r/decadeology • u/castlefood • 1d ago

Discussion 💭🗯️ In the 1950s, what was the most provocative outfit one could 'get away with' without being socially ostracized, arrested etc?

Wondering about outfits that could be worn repeatedly, not just one time as an experiment.

EDIT: I should have clarified: I mean provocative not only in the sense of sexual, but also as weird, politically challenging etc

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8

u/BlueSnaggleTooth359 1980's fan 20h ago

Not entirely sure since I was not around then but from all I know I'd say:
Bullet bra look.
Bikinis.
Bullet bra look:

8

u/BlueSnaggleTooth359 1980's fan 20h ago

this here managed bullet bra look plus kinda short shorts or close

4

u/BlueSnaggleTooth359 1980's fan 20h ago

which TBH is kinda more dramatic than anything since....

2

u/candysticker 18h ago

We have those booty scrunch leggings now

4

u/Felon_musk1939 15h ago

There a pic going around of Maime Van Doran in a body suit and it leaves nothing to the imagination. I think that was late 50's

3

u/castlefood 13h ago

She is still around, 95 years old.

1

u/ul2006kevinb 12h ago

I'd still hit it, too

2

u/ajfoscu 1d ago

Probably capri pants with a little midriff and a red wig for women.

1

u/BlueSnaggleTooth359 1980's fan 20h ago

general stuff:

1

u/AppliedGlamour 9h ago edited 9h ago

Weird would be the beatniks, kiiiiiind of like what Audrey Hepburn is wearing in this scene from Funny Face

Editing to add: season 1 of Mad Men is flawless for costuming, watch the scenes with Midge and her friends. 1960 was still basically the 1950s in terms of clothing.

0

u/BlueSnaggleTooth359 1980's fan 20h ago

and the bikini stuff: