| Happy Birthday, James Dean! How to Dress Rockabilly Feb 8th 2013, 12:00 Rockabilly is a popular style of music from the 1950s, combining features of rock 'n' roll and bluegrass (hence the name, which combines the words 'rock' and 'hillbilly'). The fashions associated with this musical genre are becoming more and more prevalent in modern society. Elvis Presley is probably the most famous musician associated with rockabilly style and music. Here, you will learn how to dress rockabilly if you wish to reflect this style. - Emulate a classic rockabilly hairstyle. Use resources on the internet or look through books for images of the following icons for inspiration.
- Men usually wear has that is close-cropped on the sides and pompadoured up top with plenty of pomade. Think Joaquin Phoenix in "Walk the Line" for a modernized version. Elvis Presley and James Dean are also good role models for hairstyles.
- For women, the easiest and most popular hairstyle is a pompadour with ponytail. To achieve this, pull your hair into a high ponytail and wrap around a large-barrel curling iron for thirty or so seconds, so that it will spiral down. Then, back-comb your bangs and pin the ends down near your ponytail to create the pomp.
- If this doesn't appeal to you, you can try curling hair with a pompadour and adding a large flower barrette to finish it off.
- Note that 1940s hairstyles are worn by Rockabilly fans more then 1950s styles. Betty Page and her victory rolls are seen everywhere at rockabilly concerts and events.
- Apply makeup. For women, makeup is essential. In fact, the distinctive makeup style arguably makes the rockabilly look one of the most coveted.
- Apply your base makeup as usual, preferably using a liquid foundation and finishing powder. Apply blush sparingly, and on your cheekbones rather than the apples of your cheeks.
- For your eyes, apply a thick layer of eyeliner on your top lids, to create the "cat-eye" look. You may also wish to use some large, full false lashes to further enhance your eyes.
- Finally, put a thick layer of bright red lipstick all over your lips. Try to go for a blue-red (cool undertones) rather than an orange-red.
- Select your clothing carefully to define your rockabilly look.
- Men should go for:
- Slim-cut dark jeans, thin white t-shirts (tucked-in, of course), worn-in boots and a tough leather jacket as a classic rockabilly template.
- Creepers, and wing tips or oxfords also make good shoes for the rockabilly look.
- Flannel bowling and western (cowboy) shirts.
- Dungarees and slim fit suits.
- Women should put together an outfit with some of the following suggestions:
- Halter dresses with sweet-heart necklines, bust ruching and fitted waists.
- High-waisted pencil skirts in either black or red.
- Thin, flowy cardigan sweaters.
- Full-gathered maxi skirts in floral prints or bright solid colours. #**High-waisted ankle-length pants, paired with men's striped dress shirts (roll up the sleeves and tie a knot in the front).
- Further accessorize. Women have options for further accessorizing their outfits. Consider tattoo-inspired necklaces, leopard print or hounds-tooth purses, headbands, hair nets and small classic earrings. For an extra touch, add a flower to your hair, preferably a red rose or a large vibrant flower matching the color of your outfit.
- Complete your outfit with a pair of rockabilly shoes. Men, as mentioned, can wear a pair of Chucks or a pair of classic loafers or oxfords. Women can shop for Mary Janes, retro flats, saddle shoes, Converse All Stars and boots. Choose fun patterns like plaids, polka dots, flames or bright red and shiny black shoes.
- Women may want to wear bobby socks with flat shoes.
- Shop at consignment and second-hand stores, garage sales, and vintage auctions. This is the best way to find true rockabilly fashions.
- Take it the extra mile by using rockabilly slang. Here's a few suggestions, followed by translations:
- Cat--a hip person.
- Ginchiest--coolest.
- Long Green--money.
- Dolly--cute girl.
- Radioactive--cool.
- Threads--clothes.
- Peepers--glasses.
- Listen to rockabilly music. Check out Elvis, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Gene Vincent, Charlie Feathers, Jumpin' Gene Simmons, and Buddy Holly, The Stray Cats.
- You can find handmade and vintage hair accessories online at sites such as Etsy which has shops like Bustling Blossoms that feature flower headbands, clips, and bobby pins as well as hair accessories with other unique items.
- Talk to someone who is old enough to remember when rockabilly was big. Look through your library's catalog for books about the era and surf the net for rockabilly websites. Try to get a feel for the over-all look. Pay attention to the way that clothes were worn and hair was styled.
Edit Related wikiHows
Edit Sources and Citations |  |
No comments:
Post a Comment