The Hostess Outfit.

The Hostess Outfit, one of my favorites, was popularized in the 1950's. The outfit, for entertaining or lounging, was worn over slacks or capri pants. The front was a fitted top with a train that would be either short, mid-length or long and flowing. From Edith Head to Jean Louis, it's nearly impossible to get through a film of the 1950's and not have a sighting. Madonna asked Marlene Stewart, her personal costumer of the time, to design one for her and most of us know it from the True Blue video.

Madonna's Hostess Outfit from True Blue by Marlene Stewart
1986



Judy Holliday's Hostess Outfit from Born Yesterday by Jean Louis 1950



Lucille Ball's Hostess Outfit from I Love Lucy by Elois Jenssen 1952