When you mention the 1950s housewife, many people think of Donna Reed. She always wore a beautiful shirt dress with her hair styled like this. Or she can think of the TV shows or movies that brought back the ’50s like “Happy Days,” “American Graffiti,” and “Grease.” In this article, we’ll show you how to wear retro fashion for a 50’s housewife look. This 3 or 4 piece outfit is easy to put together and will help you look and feel the part.

Let’s start with The Dress: it should be a light and cheerful print in florals, checks or solids. A classic vintage shirt dress with a fitted waist and flared or flared skirt is best. It buttons or zips up the front and often has cuffed sleeves. If you’re having trouble finding a vintage shirt dress, check out stores that sell house dresses and look for a simple style with vintage prints and colors like tiny rose prints or even kitchen prints. Avoid bright colors or polyester. Cotton or polycotton will look more authentic. The length should be mid-calf or just below the knees. Make sure to wash the dress several times to make it look more vivid and authentic.

Next, what says more “housewife” than an apron? Look in vintage or thrift stores for a vintage or new full or half apron with a retro print. Make sure you look for one that has a big bow in the back. If you can’t find a convincing retro print, pastel or solid colors can also work. Sew ric rac for an extra cheesy touch or stuff a handkerchief in your pocket and let it peek out a bit. It’s also a good idea to tie a sheer scarf into one of the ties on the apron, because you never know when you’ll need to put your hair up and pitch in to do something.

Finally, you’ll need to add some 1950s period details. These could be a circle brooch, a pearl necklace, stud earrings, or cateye glasses. Try pulling your hair back and tying it up with a triangle-shaped scarf tied at the back under your hair, or pull it up and tie it on top with bunny ears. Shoes must be low heels, ballerinas or loafers. You can throw a cardigan sweater casually over your shoulders and add a sweater liner to keep it firmly in place. The bag should be big enough for your wallet, lipstick, truck keys, and your coupon book. And don’t forget your glasses on a chain.

Now you have your 50’s housewife outfit together. How will you do all your chores, washing and dusting and still have time to touch up your lipstick and keep your hairstyle looking fresh? Let’s be thankful for all the modern appliances that helped make housework easier and left more time for fashion and fun.

Fun fact: The average housewife in the 1950s spent more than three hours a day preparing meals, cooking, and feeding her family. In the 1950s new products were introduced that were designed to make life easier for the average homemaker. These products included Saran Wrap, Microwave Ovens, Nonstick Pans, Kraft Foods Pre-Sliced ​​Cheese, Sunbeam Mixmaster, and Mrs. Paul’s Frozen Fish Sticks. Hmm!