How to Make a 1950s Skirt

Poodle skirts were a staple of 1950s fashion.

For a woman's 1950s costume, the classic and quintessential component is the poodle skirt. This type of skirt is often reflected in Halloween costumes, school plays, dance recitals and 1950' theme parties. The skirts are typically A-line, knee-length and can be made in a variety of colors. The critical element of the skirt that will make it unmistakable as a 1950s fashion statement is the fluffy poodle silhouette reflected above the bottom hem. Items from your own closet or a a skirt found inexpensively from a local thrift store can be transformed into a 1950s fashion statement with a few simple enhancements.

Things You'll Need

• Skirt
• Felt
• Cotton or batting
• Fabric glue
• Cardboard
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Tulle slip (optional)

Instructions

1. Find a knee-length, A-line skirt or dress in your closet, at a thrift store or at a discount department store.

2. Draw an outline of a poodle with a fluffy head, tail and feet onto a piece of cardboard and cut it out to use it as a stencil.

3. Trace the stencil onto a piece of black or white felt and cut it out.

4. Apply the poodle silhouette to the bottom, front of the skirt using fabric glue.

5. Glue pieces of batting or cotton to the poodle using fabric glue to make it pop off the skirt and give it texture.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a tulle slip underneath the skirt to help give it volume.

References

• Coolest Homemade Costume: Coolest Homemade 50's Costume
• Loti: Life in the 1950's