Classic 1950s fashions set style for 2004 'refined' look

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Fashion Writer

Julia Stiles' classic style in "Mona Lisa Smile." Columbia Pictures

It offers a glimpse into classic 1950s style, and, since the '50s is to be the primary decade revisited by the fashion world for spring 2004, it offers a primer in how to reproduce the femininity and refinement that defined the '50s.

The Wellesley girls wear classic upper-crust clothing: cashmere sweater sets (monogrammed, of course) paired with pearls, pencil skirts and high heels.

For their forays into the outside art world, the students don small, simple hats and plaid fitted blazers with pleated skirts. Day shoes are two-toned oxfords or penny loafers.

For hanging out around campus, it's pedal pushers, espadrilles and short- or puff-sleeved blouses. Peter Pan collars are ubiquitous.

For evening, the more risqué students opt for halter necks while others choose cinched-in waists and pumpkin skirts puffed up with layers of crinolines.

Julia Roberts, on the other hand, portrays the Berkeley "beat" or Bohemian look that was just gaining popularity on the East Coast in 1954: long loose coats and clothing, embroidered Indian blouses, comfy woolen caps pulled low over her forehead, big bold ethnic belts.