Grease (1978)

Known for its catchy tunes and preppy 50's style, "Grease" became on of the most famed movie musicals of all time. In the United States it is still one of the highest grossing musicals to date and although we can't get enough of the classic star-crossed lovers story between Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) and Danny (John Travolta), there is another reason this musical became such a sensation...the fashion! 

The movie is set in California in the 1950's and the costume does a fantastic job of portraying the "typical high school cliques" that are so important to the story line. The fashion is extremely helpful in identifying these cliques and their distinct personalities. The bad-boy T-Birds are always clad in their rolled up jeans and black leather jackets 

The preppy girls wearing a classic sweater-set style and full skirts or poodle skirts.

And of course, the "Pink Ladies" who are never seen without their Varsity style zip-ups and mid pencil skirts or leather leggings.

Even though this movie is set in the 1950's, many of the fashion keeps reinventing itself and comes back in style. Because of this, Grease is looked to as the ultimate inspiration for the "50s" timeless look. 

First, LEATHER JACKETS for men and women were put on the map in this movie. Danny and the rest of the "T-Bird" gang wear leather jackets in practically every single scene confirming their tough-guy image they work so hard to put on. And who can't forget one of the most iconic character transformations in history. At the end of the film, Sandy trades her nice girl image and ditches her sweaters and pompoms for a sexy black number including a sassy leather jacket and tight leather leggings. Her chic transformation is due to her complete change in fashion and her attitude shifts aligning more with this new daring look. I think it's safe to say that many women today still idolize this look and reinvent this look in a modern way and to fit their own personality. 

CUFFED DENIM is another style all of the trendsetters at Rydell High sported. This style fades in and out of fashion, but is an easy and simple way to throw a little edge onto a classic jean look. This was a common look for the "Greasers" but many jean brands today have shown a modern version. Here is a recent take on the trend by Burberry Brit:

FULL SKIRTS often embodied the playful good-girl in this movie, frequented by Sandy and her friends. The casual look of dresses with full skirts and tiny waists showed a cute and carefree look that was very popular in the 1950's. The skirt was easy and comfortable, definitely a plus with all those dance numbers! 

VARSITY JACKT/BOMBERS is a staple in this movie because of the classic high-school setting. The Pink Ladies sported matching jackets throughout the entire movie and show their strong identity for being a "group." The fashion of the jackets function as a character development tool as well. As the girls begin to develop their own unique personality and style, it is clear that by the end of the movie they never are wearing their jackets all at the same time. Varsity jacket have recently come back in style today and has been seen on celebrities frequently as a budding trend.

The last look that made a big statement in the movie was the MIDI PENCIL SKIRT. This skirt was a staple item in the girl's at Rydell High, mainly the pink ladies. This skirt was perfect because it was a little bit longer than a standard pencil skirt, but easily showed off curves and still looked conservative. This look was a way for girls in the 50's to look and feel sexy without sparring too far away from a traditional look. This look again has been resurfaced and reinterpreted in our modern era, but till fulfills the same purpose.

Whether you prefer the sweet and innocent "Summer Loving" look or the bad-girl chic "Tell Me About It Stud" there are plenty of looks in this mega musical hit worth revisiting and are seen as inspirations for fashion today.

-Marin