WandaVision - Ep.1 Costume Analysis

Dinner Party dress

Wanda’s diner party dress is a swing or circle style dress, featuring Dior’s ‘new look’ silhouette which was all the rage in the 1950s. The bodice is fitted with a cinched waist, the neckline is V-shaped with a wide collar going over the shoulders and decorated with a bow on the center front. The skirt is gathered and puffs out at the waist into a full skirt. Tea-length was the most common length for dresses. Her dress is a beautiful light mint blue, pastel colors were very popular for dresses in the 1950s. The dress appears to be made of a fabric like silk shantung or taffeta, popular choices for party/cocktail dresses. Kitten heels were popular because they were easier to walk in while maintaining the style and class of stilettos. Heels could be made of leather, suede, or velvet. Wanda’s heels appear to be suede in a matching mint color, it was common to match your shoes to your dress, the toe is pointed which was popular specifically in the early ’50s and have a bow on the center front. Wanda wears a jewelry set with a flower design, a popular brand that made similar pieces in the ’50s is Coro Jewelry. Short hair was preferred and could be styled in many ways, Wanda’s hair has a deep side part and is rolled into a short, curled style. Her makeup reflects 1950’s trends; defined, arched eyebrows, full lashes, and a pinky coral lipstick.

House Dress -

House dresses were the ‘uniform’ of the 1950s housewife, they were more comfortable to move around in and had a coordinated apron. Wanda’s dress features the ‘new look’ silhouette, a full gathered skirt, and a fitted bodice. She wears a shirtwaist with a pointed collar, shorts sleeves, and contrasting trim, minimal trim was preferred for home wear. The dress’s skirt is full and stops past the knee. Her apron appears to be a floral pattern, which was a popular pattern, with contrasting trim. Wanda’s apron features a small, sheer apron on top of her apron. Aprons in the 1950s came in many styles, layered, ruffles, pockets, among other styles. Her dress is either a solid or small gingham print (hard to tell) cotton fabric, cotton was the fabric of choice for house dresses. Solids were acceptable but uncommon, so a gingham print would be more accurate. Belts matching the dress were optional, Wanda’s features a square buckle, all matching the dress. To create the hourglass silhouette, Wanda is equipped with a bullet bra. The bullet bra was a bra with conical cups, this created the illusion of a fuller bust which was needed to balance the fullness of the skirt. Wanda wears a classic pearl earring and necklace set. At home, a low-block heel or flats were worn. Wanda is wearing a pair of point-toe heels with a bow on the center front. Her hair and makeup are the same for day and night. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a picture of this outfit in color. The apron is yellow, but humor me, if I were to colorize it I’d pick

Wedding Dress -

Wanda wears a dress based on Audrey Hepburn’s wedding dress in the 1957 film Funny Face. The dress features a bateau neckline, fitted bodice, drop waist, and full ballerina length skirt. She accessorizes with a pair of short, white gloves and pearl jewelry. She wears a medium length tulle veil with a bow on the top, possibly a hair comb or headband, Audrey also wears a bow in Funny Face. Her shoes are a pair of pointed-toe kitten heels and have a center front decoration, most likely a rosette or bow.