Accessories for a Poodle Skirt Costume

It utterly amazes me how things work out sometimes. I have probably neither mentioned nor thought about poodle skirts for thirty years. Granted, I'm not old enough to have worn them when they were popular, however, I was just working on a summer love story and had to check with my mother about the time frame. The funny part is in talking about my summer at a particular camp with my mom, I reminded her that we had put on a play at the camp one summer. That play was "Grease" and yes, I had to have a poodle skirt as I was to play the part of Sandy for a couple of the numbers. We talked about how she made that costume for me, among others, because she was very good at this sort of thing. I have pictures of my in that costume she made but tried to recall from memory what it looked like as I described it to her. I remember my outfit was simple, but the poodle she had made was perfect. So, I finish typing my summer love story and as I perused this site for something else to write about, there it was.... a call for content on accessories for a poodle skirt costume. Is Associated Content psychic? Needless to say, I had to gather my thoughts and give my input to this call as the timing seemed to be kismet. What I am recommending is probably the cheapest way to go, however I have included links on certain items that will take you to a site to purchase various poodle skirt costume accessories. Quite honestly, from what I see, the prices are fairly reasonable if you want a more authentic looking costume, but I was quite please with the way mine turned out and minimal cost. Just get creative and have fun because your daughter or yourself will appreciate it more.

Let's start with the simplest part of the costume. The easiest thing to do, if you have hair long enough, is to tie your hair in a ponytail. The best way is not right on top or straight out the back, but rather high off the back crest of your head. That way you get the all important swing to your ponytail as you walk. The more is flaps back and forth, the better. What always looks nice is matching a bow to your outfit color and make a loops allowing the bands of the bow to hang down the ponytail. Also fashionable and popular is to tie a chiffon scarf around the ponytail. It doesn't really make a difference if you have bangs or not when wearing this style. If your hair is much shorted, then you want to at least get your hair out of your face and style it to wave out and up away from your face. The simplest way you can do your hair is best.

Jewelry should be very simple and classic. A nice single strand of pearls is perfect. Whether you have access to real ones or buy a strand of fake ones for one occasion, this is the best and easiest way to go. Same goes for the earrings. Small pearl studs or even just gold studs. Don't get crazy here because they didn't when it was the style. Check out any department store or hit the mall and those accessories stores such as Claire's Boutique. Your sure to find a simple necklace with a single strand of faux pearls (or what they may call white beads) for around $10.

The best choice for a top to assist this costume would be a simple pearl button sweater. This sweater should be able to be buttoned all the way to the top. Modesty was running rampant so no cleavage. Light pastel colors work best. Another option is a classic white button up shirt which could be long or short sleeved and in some cases even sleeveless. Most importantly though is to remember that the look always has a cinched waistline. The shirt should fit snug and tuck easily. Even a short sleeve polo type shirt will work which can be purchased already made up or just a plain one would do or even an old bowling shirt may work, if it's small enough. To dress up a plain shirt, you can always tie a chiffon scarf around your neck. These were normally worn tied close to the neck and slightly off to one side.

Now the skirt is the fun part. Fortunately I had a mom who was pretty good at making my costumes, so she more than ready to tackle this task. I would guess that she attempted to do the poodle from scratch since his back legs look like that of a horse. She was quite the artist, so I'm sure she drew it from scratch and did a pretty good job if you ask me. However, I also would guess that I am biased. I'm pretty sure she cut the poodle out of felt or something similar and then added items found in any craft store. A couple small pom pom balls work for the tail, cuffs around the ankles and the top of the head, depending on the size of the dog. You can even opt for opposite color felt cut to make the cuffs for the legs. If you're creatively inept try here for a 7 1/2 x 6 inch applique of a pink poodle. The price is right and this would certainly speed up your work time. However, the background is white, so you would want to put this on a dark skirt. If you choose this option, don't forget to purchase a color-coordinated cord to attached to the skirt and across the dogs neck like a collar. You don't want to put a black cord on a black skirt. You just want to lay and possibly loop your cord, don't attach it in a straight stiff line. Make it look natural and you can run the other end up the waistline or into a circle for the leash. We didn't go all out on the skirt and used a very simple loose one, however if you don't want to do any work on this, check here for a fantastic and not very expensive option. These are great skirts at a very reasonable price. Again though, it will not be as rewarding as making your own and it doesn't take much but a little thought.

To complete the look, you must wear bobby socks and saddle shoes. Socks are easy, just cuff any paid of white socks around your ankle. If saddle shoes are not exactly in the budget, then get yourself a pair of plain white Keds or similar sneaker. They will work just as well. If you want to go full on authentic though you can certainly purchase a pair of saddle shoes here for roughly $25 or less. Not a bad deal for getting something together at the last minute.