Poodle Skirts

If you want to relive the 50's, you cannot do without poodle skirts. These are full circle skirts that show off your dance moves so well when you were a teenager. Usually, felt is used, being both inexpensive and easy to sew on. Then various appliqués are sewed to the skirt such as French poodles, records, etc.

Poodle skirts are a big part of the 50's costumes, but they are not the only things. There are crinoline petticoats, chiffon scarves and cats eye glasses to match. The petticoats are really there to lift the poodle skirts with a flare, and they are made from netting that is stiffly starched. These petticoats can be found in different colors and styles and they certainly do more than lifting, they give you that touch of femininity.

Crinoline petticoats are still worn today, under wedding dresses and formal evening attire. The hooped type is usually made of plastic or nylon, or more modern materials such as the spandex, elastic and Velcro. Therefore, unlike the olden days when crinoline was cumbersome and may even cause one embarrassment, these days, crinoline is more flexible and comfortable.

Just for fun, crinoline used to make it difficult for the women to pass through doors or even in and out of carriages. Back then, you do have to accommodate for your crinoline, especially when you sit down. The crinoline could fly up to your face if you did not spread out your skirt well enough. You had better not trip either as the crinoline would flip up your skirt.

As for shoes, you cannot go wrong with black and white Oxford saddle shoes and white socks. The girls used to polish the former too. These are certainly part of the wardrobe of 50's costumes.

If it helps, immerse yourself in the 50's ambience so that you can get inspired. For example, play some records from the 50's (Elvis, Little Richard, the Platters, etc.), especially your favorite ones and see if the memories don't come flooding back. You could also watch movies like Grease, Westside Story and Graffiti. If your feet start to itch just thinking about it, set yourself loose and dance the twist or jitterbug. Remember the cuisine of the day? Hamburgers, hot dogs and fries coupled with purple cows(a combination of grape soda and milk) or orange soda. Not forgetting hot buttered popcorn! For a while, you will be transported back to those times when you were still a fresh-faced teenager, dancing to the music of the day, on the dance floor.

What other accessories can you put on as part of your 50's costumes outfit? How about a ribbon in your hair? As well, the kind of makeup that ruled the 50's.

Dressing up as if you were in the 50's is more than just a game of play pretend. If you have enjoyed yourself during those times, this will bring up some really fond memories. You will have a good time reminiscing and laughing over some of them. If there were some upsets, they are bound to be otherwise by now. You may not need it, but this represents a good opportunity for healing. At any rate, you will likely start to appreciate life more.

And it certainly does not hurt to be a teenager once again, if only for a while. It is good enough to make you feel young again. When you come back to your present reality, you cannot help but wonder how far you have made it, with all the trials and tribulations that life sometimes present. Of course you did not think of it like this at the time. Maybe you lost things that you once had and then, you may have gained some. You could feel a mixture of feelings but you could not help the wonder that is life.

Your children will probably find it quite a novelty. You could explain to them but whether or not they truly understand, you at least know that you understand. Nevertheless, there are bound to be stories that perhaps you have forgotten and are now resurfacing, so that you may tell them. If they have never seen you in that light before, they can now widen their perspective of you.