1950s Formal Gown Pattern Sense & Sensibility Patterns Woman 50s Era Dresses Ten 1950s Dress Styles Vintage 50s Dresses Cocktail parties became a major social trend in the 1950s, fuelled by post war prosperity and evolving social norms. The ideal cocktail dress of the era was less elaborate than a formal evening Exquisite 1950's Hattie Carnegie Ivory Silk and Flocked Velvet Evening Xtabay Vintage