11 Best 1950s Costume Ideas for Kids
The 1950s was an iconic decade known for its distinctive fashion, music, and pop culture. Dressing up in 50s-inspired costumes can be a fun way for kids to learn about this era while looking adorable. Here are 11 of the best 1950s costume ideas for children:
1. Poodle Skirt Girl
The poodle skirt is perhaps the most iconic 1950s fashion item for girls and women. To create this classic look for a child:
-
Start with a knee-length circle skirt in a bright color like pink, red, or turquoise. Felt is an ideal fabric choice.
-
Attach a poodle applique or iron-on patch to the skirt. While poodles are traditional, other motifs like records, cars, or milkshakes work too.
-
Pair the skirt with a white short-sleeved blouse or sweater.
-
Add a wide elastic belt in a contrasting color around the waist.
-
Complete the outfit with white bobby socks and black and white saddle shoes.
-
Style hair in a high ponytail tied with a ribbon or scarf.
This costume is easy to put together and instantly recognizable as 1950s attire. It's perfect for school plays, sock hops, or Halloween.
2. Greaser Boy
For boys, the rebellious greaser look epitomizes 1950s youth culture. Key elements include:
-
A black or brown faux leather jacket
-
White t-shirt
-
Blue jeans cuffed at the bottom
-
Black boots or Converse sneakers
-
Hair styled in a pompadour or slicked back with gel
-
Accessories like a comb, sunglasses, or a pack of fake cigarettes rolled in the sleeve
This costume works great for fans of movies like Grease or for kids who want to channel their inner James Dean or Elvis.
3. Sock Hop Dancer
The sock hop was a popular 1950s dance event where teens would remove their shoes to protect gymnasium floors. A sock hop dancer costume includes:
-
For girls: A full skirt or dress in a bright color or pattern
-
For boys: Slacks and a button-down shirt or polo
-
Colorful knee-high socks
-
Saddle shoes or loafers (to be carried, not worn)
-
Hair styled in a ponytail for girls or greased back for boys
-
Accessories like cat-eye glasses or a vinyl record prop
This costume allows kids to dress up while learning about 1950s dance culture.
4. Car Hop Server
Car hop servers at drive-in restaurants were a quintessential part of 1950s Americana. This costume typically features:
-
A short dress or skirt and top in a bright color like red, blue, or pink
-
A white apron
-
A small hat or cap
-
Roller skates (optional but authentic)
-
A tray with fake food items or a menu
-
White bobby socks and saddle shoes
This costume works well for kids who enjoy role-playing and can be a fun way to serve snacks at a 1950s-themed party.
5. 1950s Rock Star
The 1950s saw the birth of rock and roll. Kids can dress up as early rock icons like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, or Chuck Berry. Key elements include:
-
A flashy suit or jacket in a bright color or with sequins
-
Tight pants or jeans
-
A guitar prop (real or inflatable)
-
Slicked-back hair or a pompadour wig
-
Sunglasses
-
Blue suede shoes for an Elvis-inspired look
This costume is perfect for musically inclined kids or those who love to perform.
6. Pink Ladies (from Grease)
While the movie Grease came out in the 1970s, it's set in the 1950s and has become synonymous with 50s fashion. The Pink Ladies costume includes:
-
A pink satin jacket with "Pink Ladies" written on the back
-
A black shirt or sweater
-
Black pants or a skirt
-
A pink scarf tied around the neck
-
Sunglasses
-
Hair styled in a ponytail or with victory rolls
This costume works great for groups of friends or siblings.
7. T-Birds (from Grease)
The male counterpart to the Pink Ladies, the T-Birds costume features:
-
A black leather (or faux leather) jacket
-
White t-shirt
-
Blue jeans
-
Black boots or Converse sneakers
-
Hair styled with gel into a pompadour or ducktail
-
Sunglasses
Like the Pink Ladies, this costume is ideal for groups.
8. 1950s Housewife
For a more traditional 1950s look, kids can dress as a stereotypical 1950s housewife:
-
A knee-length dress with a full skirt, often with a floral or polka dot pattern
-
An apron
-
Pearl necklace and earrings
-
Kitten heel shoes
-
Hair styled in soft curls or a short, neat style
-
Accessories like oven mitts or a feather duster
This costume can be a starting point for discussions about changing gender roles over time.
9. Soda Jerk
Soda jerks were servers at soda fountains, popular hangout spots in the 1950s. This costume includes:
-
White shirt and pants
-
A white paper hat
-
A bow tie
-
An apron
-
A name tag
-
Props like a soda glass or ice cream scoop
This costume allows kids to learn about 1950s food culture and social gatherings.
10. 1950s Athlete
Sports were a big part of 1950s culture. Kids can dress as a period-appropriate athlete:
-
For baseball: Wool uniform with knickers, striped socks, and a cap
-
For football: Leather helmet, jersey with minimal padding, and cleats
-
For basketball: High-top Converse sneakers, short shorts, and a tank top
These costumes can be customized with team names or player numbers.
11. 1950s TV Character
Many beloved TV shows debuted in the 1950s. Kids can dress as characters like:
-
Lucy Ricardo from I Love Lucy: Red wig, 50s-style dress, pearl necklace
-
Leave It to Beaver characters: Button-down shirts, slacks, and sweater vests for boys; dresses and cardigans for girls
-
The Honeymooners characters: Bus driver uniform for Ralph, housedress for Alice
These costumes allow kids to connect with classic TV history.
Tips for Creating Authentic 1950s Costumes
To ensure your child's 1950s costume looks as authentic as possible:
-
Pay attention to fabrics: Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk were common. Synthetic materials like polyester weren't widely used yet.
-
Consider the silhouette: Women's clothing emphasized small waists and full skirts. Men's suits were more fitted than in previous decades.
-
Use appropriate colors: Pastels were popular, as were bold patterns like polka dots and gingham.
-
Don't forget accessories: Hats, gloves, scarves, and jewelry were important parts of 1950s outfits.
-
Style hair appropriately: Victory rolls, pompadours, and ponytails were popular hairstyles.
-
Include era-specific props: Items like vinyl records, soda bottles, or vintage-style toys can enhance the costume.
DIY vs. Store-Bought Costumes
While many 1950s-inspired costumes are available for purchase, creating a DIY version can be a fun family project and often results in a more unique and personalized costume. Here are some pros and cons of each approach:
DIY Costumes:
-
Pros: More customizable, potentially less expensive, fun family activity
-
Cons: Requires more time and effort, may not look as polished as store-bought versions
Store-Bought Costumes:
-
Pros: Convenient, often include all necessary accessories, generally well-made
-
Cons: Can be more expensive, less unique, limited size options
Whether you choose to make or buy a costume, involving your child in the process can help them learn about 1950s culture and fashion.
Educational Opportunities
Dressing up in 1950s costumes can be more than just fun - it can also be educational. Here are some ways to incorporate learning:
-
Research the era: Encourage kids to learn about 1950s history, culture, and fashion before choosing their costume.
-
Watch period films or TV shows: This can help kids understand how people dressed and behaved in the 1950s.
-
Listen to 1950s music: Introduce children to early rock and roll, doo-wop, and other popular 1950s genres.
-
Discuss social issues: Use the costume as a starting point to talk about topics like segregation, gender roles, and the Cold War.
-
Compare then and now: Help kids identify how fashion, technology, and society have changed since the 1950s.
Conclusion
1950s costumes offer a fun and educational way for kids to explore a pivotal decade in American history. Whether they choose to be a poodle skirt-wearing sock hopper, a leather-clad greaser, or a Pink Lady from Grease, these costumes allow children to step back in time and experience a bit of 1950s culture. By involving kids in the costume selection and creation process, parents and educators can spark interest in history, fashion, and social studies. Whether for Halloween, a school play, or just dress-up fun, these 1950s costume ideas are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
