Everyday Fashions of the Fifties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs (Dover Books on Fashion) (Paperback)

~ JoAnne Olian (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Comprehensive view of what middle-class Americans were wearing in the fifties. 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--and equally wide ties--for men; bluejeans, plaid shirts, and full, knee-length swing skirts for girls; fringed cowboy suits for youngsters of both genders; and much 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 (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #107,461 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #38 in	Books > Home & Garden > Antiques & Collectibles > Textiles & Costume
  #91 in	Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism > Regional > United States

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 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)

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 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).

2 of 2 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

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.