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by Ocianne Lambert

In the 1950′s, women’s outfits weren’t complete without the perfect shoes and socks. When dressing up for a Sock Hop or Halloween party, even today, you have to have the right shoes to bring the outfit together and really look the part.

Flats as well as heals were in during this time period. Saddle oxfords are the traditional shoes to complete any poodle skirt. These were worn to school or a date. The flair of the poodle skirts and the comfort of saddle oxfords would make it a perfect outfit for any dance as well. Oxfords were white and black. They were best worn with white shoe laces as well.

The ballet shoe was a popular flat worn to church and even school. Girls would wear white laced socks, with the lace folded over.

Also, the penny loafer was really popular during this time. Both men and women wore loafers. Much like the loafers we see today, they had a slit that was on the tongue of the shoe, by the ankle that one could put a penny in (hence the name). If the shoes were really hot, you could put a quarter in it.

Many believe that the most popular shoe of the 1950′s was the stiletto-healed shoe. Some being as high as 5 inches, they came in both open and closed (and pointy) toed variaties. They were first seen at the Dior Fashion Show in 1952 and really made a splash for the next decade or so.

Oxfords are different than saddle oxfords. This was another style that was worn by both men and women. These had the same style as the saddle shoe but it didnt have to be black and white. It was typically leather that could be any color. Some referred to these as Balmorals.

A really popular high heel shoe was the Mary Jane. These came in a lot of different colors and heights, and had a strap that would go over the top of the foot. These were popular for church socials, school or dances.

Bobby socks were among the most popular style of shoe accessory. Folded over at the ankle, bobby socks actually started in the late 1940′s as a key element of the school uniform. Later, they became popular with loafers, oxfords or saddle shoes.