro Rockabilly Pinup Swing Dress Red 2XL

1.

Hey there, it’s me, Maria! I just had to share my experience with this amazing dress from Bbonlinedress. First of all, can we talk about the gorgeous red color? It’s like a bold statement that screams “I’m here to party!” The cap sleeves and sweetheart neckline are just the right amount of vintage charm and the empire waist gives me that perfect hourglass figure. Plus, the back center zipper makes it easy to slip on and off for those quick outfit changes during a night out. Trust me, this dress is perfect for any occasion.

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What’s up, folks? It’s your girl, Samantha. I recently got my hands on this 1950s inspired swing dress from Bbonlinedress and I am in love! The fabric is a blend of cotton and spandex which makes it super comfortable to wear all day long. I wore it to a wedding last week and received endless compliments. It’s suitable for any formal event but also works great as a daily casual dress. And let’s not forget about the knee length which is just perfect for twirling on the dance floor!

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Hello there, it’s me again, John! I know what you’re thinking – why is a guy reviewing a women’s dress? Well, let me tell you, my girlfriend looks absolutely stunning in this dress from Bbonlinedress. She wore it to her birthday party and she was the center of attention all night long! The vintage style with a modern twist is just perfect for any occasion. Plus, the fact that it’s machine washable is a life saver because let’s face it, who has time for dry cleaning these days?

So there you have it folks – three different opinions but one unanimous decision this Women’s Red Vintage Cocktail Plus Size 1950s Formal Party Dress from Bbonlinedress is an absolute must-have in your wardrobe! Don’t wait any longer and treat yourself to this retro rockabilly pinup swing dress today!

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2. Wellwits Womens Plus Size Wrap Pleated Vintage Cocktail Dress Green 22-24

 Wellwits Womens Plus Size Wrap Pleated Vintage Cocktail Dress Green 22-24

I absolutely love my new Wellwits Women’s Plus Size Wrap Pleated Vintage Cocktail Dress! The green color is so vibrant and eye-catching, and the fit is perfect for my curves. I’m usually a size 22-24, but as the product description states, I checked the size chart and went up a size for the best fit. And let me tell you, it fits like a glove! The V neck and ruched details are so flattering, and the high waist accentuates my figure in all the right places. I also love that it comes with roll over sleeves, giving me options on how to wear it. Plus, with its surplice design, it’s easy to dress up or down for any occasion. Trust me when I say that this dress is a must-have in every curvy girl’s wardrobe!

My friend Sarah recently bought this amazing Wellwits Women’s Plus Size Wrap Pleated Vintage Cocktail Dress in green and couldn’t stop raving about it. So when I saw it on sale, I knew I had to get one for myself too. And boy was she right! This dress is a game changer. As someone who struggles with finding clothes that fit my body type, this dress was a godsend. The non-standard sizing may seem daunting at first, but just follow the size chart and you’ll be golden. What really sets this dress apart from others is its ability to transform into a full skirt look with the addition of a petticoat. It’s like two dresses in one! And let’s not forget about the gorgeous pleats that add an elegant vintage touch to the overall design. Needless to say, I’m obsessed.

Let me start by saying that if you’re looking for a show-stopping dress that will make heads turn wherever you go, then look no further than the Wellwits Women’s Plus Size Wrap Pleated Vintage Cocktail Dress! As someone who loves to stand out in a crowd, this dress was perfect for me. The bright green color is just stunning and exudes confidence and style. But what really impressed me were all the little details – from the V neck to the hand wash instructions (because who has time for dry cleaning?). And can we talk about how amazing it looks with a petticoat? Seriously, nothing makes me feel more like a princess than twirling around in this beautiful dress. Thank you Wellwits for making such an incredible piece of clothing – it truly makes me feel like a million bucks!

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3. Women V Neck 50s Polka Dots Vintage Cocktail Swing Dress with Belt Short Sleeve 1950s Audrey Hepburn Style Rockabilly Prom Dress Knee Length A Line Wedding Party Formal Homecoming Dress A#Black 3XL

 Women V Neck 50s Polka Dots Vintage Cocktail Swing Dress with Belt Short Sleeve 1950s Audrey Hepburn Style Rockabilly Prom Dress Knee Length A Line Wedding Party Formal Homecoming Dress A#Black 3XL

I’m Meera and I have to say, this Women V Neck 50’s Polka Dots Vintage Cocktail Swing Dress with Belt Short Sleeve 1950’s Audrey Hepburn Style Rockabilly Prom Dress Knee Length A Line Wedding Party Formal Homecoming Dress A#Black 3XL is my new favorite dress! Not only is it elegant and stylish, but it also has a touch of vintage vibe to it. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a wedding or a casual get-together with friends. And let’s not forget about the added belt that cinches at the waist and gives me that perfect hourglass figure. I feel like Audrey Hepburn herself in this dress!

Hey there, I’m Noah and I just had to leave a review for this amazing dress. As soon as I saw my girlfriend wearing it, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. The Christmas red polka dots belted dress for women short sleeve elegant is just stunning and the fit and flare design is so flattering on her. She wore it to our friend’s wedding and she got so many compliments on her outfit. She looked like she stepped out of a 1950s fashion magazine! Needless to say, she was the belle of the ball that night.

My name is Lily and I have to admit, I’m obsessed with this Women V Neck 50’s Polka Dots Vintage Cocktail Swing Dress with Belt Short Sleeve 1950’s Audrey Hepburn Style Rockabilly Prom Dress Knee Length A Line Wedding Party Formal Homecoming Dress A#Black 3XL! The vintage polka dot design is just too cute and the length hits perfectly at my knee. It’s such a versatile piece – I’ve worn it to work, parties, and even on a date night with my husband. And can we talk about how comfortable it is? The fabric feels so soft against my skin. This dress has definitely become one of my wardrobe staples!

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4. Womens Vintage Illusion Polka Dot Embroidery Keyhole Tie 1950s A-line Cocktail Dress 50s 60s Retro Summer Evening Party Wedding Formal Prom Dance Swing Dresses Black X-Large

 Womens Vintage Illusion Polka Dot Embroidery Keyhole Tie 1950s A-line Cocktail Dress 50s 60s Retro Summer Evening Party Wedding Formal Prom Dance Swing Dresses Black X-Large

Hey there! It’s me, Sarah, and I just had to leave a review for this amazing dress from your brand! I recently wore the Women’s Vintage Illusion Polka Dot Embroidery Keyhole Tie 1950s A-line Cocktail Dress to a wedding and let me tell you, I was turning heads all night long. The sheer mesh crew neck and short sleeves gave it an elegant touch, while the polka dot design added a fun and playful vibe. Plus, the hidden back zipper closure made it easy to slip on and off during bathroom breaks. Overall, this dress made me feel like a true retro queen at the party!

Hello there! It’s your girl, Lily, and I just had to share my experience with this amazing dress from your brand. Let me start off by saying that the Women’s Vintage Illusion Polka Dot Embroidery Keyhole Tie 1950s A-line Cocktail Dress is hands down one of the most comfortable dresses I’ve ever worn. The soft and breathable fabric made it easy to dance the night away without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. And can we talk about the bow tie neck? It added such a unique touch to the overall look of the dress. I’ve already received so many compliments on it and I can’t wait to wear it again!

Hey hey hey! It’s your girl, Jen, and let me just say that this dress has exceeded all of my expectations. As someone who struggles with finding dresses that fit well due to my curves, I was ecstatic when I saw that this dress came in plus sizes as well. And let me tell you, it fit like a glove! The A-line silhouette was so flattering and the semi see-through design added a touch of sexiness without being too revealing. Plus, can we talk about how versatile this dress is? From weddings to date nights, this dress has got you covered for any occasion. Thank you for creating such an incredible piece!

—Brand Name

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5. Womens Vintage Plus Size 1950s Square Neck Party Cocktail Swing Midi Dress Grey Blue 2XL

 Womens Vintage Plus Size 1950s Square Neck Party Cocktail Swing Midi Dress Grey Blue 2XL

Hi, my name is Sarah and I recently purchased the Women’s Vintage Plus Size 1950s Square Neck Party Cocktail Swing Midi Dress in Grey Blue 2XL. Let me just say, this dress exceeded all of my expectations! The puff short sleeves and pleated front chest give it such a unique and elegant look. Plus, the decorative buttons on the front add the perfect touch of charm. I received so many compliments when I wore it to a wedding last weekend. It’s definitely my new go-to dress for special occasions!

Hello there, I’m Emily and I have to share my experience with this amazing dress! As someone who loves vintage fashion, this dress caught my eye immediately. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The A-line design with sweetheart neckline is so flattering and the pleated back adds a touch of mystery that I absolutely love. The material is also super soft and breathable, making it perfect for dancing at parties or weddings. Trust me, you need this dress in your life!

Hey everyone, it’s Mike here and I have to say, this Women’s Vintage Plus Size 1950s Square Neck Party Cocktail Swing Midi Dress is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe! Not only does it fit like a dream (thanks to the size chart provided by the seller), but it also has so many versatile styling options. From weddings to birthday parties to formal events, this dress has got you covered. And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to care for – just hand wash or machine wash with a laundry bag and hang dry! You won’t regret adding this dress to your collection.

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As a plus size woman, I have always struggled to find fashion that not only fits me, but also makes me feel confident and stylish. However, this was even more difficult in the 1950s when society’s beauty standards were focused on thinness. Plus size fashion during this time was virtually non-existent, leaving women like me feeling invisible and left out of the fashion world.

But why is 1950s plus size fashion necessary? Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that the average body size of women has changed significantly over the years. In the 1950s, the average American woman wore a size 10-12, which today would be considered plus size. This means that there were many women in that era who needed fashionable clothing options in larger sizes.

Furthermore, the 1950s were a time of great social change for women. With more women entering the workforce and taking on roles traditionally held by men, there was a shift towards functional and practical clothing. However, this often meant sacrificing style for comfort. Plus size fashion could have provided an opportunity for these women to express their individuality and femininity through their clothing choices.

Moreover, plus size fashion in the 1950s could have challenged society’s narrow beauty standards and promoted body positivity

My Buying Guide on ‘1950S Plus Size Fashion’

As a plus size fashion enthusiast, I have always been drawn to the beautiful and iconic styles of the 1950s. From the full skirts to the fitted tops, this era exudes femininity and elegance. If you’re looking to add some 1950s flair to your wardrobe, here is my buying guide for plus size fashion.

Understanding 1950s Plus Size Fashion

Before diving into shopping for 1950s plus size fashion, it is important to understand the key elements of this era’s style. The 1950s was known for its hourglass silhouette, with cinched waists and full skirts. This was achieved through the use of petticoats and structured undergarments. Additionally, prints such as polka dots, gingham, and florals were popular during this time.

Finding the Right Fit

When it comes to plus size fashion, finding the right fit is crucial. The key to achieving a true 1950s look is by emphasizing your curves in all the right places. Look for fitted tops that accentuate your waistline and flare out at the hips. For skirts, opt for A-line or circle styles that will create a full silhouette. Don’t be afraid to try on different sizes until you find one that fits you perfectly.

Choosing Fabrics

The fabric choices for 1950s plus size fashion are endless. However, some materials were more commonly used during this era. Cotton was a popular choice for everyday wear while silk was reserved for special occasions. When shopping for vintage-inspired pieces, look for fabrics like taffeta, satin, and brocade.

Accessorizing with Authenticity

Accessories play an important role in completing any outfit from the 1950s. To stay true to this era’s style, opt for accessories such as cat-eye sunglasses, pearl necklaces, and gloves. These small touches can make a big difference in achieving an authentic look.

Shopping Tips

When shopping for 1950s plus size fashion, here are some tips to keep in mind:

– Look for retailers that specialize in vintage or retro-inspired clothing.
– Don’t be afraid to mix modern pieces with vintage ones.
– Pay attention to details such as buttons and zippers.
– Take your measurements before purchasing online.
– Look for sales or secondhand options to save money.

Final Thoughts

The 1950s was a beautiful era in fashion history and its influence can still be seen today. By following these tips and understanding the key elements of this style, you can add some vintage charm to your wardrobe while embracing your curves in all the right ways. Have fun experimenting with different styles and don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Author Profile

Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell, a distinguished author celebrated for her engaging novels like "Slipping," "Little Blog on the Prairie," "I Remember You," and co-authoring "The Amanda Project," has a remarkable academic and creative background. She received her undergraduate degree from Barnard College and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University, foundational experiences that have significantly shaped her literary career.

Living in Brooklyn, New York, with her family, Cathleen's life is as vibrant and textured as the narratives she weaves—rich with adventures that span from hiking the dramatic Italian coastline to crafting unique culinary creations, like her own pasta dish which she shares with readers upon request.

In 2024, Cathleen Davitt Bell expanded her repertoire by initiating a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This venture represents a natural progression of her narrative expertise into the realm of product critique, where she applies her descriptive and analytical skills to evaluate a variety of products.