1950s

Sodapop Curtis

Sodapop Curtis is a character in The Outsiders. He is the middle child of the Curtis brothers – and often caught in the middle of family fights, much to the frustration of Daryl, as he usually sticks up for Ponyboy. Described as movie star handsome, Sodapop is a magnet for the ladies. He also works at the gas station with his best friend, Steve. The book, written by S.E. Hinton, notes that he’s one of the few guys who doesn’t drink alcohol to have a good time. Rob Lowe plays Sodapop in the 1983 movie adaptation.

Johnny Strabler from The Wild One

In The Wild One, Marlon Brando portrays the rugged Johnny Strabler, a biker outlaw who leads the Black Rebels Motorcycle Club. His leather-clad look and brooding character in this classic film has become a cultural icon, with homages paid in characters from Indiana Jones to Twin Peaks.

“Johnny” adorns the front of his leather jacket, and BRMC with a stylized skull-and-crossbones the back, proudly representing his motorcycle club.

johnny cade from the outsiders

Johnny Cade from The Outsiders

Johnny Cade (played by Ralph Macchio) is a member of the greaser gang at the heart of The Outsiders.  Johnny is close with Ponyboy, the main character of the film and the narrator of the book upon which it is based.  They are the two youngest members of the gang.  Johnny has a slight build and dark hair, which he styles to fall over one side of his face.  Johnny has a scar on his left cheek from an altercation with the Socs.  To create your costume, you’ll need blue jeans, black and white sneakers, and a black wig.  Use a denim jacket to complete the look.  To replicate Johnny’s scar, you can use a wax scar kit and some foundation that matches your skin tone.  Lastly, Johnny begins carrying a switchblade after he’s attacked by the Socs, and a trick knife can play the part for you.

cynthia zdunowski from rise of the pink ladies

Cynthia Zdunowski from Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies

Cynthia Zdunowski (played by Ari Notartomaso) is one-fourth of the titular group at the heart of the prequel series Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.  Cynthia has always dreamt of being a member of the T-birds, but isn’t allowed to join.  The Pink Ladies are born when Cynthia joins with friends Nancy, Olivia, and Jane.  Cynthia often wears trousers and favors more loose-fitting silhouettes than other members of the Pink Ladies.  Don’t be afraid to clash patterns as well, since Cynthia does so often.  The unique mustard-colored sweater with hood is difficult to find an exact match for, but several similar options exist so you can choose whichever you think looks closest.  Add Cynthia’s name to a Pink Ladies jacket with a black fabric marker.

nancy nakagawa from rise of the pink ladies

Nancy Nakagawa from Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies

Nancy Nakagawa (played by Tricia Fukuhara) is a founding member of the Pink Ladies alongside friends Olivia, Jane, and Cynthia in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.  Nancy is an aspiring fashion designer, a fact which comes across in her often unique and eccentric clothing choices.  A great example is her green lobster skirt, which is nearly impossible to find an exact match for, unless you’re particularly adept with a sewing machine yourself.  Similar options exist with either lobsters or the more standard ’50s poodle print.  Nancy pushes the limits of fashion, so don’t be afraid to accessorize your costume with brooches that evoke her signature embellishments or unique hairpins.  Finish your look with black loafers, white socks, and your Pink Ladies jacket with Nancy’s name added with a fabric marker to the front.

june douglas in asteroid city

June Douglas in Asteroid City

June Douglas (played by Maya Hawke) is a teacher who attends the convention at the heart of Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City.  June devlops a romantic interest in a singing cowboy also at the convention.  Set in the 1950s, Asteroid City provides plenty of opportunity to stylize a perfectly vintage costume.  June’s attire includes shades of yellow, with a sweet daisy-printed sweater, coral-colored nails, and brown shoes.  If you can’t find a sweater with daisies on it, one with polka dots will evoke a similar feel.

olivia valdovinos from rise of the pink ladies

Olivia Valdovinos from Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies

Olivia Valdovinos (played by Cheyenne Isabel Wells) is a founding member of the titular girl gang in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.  She forms the group alongside friends Nancy, Cynthia, and Jane.  A former straight-A student, Olivia’s school experience takes a bad turn after a male teacher has a relationship with her.  Much of Olivia’s wardrobe consists of more form-fitting attire than her friends.  When in doubt, a pencil skirt paired with a blouse and a pair of Mary Janes or t-strap heels will certainly do the trick.  Olivia isn’t afraid of color and often wears jewel tones.  If you can’t find an exact match for a certain piece, like her green dress or beige sweater top, try to get as close as you can by choosing pieces with similar silhouettes (or ones you aren’t afraid to alter with a pair of scissors).  Complete your costume with a gold cross necklace and signature Pink Ladies jacket; you can add Olivia’s name with a black fabric marker.

stanley zak in asteroid city

Stanley Zak from Asteroid City

Stanley Zak (played by Tom Hanks) is Augie Steenbeck‘s father-in-law in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City.  Following the death of his daughter, Stanley ends up accompanying Augie and his children to the titular city for the Junior Stargazer Convention.  Stanley’s costume is colorful and casual; it looks like he just walked off the green.  Finding an exact match for his multicolor plaid golf pants might not be possible, similar options are available in shades of blue and green.  He also wears a yellow button-down shirt, red Oxford shoes, and a blue sweater tied around his waist.

jane facciano from rise of the pink ladies

Jane Facciano from Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies

Jane Facciano (played by Marisa Davila) is a founding member of the Pink Ladies alongside friends Nancy, Olivia, and Cynthia in the prequel series Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.  Jane is studious and bright, but her relationship with her high school’s quarterback leads to some unpleasant rumors circulating about her.  Since the series takes place in the 1950s, there is plenty of opportunity to recreate vintage silhouettes.  Jane has dark hair and wears a pair of chic cat eye glasses.  Her costumes often use accessories like thin waist-cinching belts and headbands.  Her skirts and dresses tend to be free-flowing and midi-length.  Pair your favorite Jane look with white socks and a pair of saddle shoes, and don’t forget your Pink Ladies jacket, which you can personalize with a fabric marker by adding Jane’s name to the front.

augie steenbeck from asteroid city

Augie Steenbeck from Asteroid City

Augie Steenbeck (played by Jason Schwartzman) is a widower and father of four in the Wes Anderson film Asteroid City.  When he and his children are stranded near the titular desert town, Augie calls his father-in-law to pick them up.  During their stay in Asteroid City, Augie meets Midge Campbell.  Augie’s costume includes a belted safari jacket and khaki pants, which he pairs with brown boots.  More important than the outfit itself might be Augie’s accessories, which include a pipe and a vintage camera.  If you don’t have a camera that looks the part, a smartphone case designed to look like one can do the trick instead.

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