Rockabilly Fashion

Cool Rock Fashion of the 1950s

Dec 31, 2008 Marsha West

Rock music and fashion often go hand in hand. Learn more about rockabilly style.

For the first time in history, companies in the 1950s began marketing music, movies, and clothing to teenagers. Rockabilly, an early hybrid of rock and roll and country music, not only influenced pop culture but of course clothing styles. Since teenagers often want to emulate celebrities, it is no wonder that 1950s teenagers wanted to dress like their rock idols: Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Wanda Jackson and Janis Martin.

Women’s Fashion

Teenagers favored casual styles such as mohair cardigan sweaters, pencil skirts, or cigarette pants. Circle and poodle skirts were also popular. Young women often accessorized with a scarf around their neck. Saddle shoes were popular with little girls and teenagers, while older women wore stiletto heels. Teenagers wore their hair in ponytails or styled their hair with softer shorter curls. Most teenagers didn’t leave the house without their red lipstick and eye shadow.

Men’s Fashion

Teenagers wanted to look tough like their rock and movie heroes. Young men sported black leather motorcycle jackets and newsboy caps like those worn by Marlon Brando in the movie The Wild One. Levi's and Wrangler jeans and t-shirts were worn by teenager trying to make a statement. Jackets were longer and boxier and trousers were skinnier. Many young men wore their hair long and slicked it back with hair grease like Elvis Presley. Jerry Lee Lewis popularized his long, blonde, wavy “killer” hair.

Rockabilly Revival

The rockabilly revival of today has altered the traditional 1950s rockabilly look slightly. Since rockabilly music has influenced alternative bands such as the Cramps, the Brian Setzer Orchestra, Social Distortion, and Green Day, rockabilly fashions are more likely to be worn by punky women and their emo male counterparts. For example, Dita Von Teese (burlesque performer, model, and Marilyn Manson’s ex-wife) has revived the 1950s pin-up girl look with a slightly sinister gothic feel. Screenwriter and author Diablo Cody combines the 1950s Bettie PaIge look with leopard prints and skull and cross bone jewelry.

Where You Can Find Rockabilly Clothing

Many vintage stores will sell pencil skirts, prom dresses, and beaded cardigans from the 1950s. Actual poodle skirts and saddle shoes may be badly worn and harder to find. Be sure to try on all clothing you are considering buying and test all zippers before purchasing. If you are squeamish about wearing previously owned clothing, Daddy-O’s sells retro bowling shirts, jackets, and wingtip shoes for men. Pinup Girl Clothing also sells cute vintage-style dresses, sweaters, shoes, and jewelry for women.

The copyright of the article Rockabilly Fashion in Women’s Fashion is owned by Marsha West. Permission to republish Rockabilly Fashion in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.