Ever wonder what the fashion was like in the 1920’s?  By simply putting on a costume you can transform yourself back in time to the Roaring Twenties, the decade of “bath tub” gin, the Model T and the $5 workday.  Since the television was not yet invented, families gathered around to listen to the radio.  Music played a major part in their lives with jazz being the popular choice.  A great many dances came from the 1920’s; the Charleston, the Fox-trot, and the Shimmy.

The costume history image in our minds of a woman during this time is likely to be the image of a Flapper.  A fashionable Flapper had short sleek hair, a shorter than average shapeless shift dress, wore make up and smoked with a long cigarette holder. Today at Halloween women can easily transform themselves with roaring 20’s costumes such as Flapper Girls, Can-Can Dancers or Saloon Lady’s and enjoy the celebration of music and dance.  Men can go back in time by putting on a classic fitted Zoot Suit and stylish Fedora to play the part of a Gangster or don a baseball uniform and portray the legendary Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig.             

The 1950’s and 60’s were decades filled with rock-n-roll music and at the heart of it all was American Bandstand with Dick Clark.  It showed teenagers everywhere how to do the latest dance steps such as; the Twist, the Hand Jive and the Stroll.  The 1950’s fashion for men was the “bad boy” look of a white t-shirt, jeans and a leather jacket (with the collar up of course) or the “preppy” look of a letter sweater, jeans and penny loafers. The women wore the infamous poodle skirt or peddle pushers, scarves and saddle shoes.  Popular television shows were I Love Lucy, The adventures of Ozzie and Harriet and Superman.  1960’s decade of peace and love brought with it Woodstock and the retro-hippie look of wearing mini skirts, go-go dresses and hotpants.  No costume idea would be complete representing the 50’s and 60’s if two of the biggest names in music history weren’t mentioned; “The King” Elvis Presley and “The British Invasion” of The Beatles.  Every year on Halloween you’ll see kids and adults alike dressed as Elvis, John, Paul, George and Ringo.  These costumes are always popular and can be seen on Halloween around the world!

Everyone loves Halloween! The idea of dressing up to become someone else for a night can be very liberating. Whether you feel as if you were a flapper girl in another life or just want to go back and relive a decade in time that you have wonderful memories of, a costume is a fun way to do it.

So this Halloween take a step back in time to the Roaring 20’s, the Glamorous 50’s or the Groovy 60’s. It’s as simple as a costume, some makeup and a wonderful imagination!