Accessories
The three-quarter sleeve popular in the 1950s sparked the need for longer gloves, which were fashioned in all sorts of colors and materials, from durable leather to dainty crochet. The exposed wrist also cried out for bracelets (hence the term bracelet sleeve), which in turn called out for matching necklaces and earrings. Although these matching sets of costume jewelry, called parures, had been worn for decades, they reached their pinnacle of popularity in the ’50s. Today they are highly sought on the vintage market, particularly if they’re signed. Matching went a little overboard during the era: Shoes matched handbags that matched hats and matched gloves . . . well, you get the idea.
Sixties-era jewelry tended to be more minimal, but huge, and crafted in unusual materials. Plastic and metal were shaped into oversized earrings, pendants, and bangles. Pearls in short single or multiple strands were in vogue for the conservative crowd, who also preferred simple button-style earrings. Hippies, on the other hand, were known for their long strands of colorful beads, bangle bracelets, dangle earrings, and-let’s not forget-the peace sign necklace.
Hats for the average woman tended to be small, but on the runways designers were showing dramatic portrait brims and lampshade styles worn by the fashionistas of the day. Embellishments on everyday styles were wide ranging, everything from flowers to feathers and veils. In the 1960s the pillbox style took hold as women sought to emulate America’s First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, but innovative milliners created versions with oversized crowns and large brims as well. One of the most unique looks to come out of this time is the bubble toque. Over-the top trims and details were common, with some hats completely smothered in a cacophony of silk flowers. Excess was in.
Shoes underwent a major style change during these two decades. At the beginning of the ’50s high heels generally featured snub toes and thicker heels, but the sleek stiletto was gaining ground. It was adopted by the mainstream later in the decade, as was the pointed toe, but, as the years passed, the square toe and chunky heel took center stage. The sixties featured shoe fads galore-one fun one was the cropped, flat “space boot.” Tennis shoes, ballet flats, oxfords, and loafers remained popular for casual footwear.
