Vintage fashion from the 1950s looks adorable, but it isn’t all that practical to wear around in public today. Not only are the outfits often restrictive, but many people don’t have the confidence to roam around in a full vintage ensemble anyway. There are a few instances, however, in which it’s perfectly acceptable to experiment with fashion and break out those vintage, ’50s-inspired looks.
Here are six places and events where you can proudly put on a pinup outfit.
1 – The Roller Rink
Roller skating was all the rage in the 1950s, so there’s a good chance that your local roller rink may host an occasional vintage night. What better occasion to embody the spirit of the era? There’s actually a somewhat shockingly deep history of roller rink fashion, but to capture a simple ’50s look, you can put on a pair of pink quad skates, black high-waisted cigarette pants, and a fitted black, bateau sleeved top. After you work up a sweat, be sure to head over to the soda fountain shop for an ice cream sundae – you may as well treat yourself like you’ve jumped back in time also!
2 – The Flea Market
Flea Markets tend to sell vintage items, so dressing in clothing from the past at one isn’t entirely out of left field. As swap meets are pretty casual, a simple gingham sundress and a place of red ballet flats should do the trick. Sure, you might draw a few curious looks, but the good thing about a flea market is that there’s always something stranger right around the corner.
3 – Casinos
The 1950s were really the golden age for casinos, particularly when it comes to the fashion of it all. Today, internet-based casino providers from Europe have gotten so popular that we think of this whole sort of activity differently. We imagine playing through poker tournaments on computers or spinning digital slots on our phones, all while wearing the simplest of clothes. But back in the ’50s casino gaming meant a night out in glitzy attire, and even now you can replicate that sort of occasion at a live casino. Take inspiration from the Vegas showgirls of decades past and rock a black sequin cocktail dress with sky-high stilettos, and you’ll feel like you’ve flown back in time.
4 – Weddings
The silhouettes popular in the 1950s make for perfect wedding dresses, particularly in an era in which just about everything that can be labeled “vintage” is appreciated. On your big day, if you’re really into ’50s fashion, consider wearing a tulle wedding dress paired with a pearl necklace and matching earrings. While optional, lace gloves would complete the look beautifully. Wedding guests, meanwhile, will also look wonderful in vintage formal attire if you make a full theme of it.
5 – Halloween
Halloween is the perfect opportunity to go all out and dress like one of the starlets of the ‘50s. One costume that would certainly turn heads would be Marilyn Monroe’s iconic pink satin ensemble from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. A more low-key option is Audrey Hepburn’s all-black outfit as seen in Sabrina.
6 – Date Night at the Drive-In
There’s nothing more quintessentially ‘50s than a drive-in movie theater – and believe it or not there are still plenty of them around today. So if you happen to be within range of one, grab some popcorn and a glass bottle of Coca-Cola and cuddle up next to your cutie in the car. For your date, opt for a figure-hugging black dress with a sweetheart neckline and a pair of leopard-print kitten heels. So long as you’re comfortable for the movie, it can be a lot of fun to make a full vintage date night out of it!
