'50s Costumes for Kids
- Kids will look precious dressed in the styles of the '50s.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
The 1950s was the decade of sock hops, drive-ins and saddle shoes. Kids look especially adorable dressed up in the styles of the '50s. There are plenty of ideas for costumes that you can either put together yourself or purchase, depending on the amount of money you can spend and how much time you have to put into it. - The iconic style of the '50s is a poodle skirt for the girls and black leather jackets for boys. Pair the poodle skirt with a cardigan sweater around the shoulders, a bouncy ponytail tied with a scarf, white bobby socks and black-and-white saddle shoes. Boys can pull off a tough guy look with blue jeans, a white T-shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a black leather jacket. Put pomade in his hair for a "greasy" look. Other ideas for a classic look are to emulate the movie "Grease," which is set in this era. A pink satin jacket over pedal pushers or a '50s-style dress can turn girls into Pink Ladies, and boys can wear a jacket with "'T' Birds" painted on the back.
- Prom outfits will look hilarious on little kids. For girls, find or make a big bouffant prom dress, which was the popular style for then. Look for chiffon, ruffles and bright colors. Hair can be ratted, teased and put into a beehive-style hairdo. Add some cat-eye glasses, a sash and a tiara. Don't forget the corsage. Men's prom looks were suits that were mostly odd colors like baby blue, and sometimes included ruffles. Add a crown for the prom king.
- Dress up some kids as a '50s bowling team, with their names emblazoned on the front of their shirts and a silly team name on the back. Women wore pedal pushers (called capri pants now) and men wore blue jeans. Rent some bowling shoes for the night or wear blue or red sneakers. Have one of the kids carry a trophy.
- Draw costume inspiration from old television shows. A little boy would make a handsome Lone Ranger, and a young girl would make a sweet Lucy complete with a red wig and polka-dot housewife dress. A group of boys would be cute as tiny gangsters a la "The Untouchables," and a little girl could be the loving mom from "Father Knows Best." Elvis Presley is an icon from the '50s and a pint-size Elvis and Priscilla would be a hit on Halloween.
