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The fashion trends that dominated the 1950s were certainly memorable, from car hop girls in poodle skirts to guys with slicked back hair in greaser jackets. And while it can be argued those looks are no longer "in season," as they say, they can make for some perfect last-minute Halloween costume ideas. A 1950s Halloween costume won't just celebrate the iconic decade, it'll ensure you're the talk of this year's Halloween party.
You can dress as one of your favorite glamorous '50s movie stars, like Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn, or embrace your kooky side by dressing as Lucy Ricardo from I Love Lucy. And since some of these costumes only require one or two specific pieces of clothing, they make the perfect DIY costumes if you're the crafty type. Inspired by famous faces, must-see movies, and cultural movements of the era, these '50s Halloween costumes will have you looking like a cool cat on October 31. Take on one of these funny '50s-inspired getups if you think you can dig it.
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1
Sock Hop Dancer
With a poodle skirt and some saddle shoes, you'll look like you're ready to rock around the clock at a sock hop.
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First introduced on Howdy Doody in1955, thebelovedclayhumanoidGumby makes for a perfectly original Halloween costume.
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3
Milkshake and Soda Jerk
You're sure to win the most creative costume award if you show up at your party dressed as a milkshake and a 1950s-inspired soda jerk.
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You'll look just like singer-songwriter Buddy Holly with the help of a bright plaid jacket and some thick-frame glasses.
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5
'I Love Lucy'
Pair a polka-dot dress and an apron with an updo to become comedic legend Lucille Ball's character Lucy Ricardo.
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Hit the high seas on Halloween as a retro sailor girl, complete with a navy halter dress and white sailor hat.
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7
'The Seven Year Itch'
Channel Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch with a white halter dress and a platinum blonde wig.
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8
'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'
For another iconic Marilyn getup, take on her character's hot pink dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
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You'll be ready to serve up burgers and fries in this retro car hop waitress uniform.
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10
'Cinderella'
Cinderella first debuted in 1950, and taking on the second original Disney princess is as easy as throwing on a flouncy blue dress, white gloves, and a headband.
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Even if you can't toast a slice of breadwithout burning the kitchen down, you'll still look the part of a 1950s housewife in this pretty printed dress and apron.
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12
'The Adventures of Superman'
Take on George Reeves' character from The Adventures of Superman with a blue Spandex suit and red cape.
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13
Fuzzy Dice
First popularized in the 1950s, fuzzy dice look just as cool hanging from your rearview mirror as they do hanging from suspenders over your shoulders.
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14
'Alice in Wonderland'
To transform yourself into Alice from the 1951 animated film, start with a light blue puff sleeve dress or shirt-and-skit combo. Add a white bib apron edged with light-blue rickrack, as well as a pair of white flats and a white headband.
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15
Sandy from 'Grease'
Grease may have been released in 1978, but it takes place 20 years earlier, which means Sandy Olsson's bad girl look makes the perfect 1950s-inspired costume.
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If you'd rather channel Sandy's good girl side, then you can dress up as a member of the Rydell High cheerleading squad.
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Take on Sandy's love interest Danny Zukowith the help of a leather jacket, jeans, and plenty of hair grease.
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18
'Singin' in the Rain'
Become Debbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly in Singin' in the Rain with the help of a knee-length blue dress and a gray suit vest with matching pants.
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19
'Rebel Without a Cause'
Channel James Dean's character Jim Stark in Rebel Without a Cause with his signature red jacket, white t-shirt, jeans, and slicked-back hair.
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You'll give everyone Richie Cunningham from Happy Daysvibes withthiscollege jock letterman jacket, which you can pair with jeans and some dark shades to complete the look.
