1950's Costumes

For International Costume Options visit our Halloween Costumes page and browse under Historical Costumes in your category of choice.

1950's Costumes

The 1950s were remembered for the introduction of rock n roll, leather jackets and fast cars. The women wore full skirts, tight fitting blouses and capri pants also known as pedal pushers. 1950s fashion was also influenced by rock n roll. Full poodle skirts in bright colours with appliqué poodles were the norm. Short ankle socks, cropped cardigans and scarves tied around the neck. Movie stars such as Grace Kelly and Marilyn Munroe influenced fashion with slim pencil-line skirts and stiletto heeled shoes in a variety of colours to match any outfit.

Many 1950s costumes today reflect teen girls and their clothing style of the fifties. Teenage girls often wore petticoats under gathered skirts with cardigan sweaters worn backwards, so the buttons were not visible from the front. Low heel pumps along with nylons, or for a younger girl, a ballet style slipper with bobby socks.

In the early 50s the ponytail was a popular hairstyle for the young, but by the end of the decade a more sophisticated beehive or French pleat was the in style. Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Doris Day styles were favoured. Dusty Springfield's beehive and makeup was also copied by many. Popular Hollywood starlets make great 50s costume ideas.

50s clothing style meant makeup was minimal with pressed powder as foundation, eyebrows usually narrowed, blush and eyeshadow minimal to give a soft feminine natural look. Makeup was more dramatic for the evening, with eyeliner used on the upper lid for a more highly defined contour.

Some 1950s costume suggestions are - Grease costumes such as the pink ladies, Rizzo, Sandy and Danny. The greaser jacket for men, dancing queen costume ideas, or I Love Lucy and other TV shows of the decade.