1950s Fancy Dress Ideas: How To Nail The Rock 'n' Roll Look

The fifties is the most forgiving theme going: the silhouette does the work, and almost everything is available second hand.

The trick is the shape - full skirt and a nipped waist, or turned-up jeans and a fitted top. Get that right and the rest is accessories.

Here's the full list, plus the hair and make-up that turns an outfit into a costume.

Honest note: we make cards, pin badges, prints and party decorations, not costumes.

Women's looks

• Pink Ladies: a pink satin jacket over black trousers, headscarf, red lip. The least effort for the most recognition on this list.
• Full circle skirt with a petticoat, fitted top, belt, flats or saddle shoes.
• Poodle skirt and a neck scarf, which is the version everybody pictures.
• Rockabilly: polka dots, halter neck dress, victory rolls, a bandana.
• Diner waitress: blue or pink dress, white apron, notepad, paper hat.
• Sandy or Rizzo from Grease - Read the guide

Men's looks

• Greaser: black leather jacket, white tee, turn-up jeans, boots, hair slicked back.
• Teddy boy: long drape jacket, drainpipe trousers, brothel creepers, quiff.
• Letterman jacket and chinos for the high school hop version.
• Bowling shirt and turn-ups - comfortable, cheap and unmistakably fifties.
• Elvis, either the fifties quiff and gold jacket or the later jumpsuit.
• A suit with a skinny tie and pomade, if you'd rather not be in costume at all.

Hair and make-up

• Red lipstick and a winged liner does half the work of the whole outfit.
• High ponytail with a ribbon or scarf, or victory rolls if you have twenty minutes and hairspray.
• Men: pomade or gel, combed back with a quiff at the front.
• Cat-eye sunglasses, pearls, hoop earrings, a headscarf tied at the top.

No-shopping builds

• Any full skirt plus white socks and flats.
• White tee and jeans with a four-inch turn-up.
• Black trousers, white shirt, red scarf at the neck.
• Denim jacket with the collar up.
• Charity shops carry the shapes for this theme better than any other decade.
• Last minute versions - Read the guide

Hosting a 50s night

• Pink, black and white balloons and bunting - Shop the range
• A banner and a photo corner by the wall - Shop the range
• Milkshakes in glass bottles with stripy straws, hot dogs, apple pie.
• A jukebox playlist - Read the guide
• A fifties quiz round - Read the guide
• More on the decade - Read the guide

Shop party decorations

How to write it so it lands

• Get the silhouette right and the rest is accessories.
• Red lip and winged liner does half the outfit.
• A pink satin jacket is the least effort for the most recognition.
• Charity shops are best for this decade.

Where to shop next

• Party supplies
• Bunting and banners
• Funny pin badges
• Funny cards
• 1950s music
• 1950s quiz
• 1950s fashion
• What to wear to Sing-a-long-a Grease
• Teacher World Book Day costumes
• Group fancy dress ideas for girls
• Rock and roll fancy dress
• Race for Life outfit ideas
• 90s fancy dress ideas
• 2000s fancy dress ideas
• Duo fancy dress ideas
• Funny fancy dress ideas
• Fancy dress party themes
• DIY fancy dress on a budget
• Last minute fancy dress ideas
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Pin badges
• All guides

Frequently asked questions

What are good 50s fancy dress ideas?

A Pink Ladies jacket, a full circle skirt with a petticoat, a poodle skirt, rockabilly polka dots or a diner waitress for women; greaser, teddy boy, letterman or Elvis for men.

How do you do 50s hair and make-up?

Red lipstick and winged liner, then a high ponytail with a ribbon or victory rolls. Men slick the hair back with pomade and add a quiff at the front.

What can I wear for a 50s theme without buying anything?

Any full skirt with white socks and flats, or a white tee with jeans turned up four inches. Charity shops carry fifties shapes better than any other decade.

How do you host a 1950s party?

Pink, black and white balloons and bunting, a photo corner, milkshakes in glass bottles with stripy straws, hot dogs, and a jukebox playlist of fifties singles.

Do you sell fancy dress costumes?

No. We design and print greetings cards, enamel pin badges, prints and party decorations in the UK. Costumes are recommendations from elsewhere - the only things linked to our own shop are ours.