Big selection of 50 s costumes – Grease costumes

The Evolution Of 50 s Costumes – Check It Out

The 50 s costumes are becoming increasingly popular, not only at Halloween, but at various themed parties throughout the year. Perhaps this was influenced to some extent by television and popular movies from this era, or simply the rebellion that was personified by some teenagers. Popular stars like James Dean and Marlon Brando influenced so many young teenagers, who were trying to mimic them in dress as well as hair styles. The 50 s costumes represent a decade of stylish outfits that have not completely gone out of fashion.

In the decade before, America had just emerged from a World War that ended in 1947. In the early part of the 1950′s, menswear created a clothing revolution that would change their clothing style forever, especially with the younger ones. Many associate the “grease” style of clothing with those early years, but that was just not the case. The 1950′s businessman, as well as other office workers, wore the typical flannel suit, with the popular colors of gray, navy blue, dark brown, and charcoal. Many 50 s costumes don’t reflect these styles.

The Birth of the Poodle Skirt

After the World War period, women were ready for a change in clothing fashion as well. They went from rationing of silk stockings in the 1940′s to dresses that took four or five yards of material. The wide skirts and puffy sleeves became the signature of a well dressed woman. The bodice was covered with embroidery, pleating and lace, while their skirts were adorned with various applique, and thus was born the “poodle skirt”. Outer wear also changed to the car coat and heavy sweaters, reflected in some 50 s costumes.

The 1950′s saw more leisure time for the businessmen as the economy was getting much stronger. This also influenced leisure clothing to some extent with the men wearing the “penny loafer” and the heavy cardigan sweater. This class of individuals was not seen wearing jeans, except for playing in sporting events or some type of outside work, and definitely not the white tee shirts as outer wear as depicted in some 50 s costumes. This look became known as the Ivy League, or “preppy” style, and carried on until the latter part of this decade.

The Grease Costumes Make Their Debut

Some where around the middle of the decade, the look that many 50 s costumes depict as standard, emerged. Some of the “bad boys” were sporting a black leather jacket, a white tee shirt, denim jeans, and the black engineer boots. This group, although mimicked to some extent, was in the minority.

Near the end of the 1950′s, teenagers were beginning to create an even more radical shift in fashion worn by the young people. One was the “Teddy boy” look that sported a long jacket, narrow trousers, and the infamous suede shoes, popular in 50 s costumes. This look was very popular in England and really took off there. In New York’s West village, another group with their unique clothing style was born. Known as “beatniks”, they copied the look of French artists, who wore black. They wore narrow pants, shirts that weren’t tucked in, and heavy sweaters. Many of these individuals were tired of the corporate style of clothing and wanted to break away from that uniform look.

The 1950′s was the beginning for boys and girls, to differentiate themselves from the clothing worn by adults. In prior times, their clothing styles were the same as adults, however, a new teen culture was born during this period. The cardigans, open collars, and rolled up sleeves was indicative of this culture. Some 20 years later, the grease 50 s costume was made popular by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in the movie Grease, that depicted love and the trials of life in a 1950′s high school.

There are many 50 s costumes that are available from the classic grease outfit to the gorgeous poodle skirts and a lot more in between. For Halloween, or a “Happy Days” party, you can find exactly what you want from our huge costume site, and in your size as well. We carry these 50 s costumes for young children up to and including adults, and remember, they can be purchased all year long for those special parties.