vintage 1950s dresses can have wide flared circle skirts or narrow figure flattering wiggle skirts, the bodice is often very structured with fancy collars that stand up or dramatic peplums to transition to the skirt, fabrics like gabardine, taffetta, tulle and sharkskin are often featured. Perhaps the most striking characteristic are the sometimes wild prints. Bold animal prints like leopard or tiger, Nostalgic country prints, old timey cars and whimsical renderings of poodles, pinups and butterflies. Iconic prints like harlequin and argyle or tropical flowers arranged in border prints.