Fifties fever

Fifties fashion revival, reports MAXINE GORDON

PEDAL pushers and prom queens, floral corsages and full skirts, gingham checks and clinched waists - all were the essence of Fifties style, of a time when girls were gals and boys were teddies. For the original Fifties chick, fashion was fun, frivolous and feminine.

It was about wearing the fullest skirt possible, achieving the tiniest waist and tottering on the highest of heels.

Two decades later, a new generation was won over by the look when Grease became the word. The hit musical starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John as young lovers Danny and Sandy threw Fifties flair back into the limelight.

And now it is all coming together again as Fifties fashions return to the high street and Grease the stage musical arrives at York's Grand Opera House next week for a five-night run.

It's not hard to understand the enduring appeal of Fifties style.

With the accent on pretty femininity, it appeals equally to women and men.

Staples of the look have been creeping into mainstream fashion for a couple of years: three-quarter length sleeves, dainty cardis and calf-cropped capri pants.

But this season, the complete look is back in style, and you don't have to search too hard to put together a look to rival Fifties icons such as Doris Day, Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn.

Fenwick, in Coppergate York, has three-quarter-length gingham trousers in pink or blue for £28. In its International Collection, look out for a wonderful full-length polka dot skirt (£175) and white tie-waisted blouse (£89) from Vera Mont or a lime green full-length dress and a net petticoat with shoe-string straps (£175) - perfect for Prom Night, or more likely Ball Night.

Carol Allen, the store's personal shopper, says: "The Fifties look was very glamorous and feminine: petticoats with hoops, turned-up collars, pleated hair, stockings and suspenders, gloves, small handbags, bolero jackets, flared skirts and twin set and pearls."

The Coppergate department store is a perfect spot to pick up some essential Fifties accessories too.

There are strings of pearls in champagne, dusky pink, lilac and greys, silk floral corsages (from £5.95), and coloured neckerchiefs (from £9.95). There is also a good selection of small, clutch bags too.

Step back in time at Oasis which has some groovy winkle-pickers in black mock-crock or red with stripes of pink and fuchsia for £45. There are also some Fifties-inspired cotton sleeveless shirts (from £20) - just turn up the collar, pin on a fake-flower brooch and team with some cropped pants and high heels for that ultimate Fifties look.

For sheer value, it's hard to beat Top Shop. You can also rely on the Coney Street store to lead the fashion trends of the season. Come dancing in its black and white floral printed dress, belted and with shoestring straps (£30). There is also a flared skirt in the same print (£25) which looks great with a cotton vest shirt with ruffled straps (£12) in either black or white - which can be worn off the shoulder. Denim-like pedal pushers (£25) and a pink gingham shirt (£18) are another fun combo straight out of the Fifties - and an affordable one too.

If you want something a bit more sophisticated, check out Mango in Coney Street. Each season, you can count on the Spanish chain to add an unusual twist to its fashions, and its take on the Fifties is no exception. Stars of its latest summer collection are pedal pushers with splits up the hems (£37), a belted jacket/ blouse (£37) and a knee-length checked skirt (£37) in purple silk.

If a shopping trip isn't enough to have you in the grip of Fifties fever, then why not catch Grease the musical at the Grand Opera House, York, from next Monday to Saturday.

After a night with Sandy and Danny, you can be sure that Fifties fashion will be the one that you want for those summer nights. Do I need to tell you more...?

Get the Evening Press on Friday for an interview with London's Burning star Steven Houghton, who plays Danny in Grease at the Grand Opera House. To book tickets for the show, ring 01904 671818.