Written By: Lily Rothman, Liz Ronk
On Monday evening, the biggest names in fashion will gather in New York City for the annual Met Gala. With the documentary The First Monday in May having recently shed light on the gala’s behind-the-scenes elements, the world is sure to be paying as much attention as ever to the looks that come down the red carpet. And the celebrity invitees are sure to take their own stabs at interpreting this year’s theme “fashion in an age of technology” with futuristic looks.
But, even as designers look to the future, it’s worth remembering that today’s fashions are never truly divorced from those of the past. With that in mind, take a look back at the fashions of the 1950s, as shown on the cover of LIFE Magazine.
Throughout the decade, the magazine traced the evolution of fashion from demure tailored shirts and classic beach looks to casual college trends and elegant evening wear. (And, of course, “canasta pajamas.”) For those whose preferred looks are less sci-fi and more retro, the photographs can be a trove of inspiration.
Liz Ronk, who edited this gallery, is the Photo Editor for LIFE.com. Follow her on Twitter @lizabethronk.
January 23, 1950 cover of LIFE magazine.
Gordon Parks LIFE Magazine
March 13, 1950 cover of LIFE magazine.
Gjon Mili LIFE Magazine
April 24, 1950 cover of LIFE magazine.
Milton H. Greene LIFE Magazine
May 15, 1950 cover of LIFE magazine.
Nina Leen LIFE Magazine
June 19, 1950 issue of LIFE magazine.
Nina Leen LIFE Magazine
September 11, 1950 cover of LIFE magazine.
Nina Leen LIFE Magazine
October 30, 1950 cover of LIFE magazine.
Martha Holmes LIFE Magazine
February 12, 1951 cover of LIFE magazine.
Milton H. Greene LIFE Magazine
March 5, 1951 cover of LIFE magazine.
Gordon Parks LIFE Magazine
May 21, 1951 cover of LIFE magazine.
Milton H. Greene LIFE Magazine
December 3, 1951 cover of LIFE magazine.
Sharland LIFE Magazine
January 7, 1952 cover of LIFE magazine.
Nina Leen LIFE Magazine
February 25, 1952 issue of LIFE magazine.
Nina Leen LIFE Magazine
April 14, 1952 issue of LIFE magazine.
Mark Shaw LIFE Magazine
June 2, 1952 issue of LIFE magazine.
Mark Shaw LIFE Magazine
June 23, 1952 issue of LIFE magazine.
Christa LIFE Magazine
August 25, 1952 issue of LIFE magazine.
John Raymond Solowinski LIFE Magazine
September 8, 1952 issue of LIFE magazine.
Milton H. Greene LIFE Magazine
November 24, 1952 issue of LIFE magazine.
Milton H. Greene LIFE Magazine
January 26, 1953 issue of LIFE magazine.
Lisa Larsen LIFE Magazine
March 9, 1953 issue of LIFE magazine.
Philippe Halsman LIFE Magazine
May 11, 1953 issue of LIFE magazine.
Milton H. Greene LIFE Magazine
July 27, 1953 issue of LIFE magazine.
William Helburn LIFE Magazine
October 12, 1953 issue of LIFE magazine.
Sharland LIFE Magazine
December 21, 1953 issue of LIFE magazine.
Sharland LIFE Magazine
February 1, 1954 issue of LIFE magazine.
William Helburn LIFE Magazine
April 12, 1954 issue of LIFE magazine.
Mark Shaw LIFE Magazine
June 14, 1954 issue of LIFE magazine.
Christa LIFE Magazine
June 28, 1954 issue of LIFE magazine.
Paul Himmel LIFE Magazine
May 16, 1955 issue of LIFE magazine.
Mark Shaw LIFE Magazine
September 5, 1955 issue of LIFE magazine.
Mark Shaw LIFE Magazine
December 5, 1955 issue of LIFE magazine.
Mark Shaw LIFE Magazine
January 9, 1956 issue of LIFE magazine.
Mark Shaw LIFE Magazine
May 14, 1956 issue of LIFE magazine.
Mark Shaw LIFE Magazine
September 23, 1957 issue of LIFE magazine.
Milton H. Greene LIFE Magazine
January 27, 1958 issue of LIFE magazine.
Loomis Dean LIFE Magazine
March 11, 1958 issue of LIFE magazine.
William Helburn LIFE Magazine
August 11, 1958 issue of LIFE magazine.
Paul Schutzer LIFE Magazine
March 2, 1959 issue of LIFE magazine.
Milton H. Greene LIFE Magazine
November 16, 1959 issue of LIFE magazine.
Jack Robinson LIFE Magazine
