1950'S Mob style

[Ingrid]

Hey everyone! I am going to a local music awards show on saturday and the theme is mobster. I will assume that 1950's fashion is included in looking "mob". This is the dress I am considering for the event. Let me know your opinions of coarse

Also, I am not really sure as to what shoes I should get, but I think red and tall would be great

 

[KittyT]

I think mob is usually 1930s, isn't it?

 

[Bettie Booh]

I think mob is usually 1930s, isn't it?

Usually... 50's and mobster doesnt go hand in hand for me. Some elegant 30's cocktail dress?

 

[Lady Day]

Yeah. When ever I think mobster, or the caricature there of, I think early 30s prohibition dust bowl look.
But I guess it would depend on what societal element you were going for.

LD

 

[dhermann1]

The "mob" persisted from the 1890's and earlier to this very day. 1930's gangsters got all the attention, but in 1957 a chap named Albert Anastasia reminded the world that the Brooklyn mob was still alive and well by getting his brains blown out in a barber chair. Rent a copy of "On the Waterfront" (with Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Sainte) or "The Asphalt Jungle" (featuring a very young and gorgeous Marilyn Monroe) to get an image of gangsters and mobsters inthe 50's.
BTW, that looks like a very cute dress that might be just fine for your party.

 

[Red Diabla]

Think Vegas if you're going for a 50's mobster/moll look.

RD

 

[Ingrid]

I am pretty confused because my date says its 1950's but the event says mobster.

 

[Lady Day]

The 'mob' or organized crime is not designated to a specific time period, so if the focus of the even is '50s mobster', then dress in 50s attire The dress you posted is not very 50s. But many, many alternatives can be found online. Think Louis Prima and Keely Smith.

LD

 

[Inky]

I think 50's mobster/gangster and think Meyer Lansky - here he is from the Life magazine archives with a gal in 1958

and a chorus girl (often the escorts of mobsters in any era), gambling at the Riviera, 1959

and my personal favorite (dig those craaaazy shoes!), LaVonne Cohen, wife of mobster Mickey Cohen, at home in 1949 (close enough for government work!)

 

[PS]

Think Louis Prima and Keely Smith

Wow...this brings back some really nice memories for me. I shall keep them private, but this visual cue is really something I needed. Thanks LD!

 

[Viola]

For fifties gangster you need Vegas, a la Bugsy Siegel and Lucky Luciano. I'd look at a Marilyn type halter dress or wiggle dress, gloves, and too much (costume) jewelry.