The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel & 1950s Fashion
Throughout the history of America, television shows have influenced the viewer in a variety of ways. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is no different. While the show is about a housewife by day, and a comedian by night, the character of Mrs. Maisel, along with others, inspires us to never give up on a dream. It is not surprising so many women identify with Mrs. Maisel and want to capture a little of her spirit. Her iconic wardrobe is one piece of her spirit that women can and do embrace, and any vintage fashion lover would be in support of this.
Midge Maisel: A Fashion Icon
Mrs. Maisel’s fashion has won the Emmy for Outstanding Period Costumes in 2019 and the Costume Designers Guild Award for Excellence in Period Television in 2019 and 2020. Her 1950’s period fashion is carefully researched to ensure authenticity in designing her wardrobe. When trying to add a dash of the 1950s fashion of Mrs. Maisel, whether it is her housewife look or her evening comedienne look, knowing the essence of this time is key to recreating the looks in our modern-day closets.
1950s Women’s Style
Thinking of Mrs. Maisel’s outfits, we see the quintessential 1950s characteristics such as everything matching, including handbags, hats, and gloves. You may also recall huge skirts, cinched waists, and hemlines to the knees. To capture the essence of Mrs. Maisel, you don’t have to go out and revamp your whole wardrobe to the 1950s but embrace a few choice vintage pieces and a little creativity and you can warp back into the time of elegance and style.
Midge Maisel Style Hat
The television heroine rarely wears an outfit that doesn’t include a fashionable hat. The 1950s style hats included pillbox, sun hats, veil hats, half hats, and cloche. There is no need to go out and buy one of each. Simply choose one iconic hat and add it to your outfits for a fun vintage look. One of the most versatile hats you could wear would be a beret. Make sure to look for one that is soft and feminine. The best material would be a gorgeous cashmere in a color that would go with several outfits you already have.
Accessorize With a Scarf
Any proper 50s lady would have a scarf ready to go in her handbag or already a part of her ensemble. Chiffon or silk scarves come in a variety of colors and prints and can be used to create a 50s vibe with many outfits. Try tying it around your neck or even simply tie it on your handbag to give Midge Maisel a run for her money.
Bottoms Up!
When you think back to all the 50s shows some of us loved growing up, we saw teens and moms alike looking sharp but comfortable in cigarette pants. These pants were either cotton or wool, but they were always lined to keep a sharp, put-together look. The pants had a high waist with a wide waistband and no belt. There usually was a side or back zipper that added to the feminine quality and hugged the body down to just above the ankle. Finally, the hem was a straight opening. Adding a pair of these to your wardrobe is a simple and inexpensive way to curb your vintage craving.
The American woman has always had a love affair with the sleek and elegant style of the 1950s characters we have loved over the years. Visit us at ThisBlueBird to shop for all of these and other vintage pieces that can add an iconic era to your wardrobe. We have all the pieces you need to channel your inner Midge Maisel.
PS: ThisBlueBird has contributed several pieces to the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel costume department over the last few years! :)
