Living In Fifties Fashion: The Derived From Dior Shirtwaist Dress

The costume of choice for fifties' housewives was the "button down the front" frock known as the shirtwaist dress.

Although seen in women's clothing as early as the late nineteenth century, the shirtwaist dress' forgiving fit and flattering look became a fashion standard in the 1950's.

Taking details from and often made of the same crisp cotton or silk found in a man's shirt, this fashion staple is sometimes called a shirtdress or simply a shirtmaker.

Christian Dior Illustrated by Eric, Vogue, October 1947

Early twentieth century shirtwaist dresses were adopted as a practical and easily washable nursing uniform. It continued as the recognized nursing costume until the 1990's.

The 1920's retail industry introduced "sports dresses" fashioned in cotton or lightweight wool with button front blouses and choices of skirts or culottes. They were primarily promoted as "golfer" dresses.

Christian Dior's New Look took the fashion world by storm in 1947 and when coupled with the requisite crinoline ushered in American women's fascination with the full skirt and button front dress style.

Family oriented television programming from the 1950's portrayed American housewives as dressed in shirtwaist or "day" dresses paired with heels and either utilitarian or dressy aprons.

Its popularity would remain throughout the 1950's and 1960's.