{photo via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0}
The special bond between a daddy and his little girl is something worth celebrating, and SLOCA’s upcoming Father-Daughter Dance is a swell opportunity to do just that. This is an event we’ve held for a few years running, and this year’s theme is extra coolsville: a 50s Sock Hop! Think poodle skirts, leather jackets, combed back hair, knee-high socks, cat-eye glasses… you dig?
When: March 17th, 2018
Time: 6:00-7:30 pm
Where: The Multi-Purpose Room at SLOCA
How: Sign up here!
Dads, today we will share some nifty ideas for what to wear to this fab scene, as well as a handful of tips for ensuring a dreamy date night with your daughter. Don’t be a square!
The Look: Dads
{Grease photo on flickr / CC BY-NC 2.0; Elvis photo on Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain; Buddy Holly photo on Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain; Teddy Boys photo on flickr / CC BY-NC 2.0; Rockabilly Rebel photo on Trendstop; Doo Wop photo on Campus Vinyl; Class Nerd photo on Halloween Costumes}
There are many looks to choose from to fit right in with a 50s theme. Be a greaser with a leather jacket, white t-shirt, blue jeans, and shades. Go for the classic look of a famous teen idol like James Dean, Elvis, or Buddy Holly. Try out the rockabilly style (part cowboy, part teen rebel), or the doo-wop singer look. Or maybe have fun as a “50s class nerd.” Go crazy, man!
According to the website Vintage Dancer, “Slim fitting suits, skinny ties, Letterman jackets, bowling shirts, saddle shoes and chunky glasses defined the 1950’s man.”
You might have most of the items you need already in your closet – pull out that old high school letterman jacket! And all the cool cats shop at thrift stores like Fred & Betty’s for hip threads. In a pinch, there’s dependable Amazon for last-minute finishing touches.
What about your hair? Check out this Best 1950s Men’s Hair post for ideas.
For more keen photo inspiration, look here or here.
The Look: Daughters
{Pink Ladies photo on Backward Glances; Lucille Ball photo on Fashion Dresses; Audrey Hepburn photo on AliExpress}
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{Photo on flickr / CC BY 2.0} |
Although girls could go for a cool look inspired by vintage classics such as the Pink Ladies, Lucille Ball, or Audrey Hepburn, the ultimate, with-it Sock Hop outfit would have to be the poodle skirt (or circle skirt, which is the same thing minus the poodle). The website Vintage Dancer tells us that the basic “poodle skirt look” includes:
- Poodle Skirt or Circle Skirt
- A button-down blouse or knit sweater top
- Wide Belt (optional)
- A Chiffon scarf, tied around the neck or hair
- White socks (Bobby Socks)
- Saddle shoes, loafers, or ballet flats
- Gloves (optional)
This blog post from them is boss, with lots of photos: How to Dress for a 50s Sock Hop. And there’s always Pinterest.
Here are instructions for easy Homemade 50s Saddle Shoes from Haley Made.
For hairstyles, think ponytails, bobs, and curls – Check out these 31 Simple and Easy 50s Hairstyles with Tutorials.
This looks like a fairly easy No-Sew Poodle Skirt tutorial. But for those handy with a sewing machine, here’s a video tutorial for any age or size, on How to Make a Circle Skirt:
Again, see what you’ve already got to make the bulk of a 50s girl costume, then hit the thrift stores or Amazon to finish it off. You’ll have it put together in a jiffy!
5 Tips for an Out of Sight Father-Daughter Date Night:
1. Don’t be a drag, be a dreamboat by putting away your phone and giving your date your full attention for the evening.
2. Perhaps you’d like to surprise your girl with flowers or a small gift (it’s okay to get mom’s help with this).
3. Take her to dinner before the dance. Pick a neat-o place (one that she likes, of course).
4. Ask her questions about her day, or look at these conversation starters ahead of time and pick a few to talk about on your date.
5. Throughout the evening, model the way you’d like a future date to treat her one day.
Okay, Daddy-O, fire up your hot rod (or minivan) and get ready to shake, rattle, and roll with your daughter – it’s gonna be a gas!
Do you have any other 50s Sock Hop outfit suggestions or tips for a swell father-daughter date night? Leave a comment below!
