Poodle skirts
were one of the most popular 1950's fashions for young and teen girls.
The fashions in the 1950s encompassed a wide range of styles. Glamor was still in style, although most women could not afford that type clothing. Everyday apparel expressed the age and interests of the wearer. Today, you can put together a costume reminiscent of the fifties for your child, with minimal expense and a lot of creative expression.
Men
Men almost always wore a hat in the 1950s.
Men who had outgrown their teen years dressed conservatively for the most part. Trim a used plaid or dark-colored suit jacket or a cardigan sweater to fit the child. Vests were also popular during this period. Press creases and cuffs into slacks, and wear a plain or plaid shirt, or even a cowboy style. Tuck the shirt into a belted waistband. Provide the all-popular man's hat.
Women
Women typically wore dresses around the home or out shopping, especially during the first part of the decade. Cut a waistline-type dress or jumper to fit the child for an everyday look. Have the child wear flat shoes or heels with silk or nylon stockings. Style her hair with bangs in the front, and flip up the remaining edges of her hair. Pants became stylish during this decade. Put tight-fitting pants on the child for a costume, and have her wear a sweater or a tucked-in blouse. For a glamorous look, fit a slender-styled dress to fit the child. Pull up her hair into a bun or a beehive style. Put a lacy shawl or a feather boa around her shoulders.
Teens in Jeans
Jeans quickly became a favorite article of clothing, especially for teens in the fifties. Boys often wore motorcycle jackets and jeans, while girls dared to wear jeans with their sweaters or a feminine version of the motorcycle jacket. Have a boy wear jeans, a white T-shirt and a motorcycle-style jacket. He should slick his hair back with a wet-looking gel unless he already has a crew-cut type haircut. Let girls wear their favorite jeans, but roll the legs about halfway to her knees. If available, have her wear a satin-look zippered jacket over a white blouse. Tie a rolled scarf around her hair like a headband, or tie a scarf around her ponytail.
Younger Boys and Girls
Boys dressed like their dads for the most part, wearing trousers and jackets or tucked-in shirts. Girls wore jumpers with blouses underneath, dresses styled like Mom's. A new fashion item was the sailor collar. Dress your child in the same type of clothes mentioned in Section 1. For girls, change the look of a plain dress by adding a sailor collar.
Fad Clothing
Poodle skirts were a big fad for girls. Have your child wear a plain skirt, or cut a circle skirt from felt. Pin or sew a poodle shape onto the skirt. For a car hop or malt-shop waitress outfit, have your girl wear a short skirt, T-shirt, apron and malt-shop-type hat. Complete any outfit with saddle shoes and white socks. Boys can dress like Elvis in a jumpsuit or a satin suit jacket.
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