Get out the jukebox and poodle skirt for your 1950s dance.
A '50s-themed sock hop can be an energizing way to bring the whole family together for dance floor fun. Early rock and roll, ponytails and slicked-back hair, as well as bright red punch take you back to a decade often remembered for its music and innocent fun. When planning your outfit for the dance, gather inspiration from 1950s movies and photos. Since the '50s look is sometimes worn for Halloween, search costume shops or you can peruse thrift shops for authentic vintage clothing.
Instructions
Women
1. Purchase or sew a poodle skirt. Poodle skirts are commonly sold by costume shops or if you have basic sewing skills, a pattern for the simple round skirt can be purchased from any major pattern company. Decorate your skirt with a felt cutout of a poodle and wear a crinoline underneath for extra pouf.
2. Wear fitted, cropped Capri pants. For those who don't want to wear a skirt, try pull-on fitted Capris with a skinny belt.
3. Top off your bottoms with a white collared blouse or a fitted off-the-shoulder blouse.
4. Tie a handkerchief around your neck. Look for floral patterns or chiffon fabrics, rather than Western-style bandannas.
5. Add folded-over bobby socks and black and white saddle shoes. Alternately, slip on a pair of ballet flats.
6. Arrange your hair in a ponytail with a ribbon, or curl your hair and backcomb it for big volume. Wear rhinestone or pearl stud earrings or silver hoops.
Men
7. Choose dark wash jeans or tweed slacks, depending on the look you're going for. A James Dean style works best with jeans. Roll the jeans at the cuff one time.
8. Add a fitted white T-shirt with the sleeves rolled back twice with a pair of jeans. If you're wearing slacks, wear a top with a collared shirt, either plaid or solid. If you choose a solid-colored shirt, you might want to wear a sport coat, as well.
9. Wear your favorite dress shoes, or go casual with a pair of Converse-style sneakers.
10. Slick your hair back with pomade. Another option is to create a side or middle part in your hair and slick it down. Add a pair of retro plastic-framed glasses for '50s nerd appeal.
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