Everyday Fashions of the Fifties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs (Dover Fashion and Costumes) [Paperback]

JoAnne Olian (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Dover Fashion and Costumes | Publication Date: September 5, 2002

One hundred twenty pages of illustrations, accompanied by descriptive captions, depict one-piece strapless bathing suits and dresses with plunging necklines for women; business suits with wide lapels for men; bluejeans, plaid shirts, and full, knee-length swing skirts for girls; fringed cowboy suits for youngsters of both genders; more. Over 300 black-and-white illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (September 5, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486422194
• ISBN-13: 978-0486422190
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Textiles & Costume
  • #33 in Books > Arts & Photography > Fashion

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very informative, February 3, 2004

By 

Louise Kolbeinsen "Louise" (England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Everyday Fashions of the Fifties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs (Dover Fashion and Costumes) (Paperback)

I thouroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was packed from start to finish with pictures. The book gives an excellent overview of what the average woman was wearing in the 1950's, unlike many similar books which focus on important designers.
While it is very light on text I still feel that it is a must for anyone interested in this period.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best 50's books ever made, April 15, 2004

By 

KittenWithAnAct (Los Angeles, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Everyday Fashions of the Fifties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs (Dover Fashion and Costumes) (Paperback)

This is a primary source book that tells the prices and materials, which are very helpful to a costume designer. I also enjoy the book Fifties Forever, which is similar except it's color photos of actual vintage stuff (the color does help, but the Sears catalogue is still great without it).

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous, authentic, thorough--GREAT book!, May 15, 2007

By 

Hedera Femme (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Everyday Fashions of the Fifties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs (Dover Fashion and Costumes) (Paperback)

Whenever I take this book out, people fight over a peek into its glossy pages. It covers everything in fashion from the fifties, though mostly focusing on women. The pictures depict fashions, from dresses to shoes, hats and gloves to maternity wear; the women's hairstyles, makeup, and overall looks give the reader the most authentic possible view of fashion and the aesthetic ideals of the time. The catalogue also shows the prices and features descriptions that include fabric, color, and price. There are some pictures of teenage, male, and children's fashions. This book is thorough and unbelievably beautiful.