We love looking to the past for fashion inspiration, and though right now the dominance of the 1990s is still one that can be seen in the clothing on and of the runways, there's another decade that street stylers and fashion girls have been drawing inspiration from as of late. It was the time when sleek pencil skirts (and the complete opposite of them—puffy poodle skirts), high-waisted denim, cat-eye frames, gingham, and polka dots were pieces/prints most prominent in a woman's wardrobe. Any guesses as to which era we're referring to? If you said the 1950s, congrats: You nailed it!
There's a reason many of the aforementioned '50s staples—simple pencil skirts (or sleek silhouettes, in general), cat-eye sunnies, and fun, bold prints—are still being worn today. They are classics that don't go out of style that quickly and can always be styled fresh and new to make them feel more "with the time." The proof is in the pictures below, and once you see these perfect '50s fall outfits, you'll be inspired to rock the staples that defined fashion 60-plus years in the past (if you aren't yet already, of course). Read on to see the best '50s-inspired outfits and then shop the pieces with which to emulate them.
A classic print of the '50s.
And another classic.
Check the bustier top on this dress.
Pair this with a bold red lip.
We love the relaxed, high-waisted fit of these pants.
A chic, fitted LBD is always elegant.
Pair your favorite crop top with classic high-waisted jeans.
Mix and match patterns—like gingham with polka dots—for a fun, '50s-inspired look.
Pair this black satin skirt with heels or sneakers.
Everything about this skirt is perfect.
Grandpa-chic pants we can't wait to wear.
A staple you'll wear again and again.
We can't resist a good vintage-inspired dress rendered in an of-the-moment zebra print.
Our new favorite fall skirt.
Next up, check out the coolest '90s outfits if you're feeling nostalgic.
