The Ultimate Guide to Poodle Skirts in the 1950s
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All about the poodle skirt in the 1950s, including what is a poodle skirt, what to wear with a poodle skirt, the grease poodle skirt, and the 1950s poodle skirt outfit.
This post is all about Poodle Skirts in the 1950s, different outfits ideas, and how to wear a Poodle Skirt
In this article
What is the Story behind the Poodle Skirt
Poodle skirt styles
#1 Poodle Skirt Style: Old Hollywood Glam
#2 Poodle Skirt Style: Classic
#3 Poodle Skirt Style: Cute Casual
#4 Poodle Skirt Style: Sexy Parlor Games
#5 Poodle Skirt Style: Retro Rock n’ Roll
#6 Poodle Skirt Style: Fabulous Furbaby
#7 Poodle Skirt Style: Retro Royal
#8 Poodle Skirt Style: John F Kennedy Love
#9 Poodle Skirt Style: Retro Romantic
#10 Poodle Skirt Style: Grease Costume
#11 Poodle Skirt Style: Cute Girlie
#12 Poodle Skirt Style: Casual Girl
Since the 1950s the poodle skirt has been the fashion accessory of choice and one of the most loved vintage styles, even inspiring their own poetry.
“Prettiest girl in school. Poodle skirt and saddle shoes. The noe all the fellows wanted to woo. Top of the list in Who’s Who. Looks that made the guys stop and stare. Hearts beware. Eyes would become dreamy and hearts fall. When she strutted through the halls.”
Today we will discuss what is the poodle skirt, the story behind the poodle skirt, and then we’ll explore some fun poodle skirt styles, outfits, and costumes from the 1940s to 1950s for women, teenagers, and girls.
“All dogs are created equal, but sometimes the special ones... become Poodles!” - Unknown
What is a Poodle Skirt?
The Poodle skirt is a wide circle skirt, typically in a solid color with an eye-catching design embroidered or sewn into the fabric.
This was often a poodle, or it could be musical notes, flowers, whimsical animals, hot rod cars--basically it could be any design, silhouette, or letters a lady could dream up.
In classic 50s fashion, the length of the poodle skirt for women was mid-calf, which oozed class and sophistication, with a bit of fun.
For teenagers and girls, the hemline was just below the knee.
They embraced the colorful vintage style, and personalized it for school dances and everyday loungewear.
“A fashion that does not reach the streets is not a fashion.” - Coco Chanel
What is the story behind the Poodle Skirt?
Two years after World War II ended, in 1947, the beautiful 25 year old Juli Lynne Charlot, who was a budding singer and actress was invited to a Christmas party.
However, upon opening her closet she experienced a girl’s worst nightmare--nothing to wear.
Also, having no money, she decided a handmade skirt for the Christmas party would have to do.
Charlot said, "If I had known how to sew, or had the money to purchase better materials, I would have never made the circle skirt."
Luckily her mother owned a factory that had a full supply of felt that she could use for free. "I cut the circle out of felt, which allowed me to cut a complete circle skirt without having any seams. I added some whimsical Christmas motif appliqués.”
Her homemade skirt was so unique and adorable that she received tons of compliments.
After the party Charlot took a few of her holiday skirt to a boutique in Beverly Hills.
These adorable retro skirts quickly sold out and the store ordered more, asking for some non-Christmas ones, and she designed a poodle skirt with dancing dachshunds.
She meant for her skirts to tell a story and be conversation starters at parties.
Charlot continued to sell to more and more boutiques, and ultimately started her own fashion company, which stayed in business through the 1980s.
Why were poodles popular in the 50s?
Poodles were very popular in the 1950s due to the beginnings of the Westmister Dog Show that glamorized the highly intelligent dog, garnering them a huge cult following.
They embodied both looks and brains, and were simply gorgeous with their refined manners and elaborate hairdo’s.
Rich cultured ladies chose poodles as their dog of choice to be seen with.
Thus the poodle became associated with refinement, elegance and upper-class.
Film executives took note, staging glamorous photoshoots of top starlets with their poodles.
Perhaps you will recognize the one and only Audrey Hepburn posing with a poodle for a publicity shot for Sabrina.
Even though Julie Lynne’s first skirt was with adorable weiner dog (a dachshund), the boutiques quickly asked for a poodle design.
And the rest, as they say, is history...
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1950s Poodle Skirt Outfit Inspiration: #1 “Old Hollywood Glam”
This vintage style outfit sizzles as only 1950s fashion can, with an interesting blend of Old Hollywood Glam and — a poodle?
The secret to recreating this retro outfit?
Pair a fitted black sleeveless top with a contrasting white poodle skirt.
For a touch of class, add round toed black and white checkered slip on heels.
Notice the dramatic color blocking of black and white throughout the outfit, from the black embroidered poodle on the white skirt that matches the pure black top to the heels that blend both colors.
Oh, and not to mention, the adorable Poodle is black too!
To complete this look, style your hair in a classic pin curl pattern and add a touch of eye makeup and lipstick.
Oh yes, and don’t forget to teach your Poodle to sit elegantly to complete the picture.
1950s Poodle Skirt Costume: #2 “The Classic”
This variation of the 1950s poodle skirt costume is elegantly dressy versus outright glam, like the earlier style.
To channel this vintage style, pair a classic poodle skirt with a a fitted knit shirt.
Notice how the poodles contrast with the base color (there is a black fluffy Mr. Poodle on the white skirt and a white Mrs. Poodle on the black skirt).
For your top color, you may either match the skirt color (black with black or contrast it black shirt with white skirt); either looks absolutely adorable!
Pair this with simple round toed retro pumps.
Depending on the level of elegance you’re looking for (is this a “girls night” or a highly anticipated “date night”), you can choose a more simply retro hair style of throwing the hair back in a classic ponytail or to up the dressy factor, opt for sultry waves to frame your face.
Poodle Skirt 1950s: #3 “The Cute Casual” Outfit
We just couldn’t talk about 1950s poodle skirt costumes (where the ladies are wearing literal poodle designs) without showing you a few of the favorite options for styling these.
Looking to rock a super comfy 1950s poodle skirt outfit that just as practical for running errands as a walk in the park?
Well this retro 50s poodle skirt costume is just for you!
Pair a classic white button-up shirt with your poodle skirt, your favorite cozy saddle shoes (aka black and white oxfords), throw your hair back in a ponytail, and you are ready to tak on the world.
Feel free to add your favorite vintage jersey to the outfit for when the weather turns a bit cooler and you want to add a touch of sporty to your practical feminine style.
1950s Poodle Skirt Outfit: #4 “Sexy Parlor Games”
Now the 1950s designers started really going to town with creative and hilarious ideas.
In 1953, a young New York clothing designer, Bettie Morrie, who adored big circle skirts and was a skilled backgammon player--had the brilliant idea to combine both and sewed board games right into the skirt!
These skirts included game pieces in a ornamental pocket.
The designers vision?
The ladies would spread their skirts out, and friends (old and new!) would sit next the them to engage in a “hemside round” of their favorite game.
Spot a handsome someone across the room you want to chat with--simply invite them to a game of backgammon!
To recreate this glam and whimsical vintage style 1950s poodle skirt, pair a fitted off the shoulders black top with your favorite ‘game time’ poodle skirt.
Get ready to be the life of the party... a la vintage style.
Fun fact!
As reported in the 1953 Life magazine, this entrepreneurial 1950s clothing designer had plans to expand her parlor game skirts to entice and challenge all intellectual levels, from bingo, to parcheesi, to chess!
1950s Poodle Skirt Costume: #5 “Retro Rock n’ Roll”
Thanks to the tall, dark, handsome and insanely talented Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock Roll,” music and vintage style were changed forever.
What better way to show your love for the first rock star than to embroider his name on your poodle skirt?
Style tips to recreate this 1950s fashion--aka how to dress vintage modern?
Pair your favorite 50s poodle skirt with a classic button-up top.
Select a neutral poodle skirt style and customize with your favorite singer, band, instrument, or song.
Another delightful element of this vintage style are the round collars on the button-up shirt.
Are You Lonesome Tonight? Well, if you’re wearing this outfit, you won’t be for long!
Poodle Skirt 1950s: #6 “Fabulous Furbaby” Style
Perhaps this should be retitled to #product-pet-parent?
Let the 1950s fashion Poodle Skirt wars commerce!
There are so many styles and options, you really can’t say who styled it best, or wore it best.
Notice how these 1950s ladies went all out with different animals?
Whether a mouse sipping a cocktail, a Merry Go Round pony, Grandma’s fat black tabby, or yet a very coiffured white poodle, the sky is the limit when it comes to incorporating adorable cuddly four-legged creatures into your poodle skirt.
Simply pair your white shirt with your poodle skirt, and a wide belt to emphasize your feminine figure.
For shoes, opt for classic saddle shoes (aka black and white oxfords), or simple flats.
Don’t forget the bright hair accessory to showoff the retro hairdo and feminine make-up.
1950s Poodle Skirt Outfit: #7 “Retro Royal” Style
Not only were 1950s poodle skirt outfits popular with every day ladies, but also with the royal family.
We absolutely adore this 1955 snapshot of Queen Elizabeth out dancing in a poodle skirt.
Notice how Queen Elizabeth 50s poodle skirt is in a festive holiday pattern.
This patterned skirt is paired with a subtle plaid button-up shirt, and black vintage pumps.
We love the unexpected blending of patterns and designs across, which totally works, and looks so delightfully festive and feminine.
1950s Poodle Skirt Costume: #8 “JFK Campaign” Style
In his run for the senate, three of John F Kennedy’s sisters proudly publicized his candidacy, and their support of him with their fabulous and one of a kind vintage poodle skirts!
We totally think these poodle skirts helped sway the public opinion to vote for John F Kennedy as the senator of Massachusetts! (Hello, who wants a “I voted” sticker when you could have a JKF poodle skirt?)
The handsome JFK would then later win the spot of 35th president of the United States and become one of the most famous of all presidents, who’s later assassination would rock the world in shock and grief.
To channel this feminine and vintage 1950s poodle skirt style, pair your favorite fitted blouse with your favorite campaign style poodle skirt, and low heeled retro pumps.
1950s Poodle Skirt Outfit: #9 “Retro Romantic”
The beautiful actress, Jeanne Crain wears this 1950s poodle skirt outfit that is so summery, chic, and practical.
To copy this vintage style outfit, pair your 1950s fashion poodle skirt with a simple black top and low heeled strappy sandals.
1950s Poodle Skirt Costume: #10 “Grease Poodle Skirt Costume”
In the movie Grease, Olivia Newton-John’s is the innocent doe eyed exchange student, Sandy, who falls for the leather-clad player Danny.
Although filmed in the late 70’s this movie was set in the 1950s, and has some iconic retro style outfits, including Sandy’s “Grease Poodle Skirt.”
The Grease Poodle Skirt Costume continues to be one of the favorite retro costumes today for Halloween.
What exactly did Sandy wear for her Grease Poodle Skirt outfit, and was it really a 1950s poodle skirt?
The outfit often referred to as the “Grease Poodle skirt costume” was Sandy’s pastel yellow poodle type circle skirt that she paired with a matching cardigan, a white button-up, white belt, and white shoes.
Poodle Skirt 1950s: #11 “Cute Girlie Retro Outfit”
Not only was the `1950s poodle skirt style popular for women, but it became a huge hit for little girls.
These budding fashionistas each brought their own flare and style to the 50s poodle skirt.
Notice how each of the girls has a white shirt, white socks, and simple cardigan, and it is their beloved poodle skirt that is the centerpiece of their 1950s outfits.
1950s Poodle Skirt Outfit: #12 “Casual Girls Vintage Style”
Oh my, what’s there not to love with more adorable 1950s girls fashion and their poodle skirt outfits.
These little ladies adored poodles, cats, and other favorite furry friends for their 1950s poodle skirt outfits.
Tips to channel this timeless vintage style?
Pair a practical short-sleeved top with your favorite poodle skirt and comfy flats.
1950s Poodle Skirt Costume: #13 “Retro Mommy & Me”
“Well Done Mom! I am Awesome.”
Think matching “Mommy & Me Outfits” is new fad? Think again!
What better way to show your love for your Mommy, while showing off your cute vintage style, than to wear matching 1950s poodle skirts?
Notice how Mommy and her Mini-Me both have their hair styled in retro waves, and are wearing white shirts with adorable matching 50s poodle skirts embroidered with “Love me...” in white that matches the most proper, elegant, and fluffy poodle.
As that old saying goes, “Having a mini me is all fun & games until she starts acting just like you.”
Poodle Skirt 1950s: #14 “Vintage Teenager Style”
We love these classic 1950s poodle skirt styles, where the girls are pairing their colorful 50s poodle skirts with a long sleeve white button-up or simple sweater.
Notice the girls have their hair pulled back in a practical and cute ponytail and are wearing flats.
Coming out of World War II, clothing designers and companies discovered that teenage girls were a huge new market.
In the 1950s, it was revolutionary that young people had discretionary pocket money that they could spend on whatever they wanted.
Odd jobs (i.e. babysitting, phone operators, waitress, hotel clerk) and allowance money meant that teenagers not only had money to spend, but that they were very image conscious and loved spending it on fashion.
Big companies took note and the advertising landscape was changed forever.
This post was all about Poodle Skirts in the 1950s, different outfits ideas, and how to wear a Poodle Skirt
Now that you’re an expert on 1950s poodle skirt costumes, which look your favorite?
Do you prefer the casual retro styles or the high fashion Old Hollywood Glamour looks?
Can you think of a 1950s outfit that would be a better conversation starter or that could possibly be more fun to wear?
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