1950s Dresses & Wiggle Dresses

Our 1950s dresses are designed in-house and made in Yorkshire, and they celebrate the two great silhouettes of the decade: wiggle dresses, sculpted and pencil-skirted, and swing dresses with full skirts. Whether you want a fitted 1950s wiggle dress in stretch bengaline or a cotton dress with a nipped waist and a skirt made for twirling, every 50s style dress here is cut for a modern fit and comfort.

What is a wiggle dress?

A wiggle dress is a close-fitting 1950s dress with a fitted bodice and a slim pencil skirt that falls to just below the knee, named for the walk it creates. It is the shape most associated with screen sirens such as Marilyn Monroe, and is also called a pencil dress or sheath dress. Ours use stretch bengaline or jersey for comfort, with ruching at the hip and waist to smooth and flatter. Our signature Foxy Lady wiggle dress has a wrap-and-knot bust detail, ruching over the tummy and an invisible zip, and comes in classic shades including black and red.

1950s swing dresses

The other side of 1950s style is the swing dress: a fitted bodice above a full skirt that moves as you walk. Our Bella dress, in 100% cotton with a wide V neckline, a full gathered skirt and pockets, is reminiscent of the Horrockses cotton dresses of the decade. The Grace wrap circle dress uses over three metres of crepe for the ultimate hourglass shape, with batwing sleeves that give the bust room to breathe.

Wiggle, swing or wrap: which suits you?

• Wiggle dress: for a sculpted, hourglass look. Choose stretch fabrics for comfort, and look for ruching at the waist and hip, which is a gentle way to smooth the tummy.
• Swing dress: for movement, pockets and a flattering full skirt. Add a petticoat if you want extra volume.
• Wrap and jersey dresses: for an easy, forgiving shape with a soft neckline. The Mansfield, inspired by the late-1950s starlets, has a wrap-style neckline and a skirt that reaches just below the knee.

Finish with a wide belt, gloves, a scarf and red lipstick for the full 1950s effect, or keep it modern with flats and a cardigan. A wiggle dress looks especially good under a swing coat: see our 1950s jackets and coats. Prefer a skirt? Browse 1950s skirts, or discover the whole 1950s collection and our 1950s style guide. Sizes start at a UK 8, and many styles go up to 24; our size guide will help.