Get the look of a famous movie star of the ’50s like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe or James Dean. Or, simply dress like the teens of the time with poodle skirts, greaser jackets or nerdy short pants with suspenders. The movie Grease and the TV show Happy Days really depict the times and there are lots of memorable costumes available from the shows. Even occupations of the ’50s had definite looks that are fun to replicate. Whether an airline stewardess, car hop waitress, housewife or milkman, there are fun costume choices for each. Check out this list of 35 ’50s Halloween costume ideas that you can purchase to get the perfect look for your party. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best ’50s Halloween Costume Ideas
Take your shoes off and dance around in your bobby socks with this fun sock-hop party costume. The cheerful polka dot pattern of the skirt will definitely put a smile on your face. Poodle skirts were all the rage in the 50s which makes this party dress a perfect costume for that decade. It comes in a variety of colors including different shades of blue, purple, green, yellow and pink. From the movie Grease, the pink ladies were a group of ultra cool girls and this jacket symbolizes that the wearer is a girlfriend of a T-Bird member. This greaser jacket was made popular from the T-birds group on Grease and the character Fonzie from Happy Days. Dish up some Halloween treats in this fun costume! Carhop girls were popular in the 50s and would wait on customers right in their cars. A hot look for any party, this pin-up girl costume will be sure to turn some heads. Elvis fans will love this one! What better way to celebrate the 50’s decade than with the King of Rock and Roll? Take on the look of the popular style of men’s hair of the 50s, called the pompadour, with this fun wig. If you have a secret desire to be a little on the wild side, this bad girl Sandy costume could be just what you are looking for.
10. Flight Attendant Women’s Costume, $34.99 at HalloweenCostumes.com
A more conservative look for the 50s, this tailored flight attendant costume is a cute way to go.
Hollywood ’50s Decade Halloween Costumes
Audrey Hepburn was an iconic actress of the ’50s. She was all about glamour and this party dress reflects her style. Along with the polka dots, this dress also comes in several other fabric patterns as well. Whether you are a natural comedian or not, get in touch with your funny side with this I Love Lucy costume. It is sure to bring a few smiles to your costume party. Look like a Hollywood star by taking on the glamorous style of actress Marilyn Monroe. Famous in the 1950s, Marilyn starred in many films including Some Like It Hot. This comics hero, Superman, was one of the most popular superhero characters of the 1950s. Wear this costume and see how you can save the day! Look like James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause by sporting this iconic red jacket. Just add a white tee shirt and blue jeans to get the full look.
Retro ’50s Halloween Costumes
16. Deluxe Grease Rydell High Men’s Letterman Sweater, $49.99 at HalloweenCostumes.com
John Travolta, acting as Danny Zuko of Grease, wore this preppy letterman sweater in the final scene. Pair it with a black tee shirt and black jeans for the iconic look.
17. Women’s Vintage Pin-Up Soldier Costume, $34.99 at HalloweenCostumes.com
50’s pin-up models featured women from all walks of life in sexy attire. Take on the look of a hot soldier with this 50’s Halloween costume.
18. Grease Gym Danny Costume, $34.99 at HalloweenCostumes.com
Are you more comfortable in comfortable shorts and a tee shirt for a Halloween costume? This Rydell High School basketball uniform, from Grease, is a perfect costume to wear for comfort.
19. Grease Good Sandy Costume, $59.99 at HalloweenCostumes.com
If you are a fan of Grease, you know that Sandy also had a good side. If a bad girl Sandy is too wild for you to wear, this more wholesome look might be just right.
20. Women’s Sequin Sailor Costume, $49.99-$59.99 at HalloweenCostumes.com
This sequined sailor costume of the 50s is a hot look that won’t rock the boat.
21. Women’s Grease Rydell High Cheerleader Costume, $58.73 at Walmart
This 50’s cheerleader costume will keep you warm and comfortable. Although saddle shoes were the shoe of choice for cheerleaders in the 50s, white tennis shoes are comfortable to wear with this costume.
22. Silver Doo Wop Men’s Adult 50s Singer Costume Accessory Jacket, $37.61 at Walmart
Doo Wop was a rhythm and blues or rock and roll style of music in the 50s that featured a singer and a few backup harmony singers. Rock the style with this glitzy singer costume.
23. Women’s Alice Halloween Costume, $42.98 at Walmart
Since the movie, Alice In Wonderland, was so popular in the 50s, wearing this fun costume gives tribute to the main character. Be your own person of the 50’s decade with a popular cocktail dress style of that decade.
Fun ’50s Costumes for Halloween
Among all of the cool, hip and fashionable people of the 50s were also the classic school nerds. Have fun with this and maybe add a pocket protector or two!
26. Inflatable Godzilla VS Kong Godzilla Adult Costume, $149.99 at HalloweenCostumes.com
Godzilla came out in the ’50s and was a roaring success. This costume is perfect for those who don’t want anyone to know who is sporting the costume. The housewife of the 50s had a definite iconic look that was all prim and proper. Even if you aren’t domesticated at all, you can play the part for a little Halloween trickery. Take on a collegiate look with this letterman jacket, which was popular in the 50s among the jocks. Get into the swing of things with this fashionable swing dress that was typically worn at cocktail parties during the 1950s. This retro bowling shirt hits a strike and would be a great choice to add to a pair of jeans and bowling shoes or sneakers. In the 1950s, the apron became fancier and was usually worn over a pretty dress. A vintage-style apron would be an easy choice to wear with your favorite dress. Got milk? Then a milkman costume is just the ticket for your next Halloween party. Pair this 50’s style gingham blouse with a pair of jeans or skirt for an easy Halloween costume that gives tribute to the decade. A diner dress costume is both cute and fun. Wear it with rollerskates if you dare! Have fun with this formal cocktail tux of the 50s. The costume will give you an air of dignity! Next up, the best Halloween activities and traditions!
