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Create a 4-song playlist for Holden by choosing a song that represents 4 different chapters or 4 different events in his life. Or you can create a 4-song playlist using one song for 4 different characters. The playlist should include each song title, artist, lyrics, a link to the song or video, and a description of why you picked each. Your explanation should be specific and reference details from the novel and specific song lyrics and/or music. Put it together in your own creative way in a digital format or a tangible project but there should be creative elements added that reflect your songs and the connection to the novel.

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The novel dealt with bullying, most notably of James Castle. For this project, you will research the real case of Tyler Clementi, a college freshman who killed himself after being bullied by his roommate. This story is not just news; Tyler was my neighbor and is personally very painful to me. His parents chose to honor Tyler's life by becoming activists against bullying. Please research his case and read through the attached website. For this project, you will make a poster that includes statistics and information about bullying, defines terms such as bystander and upstander, gives a summary of Tyler's case, and resources and tips to follow.

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Ridgewood, NJ
December 19, 1991 - September 22, 2010
Smart, talented and creative: Tyler Clementi was deeply loved by family and friends for his kind heart and bright spirit. At the young age of 18, he became a victim of a horrible act of cyber-harassment and humiliation. His story puts a human face on the consequences of cruelty, which has been faced by millions of others suffering in silence in their schools, colleges, teams, workplaces, or faith communities. Tyler's story has inspired tens of thousands of youth and adults to be Upstanders in the face of bullying, harassment and humiliation across the globe.

Read about bullying statistics here.

A Passionate Young Man

Tyler grew up with a passion for music. Tyler began playing the violin in the third grade and became an accomplished violinist. He performed in numerous orchestras and was awarded with several accolades for his musical contributions.

Tyler was also an enthusiastic bicyclist and unicyclist.

By combining his knowledge with creativity and talent, he taught himself to play the violin while unicycling! He understood that we all must learn to embrace unique qualities in others and in ourselves.

Coming Out

The summer after his high school graduation, Tyler was learning to embrace his gay self. He had just begun the important journey of coming out to close family and friends. Tyler was brave and honest about who he was, but this was still a difficult, vulnerable time for him.

"Coming out" stories are all very unique, whether disclosing a sexual identity, a gender identity or other personal part of yourself. Have you ever shared a part of yourself and been bullied? Let others know that we can all stand together against bullying.
Share Your Story
In August of 2010, Tyler began studying at Rutgers University where he was excited to learn, grow and have the freedom to live openly as a gay man.

He began playing violin at the institution's high level orchestra. Only a few weeks into his first semester, Tyler's musical gifts earned him a seat in an orchestra comprised primarily of upperclassmen and graduate students. Tyler was one of only two incoming freshman who made the graduate school orchestra.

Targeted for humiliation

Within weeks, Tyler became the victim of a horrible act of cyber-harassment, a type of bullying or cruelty that takes place using the internet.

One night, Tyler asked his dorm mate, Dharun Ravi, for some privacy because he had a date. Ravi agreed but what Tyler didn't know was that Ravi was planning a horrible act of humiliation; he secretly pointed his computer's webcam at Tyler's bed, and then left.

When is the best time to prevent cruel acts like what happened to Tyler? In your school, office, sports team or other group, we think you should prevent bullying on #Day1 with our free toolkit!
Download toolkit
The camera captured Tyler in an intimate act, as Ravi invited other students to view it online. Many students at the university contributed to this invasion of privacy by not reporting or stopping what was happening to Tyler.

Tyler discovered what his abuser had done when he viewed his roommate's Twitter feed. He learned he had widely become a topic of ridicule in his new social environment. He also found out that his roommate was planning a second attempt to broadcast from the webcam.

Several days later, Tyler Clementi ended his life by jumping off the George Washington Bridge. He was eighteen years old.

Tyler's Legacy

Today, Tyler's memory lives on thanks to a growing number of #Upstanders with a shared commitment to stand up to bullying, to offer its victims their support, and to treat every individual with dignity and respect, regardless of one's age, race, nationality, faith, gender identity, sexual orientation or cultural identity. Join the thousands of individuals who have made a pledge to stand up to bullying.

What You Can Do Now

Together, we can educate people on how bullying harms us all, how we can all stand up to bullying and how our unique identities make this world better.

Here's how you can join us in our goal to end bullying:

Take the Upstander Pledge, where you join thousands who have firmly committed to actively stand against bullying wherever it may be;

Download a #Day1 toolkit, where you can bring together people in your school, university, workplace or faith organization to acknowledge and commit to a safe space, free of bullying behavior; and

Donate to the Tyler Clementi Foundation, where your support can continue these goals and unite us all to remember Tyler's memory and prevent future tragedy.

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Tyler Clementi's Story * Tyler Clementi Foundation

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Ridgewood, NJ December 19, 1991 - September 22, 2010 Smart, talented and creative: Tyler Clementi was deeply loved by family and friends for his kind heart and bright spirit. At the young age of 18, he became a victim of a horrible act of cyber-harassment and humiliation.

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Draw two symbols from the novel in an interesting original way that coveys meaning. Note the way the artist incorporated Holden, the hat, NYC, and the lagoon into one picture. Be creative and unique. Each picture should be at least a full computer sheet big. It must be clear what the symbol is and what meaning your are expressing. On the back of each, attach a brief explanation of your picture. Do not put your name or period on the front.

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This terrible and upsetting topic comes up many, many times in the novel as Holden struggles with his depression and anxiety. Read this attached article and this one. Use the information to make an informative poster about teen suicide. Include statistics, causes, symptoms, other facts and what to do for someone suffering. Also include major organizations devoted to this issue and website resources.

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Holden, like many teens, uses a liberal amount of hyperbole and sarcasm in his daily communications. For this project, make a "teacher" poster that defines sarcasm and hyperbole, gives at least 3 examples of each term from Holden. In addition, you will write a simple story about any event from your own life. You will first tell the story factually without embellishment on one side of the page and on the other side or below it, you will add at least 5 elements of hyperbole and 5 of sarcasm.

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Create an eye-catching poster that captures the 3 areas of growth we touched upon: childhood, bridge of adolescence, and adulthood. Illustrate each area with pictures, words, and colors in a unique and creative way. Be sure to place Holden on the bridge in a manner that shows his dilemma and includes his beliefs and struggles.

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Research 4 top private boarding schools in the country and include at least one single gender, one co-ed, and 1 other of your choosing. Display the information that includes where it is, the year the school was established, current cost of attending, how to apply and the requirements, acceptance rate, size of the student body and school grounds, activities and classes offered, teacher-student ratio, any unique features, and a list of notable people who have attended them. Do not cut and paste info!

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Print out, read, and annotate the attached article below and this one. Then create a poster about teen depression. You might include a chart showing the symptoms and possible causes of Holden's depression. Include a timeline of how teen depression has been viewed from the 50s to today.

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As much as 8% of teens experience depression each year, according to one survey.﻿ By the time young adults reach age 21, one study found that nearly 15% have had at least one episode of a mood disorder.﻿﻿ Depression can cause problems such as difficulties in school, difficulties with relationships, and decreased enjoyment of life. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide, one of the leading causes of death for teens in the United States.

Depression is an illness with many causes and many forms. It is a disorder of a person's moods or emotions-not an attitude that someone can "control" or "snap out of." But it is treatable with psychotherapy and/or medication, which is why it's especially important for parents and caregivers to educate themselves about the disorder.

Adults sometimes don't recognize symptoms of depression in teens because the disorder can look quite different from that in adults. A teenager with depression might have some or all of these signs of the illness:

Sad or depressed mood

Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy

Withdrawal from friends and family

Crying

Inability to sleep or sleeping too much

Loss of appetite or increased appetite

Aches and pains that don't go away, even with treatment

Irritability

Feeling tired despite getting enough sleep

Inability to concentrate

Thoughts of suicide, talk of suicide, or suicide attempts

Types of Teen Depression

The National Institute of Mental Health states that there are two common forms of depression found in teens: major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder (now known as persistent depressive disorder).

Major depressive disorder, also called major depression, is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally. An episode of major depression may occur only once in a person's lifetime, but more often, it recurs throughout a person's life.

Dysthymic disorder, also called dysthymia, is characterized by long-term (two years or longer) but less severe symptoms that may not disable a person but can prevent one from functioning normally or feeling well. People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes.

There are thought to be many causes of depression. There are most likely many factors behind who develops depression and who doesn't, and these factors are no different for teens.

Traumatic life event, such as the loss of a loved one or pet, divorce, or remarriage. Any event that causes distress or trauma, or even just a major change in lifestyle, can trigger depression in a vulnerable individual.

Social situation/family circumstances. Unfortunately, there are teens who live in difficult circumstances. Domestic violence, substance abuse, poverty or other family issues can cause stress and contribute to depression in a teen.

Genetics/biology. It has been found that depression runs in families and that there is a genetic basis for depression. Keep in mind, though, that teens who have depression in their family will not necessarily get the illness, and teens without a history of depression in their family can still get the disorder.

Medical conditions. Occasionally, symptoms of depression can be a sign of another medical illness, such as hypothyroidism, or other disorders.

Medications/illegal drugs. Some legal, prescription medications can have depression as a side effect. Certain illegal drugs (street drugs) can also cause depression.

Depression in teens is most often diagnosed by a primary care physician.

If teen depression is suspected, a doctor will often start with a physical exam that may include blood tests. Your teen's pediatrician will want to rule out any other medical illnesses that may be causing or contributing to your teen's symptoms.

Your child will also be given a psychological evaluation. This often involves a depression questionnaire as well as a discussion about the severity and duration of their symptoms.

The Guidelines for Adolescent Depression in Primary Care (GLAD-PC) recommend the following in the management of teen depression:

Educating teens and families about treatment options that are available

Developing a treatment plan that includes specific treatment goals that address functioning at home and school

Collaborating with other mental health resources in the community

Creating a safety plan with steps that should be taken if the teen's symptoms become worse or if they experience suicidal thinking

Considering active support and monitoring before beginning other treatments

Consulting a mental health specialist if symptoms are moderate or severe

Incorporating evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and antidepressants

Continuing to monitor symptoms and functioning during antidepressant treatment; doctors and family member should watch for signs that symptoms are worsening and for suicidal thinking or behaviors

Talk to your teen about your concerns. There may be a specific cause for why they are acting a certain way. Opening up the lines of communication lets your teenager know you care and that you are available to talk about the situation and provide support.

Other things that may help your teen manage symptoms of depression include:

Talking about concerns with family and friends

Having a healthy support system

Using good stress management techniques

Eating a healthy diet

Getting regular exercise

Finding new things to look forward to

Joining a support group, either offline or online

Also, talk to your pediatrician or family physician if you have concerns about your teen regarding depression. Your provider may be able to discuss the situation with your teen, rule out a medical reason for the behavior, recommend a psychotherapist, or prescribe medication.

Lastly, never ignore the signs or symptoms of depression. Depression is treatable and there is help available for both you and your teen. If left untreated, depression can lead to thoughts of suicide or even the act itself.

If your teen talks about suicide or attempts suicide, get help immediately. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites suicide as the third leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 24.

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Facts, Symptoms, and Causes of Teen Depression

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As much as 8% of teens experience depression each year, according to one survey.﻿ By the time young adults reach age 21, one study found that nearly 15% have had at least one episode of a mood disorder.﻿﻿ Depression can cause problems such as difficulties in school, difficulties with relationships, and decreased enjoyment of life.

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This project is about the fashion and look of the 1950s. Create a template girl and boy paper doll and then make 3 different outfits for each doll for a variety of occasions.  You must research this to be accurate. Include at least 3 accessories of your choice for each. Write up your own original overview of the fashion, designers, cost, or colors of the time for girls/women and boys/men. Do not state the obvious- you must research to provide interesting information.

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What did women wear in the 1950s? Attending Hot August Nights, the largest classic car show in the west, has inspired me to take a look at 1950s fashion for women. My husband and I usually dress up in vintage or repro '50s clothes before going out to see all the cars. Sadly, not very many people dress up, or if they do it's just in '50s costumes.

The 1950s were a time when fashion exploded into new directions, new colors, and new silhouettes. It is an iconic decade that has spurned a vintage retro fashion revival including Pin Up and Rockabilly clothing. I wrote a detailed 1950s fashion history below to help you not only understand some fashion history, but to also figure out how to put together your own 1950s fashion look that goes beyond saddle shoes and poodle skirts.

Skip the history and SHOP NOW for 1950s style clothing.
1950s Fashion Trends

Tea length swing dresses with petticoats for fullness

Slim sheath dresses and tailored suits

Pencil or circle skirts, poodle skirts for teens

Capri pants, high waisted jeans

Peter pan collar blouses

Twin set cardigan sweaters

Swing coats in winter

Kitten heels, saddle shoes, stiletto heels

Small hats, headscarves, hair flowers

Jewelry: pearls, animal brooches, sweater clips

Matching Accessories: Gloves, hat, belt, handbag

Lingerie: Bullet bra, girdle, backseam stockings

1950s Fashion Dresses

In 1947, Christian Dior turned 1940s fashion upside down with his "New Look." (Watch The Collection, a fictional story based on some truths about this collection.) The New Look was big and bold and utterly feminine. Dress skirts were full and busts were padded to accentuate a small waist. The look was inspired by the Victorian era, but made shorter and sexier while still being modest.

Most women were encouraged to fulfill their role as wife, mother, and homemaker, and to be beautiful doing so. Her appearance was linked to her husband's success, causing a big boom in the clothing industry as women spent more time shopping for the latest fashions. Read more about 1950s women's fashion history.

There are two classic dress shapes of the 1950s. The most popular style today is the full skirted, tea length dress, often called a ' 50s swing dress. The other very classy look was the form-fitting sheath dress often called a pencil or wiggle dress today. Both styles had modest, snug fitting tops with narrow high waistlines and shin-length or tea-length skirts. Both styles were worn by women equally, although the sheath dress was too impractical to wear as a house dress.

1950s Day Dresses

At home, women set about the day cooking, cleaning, and tending to children. Her housewife dress was a full-skirted swing dress in simple cotton solids, small prints, checks, plaid, and thin stripes. The shirtwaist dress was the most popular design that buttoned up the full length of the front or just the bodice. They usually had short to 3/4 length sleeves, large pockets, a collar, and thin matching fabric belt.

Shop 1950s daytime/ house dresses.

A light petticoat was worn underneath to provide fullness, and an apron sat on top to keep her dress clean. Her shoes were usually flats, but on TV a housewife wore heels. More about 1950s house dresses and aprons.

Leaving the house, a woman could continue to wear her housedress with the addition of fancier accessories, such as a pearl necklace, earrings, gloves, a hat, heels, and a purse. This was acceptable for visiting friends or running light errands. For shopping in the city, meeting up with her husband, going to appointments, or any other public outing, her dress had to be nicer with coordinated accessories.

" Going out dresses " or women's professional clothes could either be swing dresses or pencil dresses. Fabrics were heavier cotton, wool, tweed, rayon, suiting, corduroy, knits, and synthetics that mimicked natural materials.

They were more trimmed than house dresses with contrasting collars, buttons and belts, smaller pockets, dramatic collars, large bows, full pleats, and small pintucks on a bed of solid, texture, florals, dot or novelty print fabrics. This was the dress that made women feel their best.

For my grandmother, it was a simple red, 3/4 sleeve wool swing dress. She wasn't much of a fashionista but she looked good in it, and the red was a bold color choice.

In summer, both house dresses and going out dresses became a bit more "fun." Polka dots, border prints, sailor themes, gingham, pastels, and sleeveless dresses brought women back to the joys of their childhood. Women looked like little girls in big dresses. Most repro and inspired 50s dresses today embrace these more youthful, colorful designs. Shop polka dot dresses.

There were many variations of swing and sheath dresses such as the coatdress, jumper dress, bell, and tulip dress. Learn more about all styles of 1950s dress here.

For mature women and plus sizes there were ample choices in all the latest styles. Learn about the history of the 1950s plus size fashions and fashion for the mature women.

Find the perfect 1950s dress for you:

50s Cocktail Dresses

Hosting a dinner or leaving for a night out on the town, a woman changed dresses again into a swing or sheath dress made of richer materials such as silk, taffeta, lace, damask, and velvet. Black was the safest choice. Nine out of ten women at a party were wearing a black dress. It was so chic and sophisticated and easy to accessorize with pretty jewelry and the latest bouffant haircut.

Party dresses were minimally trimmed. They usually had no collars, buttons, or belts. Necklines were high and round or V for some va va voom. Some had beads or sequins around the neckline or embroidery on the bodice, but otherwise the richness of the fabric and clean simple lines made a cocktail dress classy enough for most parties. Accessories included plain high heels, long or short gloves, a matching envelope purse, pearls or sparkling jewelry, and sometimes a small coordinated hat or hair whimsy.
Learn more about and shop 1950s cocktail dresses.
For hosting a semi-formal party at her own house, there was one unusual style of dress called a hostess gown. Lucile Ball wore a black lace hostess gown in I Love Lucy and every woman wanted one after that. The hostess gown was a cross between a dress, skirt, and capri pants. Capri pants were worn with a split skirt dress over it, exposing the pants below. Overskirts could be long or short, fancy or simple. Men didn't like them ("where are her legs?") but women enjoyed the casualness for a brief time. They also wore jumpsuits without any skirt!
See more examples and a history of the hostess dress here.
1950s Evening Dresses

For very special occasions such as attending a ball or theatrical performance, a short cocktail dress wasn't enough. Long, floor-length ballgowns or long, sexy tube gowns were worn to these fancy events. Rich fabrics of silk, satin, taffeta, lace, organdy, net, velvet, chiffon, and net could either be gathered to create dramatic volume or draped for sleek Hollywood star luxuriousness.

The mermaid gown took roots in the 1950s, as did the Grecian gown with an empire waistband. Some evening gowns could be shorter tea lengths, but they were less common.

For full ballgowns, multiple floor length petticoats or a hoop skirt was worn underneath to create a wide A-line or round teacup shape. Some hybrid gowns featured a smooth draped front and large gathered rear skirt or giant bow. Again, these were styles borrowed from the Victorian era, where bigger was better, although newer fabrics made them lighter to wear.

Most ballgowns were sleeveless or may have had tiny spaghetti sleeves. For modesty, a matching shawl or bolero jacket could be worn over the gown. Over-the-elbow length gloves were a required accessory, as was a statement necklace and earrings.

Prom dresses for teens were the one formal style that was usually a tea-length. They had layers of net, tulle, organdy and other very light fabrics that made them bounce, swish and sway to the dance beat. Strapless, sleeveless and oh-so-fun to wear, they have made fashion comebacks in modern prom circles many times since the '50s. Shop 1950s style prom, party (short) and formal evening gowns (long).

Read more about 1950s formal, party and prom dress history. Also, look here for the history of 1950s wedding dresses.

1950s Skirts and Suits

Chop off the top half of a dress and you are left with a classic 1950s skirt. Full skirts that were made of one large round piece of fabric were called circle skirts. They were worn over several layers of fluffy petticoats to add to the volume. Some were gathered or pleated at the waist to add fullness while others were large A-lines.

Some full skirts had tiers of gathers, called peasant skirts. Some had border prints on the lower 1/3 edge of the skirt, too.

Plaid was a popular print in fall and winter, with pastel shades for spring. Many skirts had hidden pockets on the side while some had large pockets on the outside, trimmed in contrast piping.

A blouse was worn tucked into the skirt band. A wide cinch belt offered a contrast between the blouse and skirt and also helped keep the blouse tucked in neatly. Shop belts.

Poodle skirts were circle skirts, too. They came in more fabric than just felt, although thick felt hid hoop skirts nicely underneath. Poodle skirts were embellished with other cute motifs like mice, dogs, cars, telephones, and even martini glasses. They were mostly worn by children and young teens, although they were not nearly as common we think they were. Shop poodle skirts.

The iconic teenager sock hop outfit with a poodle skirt consists of a white blouse or twin set sweater, neck scarf, cinch belt, and black and white saddle shoes. See more history and ideas for attending a sock hop here.

Pencil skirts were popular with women of all ages. They hung straight from the high waist to the mid-calf with a split or kick pleat at the back to make walking easier. Fabrics had no stretch so skirts were stiff and required women to walk with a wiggle, hence the modern name: wiggle skirt. Most pencil skirts were solid colors or plaid prints. They usually came with a matching short suit jacket, but could also be worn with a long sleeve blouse or cardigan sweater.

Learn more about the variety of 1950s skirts here.

Women's 1950s suits with either the swing or pencil skirt are popular clothes for professional women who want to wear vintage everyday. Read this article about 1950s women's suit history.

1950s Petticoats

The 1950s full skirt required at least one but more likely several layers of petticoats or a hoop skirt to be worn underneath. These underskirts were made of layers of ruffled netting that added volume under swing skirts. They were starched, dried upside down, and worn in multiple layers to achieve maximum fullness.

Many women today skip the petticoat when wearing '50s style dresses because they itch like crazy and don't fit well in modern small cars with bucket seats. However, to get an authentic look, you will need a nice full but soft petticoat worn over a slip to protect your legs. The pencil dress is enhanced with shapewear to smooth or a boned corset to make hourglass curves.

Learn more about and shop crinoline petticoats.

1950s Blouses, Tops and Shirts

Skirts and pants were paired with button-down blouses. They fit snug and were always worn tucked in. Bunching at the waist was a constant battle (tucking them into pantyhose will help hold them down).

Blouses usually had collars in classic point, boat neck, and round Peter Pan shapes. Popular colors were pink, teal, red, baby blue, black, and white in solid or gingham checks, small prints, and polka dots. Patterns were very popular, especially in the summer.

Some blouses had vertical pintucks, small ruffles, big bows, small embroidery and white, pearl or contrasting color buttons. Sleeve length ranged from sleeveless in summer to short puff sleeve, 3/4 sleeves, and long sleeves with a wide cuff wrist. There were so many varieties to choose from!

Knit tops were an alternative to tailored blouses. They look like short-sleeve sweaters with a pullover or partial button-up front. Some had classic point, crew or roll collars. They were usually worn over a skirt or pant but were short, just topping the hips.

The dolman sleeve knit top was very popular in the middle years. Striped T-shirts were usually worn with jeans in the summer. Turtleneck shirts became fall fashion essentials in the later years.

Wearing a neck scarf with a knit top or sweater was very chic! The twin set, matching cardigan sweater worn over a knit top, was and still is a 50s classic. Read more about 1950s blouse history.
Shop 1950s style tops and blouses.
1950s Sweaters

Ladies' sweaters (jumpers) in the 1950s became thinner and shrink proof thanks to new synthetic materials. The fit also tightened up to emphasize a wasp waist, and bullet bras enhanced the bustline. The term "sweater girl" applied to young women whose sweaters were modest yet sexy.

There were chunky knit sweaters and button-up cardigans, too. Wearing textured material was a big trend in the 1950s, so thick woven knits, handmade at home, were welcome in women's fashion.

Short sleeve knits and snug blouses were worn under sweaters, yet they never appeared bulky. Showing off the figure was more important than keeping cozy. Read more about 1950s sweaters and cardigans (jumpers) here.

1950s Coats and Jackets

While most sweaters were light and thin, coats were big and bulky. Long winter coats needed to fit over big skirts yet still maintain the clean line of 50s fashion. Winter overcoats were made of wool, camel hair, fleece, tweed, fur and cashmere.

The swing coat or princess coat was a general name for a winter coat that flared over the dress in a tent-like shape, buttoning up the front with big oversize buttons, and topping with a wide collar.

The swagger coat was fitted at the waist and flared out over the skirt echoing the swing dress underneath. The trench coat continued to be worn in the 50s with a wrap-around belt and very wide lapels. Raincoats were often made in the trench cut.

Coats worn over sheath dresses fit long and tubular with a slight tapering at the shins.

Short coats called box coats were half the length of long coats. Most were quite wide and looked very dramatic when worn with a pencil skirt.

Short jackets were a newer style in the 1950s. There were tailored jackets worn as a suit set or casual jackets such as the parka, leather bomber, or rain jacket that were a stylish, warm and less bulky option to the overcoat. Many jackets came down to mid-hip level, had fur collars, big pockets, and a tie or buckle belt.

The shortest jacket, the bomber or motorcycle jacket, was adapted from menswear but updated for women with pastel colors and plaid prints. Some were made of leather, others of satin such as the famous Pink Ladies jackets from Grease.

Learn about 1950s coats and jackets and shop for 1950s coats and jackets like these:

Ladies' Pants and Shorts

Ladies' 1950s fashion wasn't only dresses and skirts. Wearing pants and jeans, not just at home, was a growing trend, although not without some rules. At first, wide-leg and high waisted trousers were trendy, just as in the 40s. But the style was narrowing down in the hip and legs so that it showed off a woman's figure.

Long pants were called cigarette pants. They had a high waist, rounded hip and a slim leg that ended above the ankle. They came in solid neutral colors but also fun prints such as plaid, polka dots, leopard, and vertical stripes.

The capri pant was the same shape but came up to mid-calf and often had a thin belt at the waistband. Capri jeans were cuffed, sometimes in a contrasting fabric that matched the shirt.

What about denim jeans? Yes, they were worn too, but mostly by teens, while gardening, or on ranches. They were made of dark blue denim, had rolled cuffs, were lined in a contrasting fabric, and had contrast stitching giving them a western look. Read more about the history of western jeans.

Read more about women's pants, jeans and capri history. And shop 1950s pants, capris, jumpsuits and jeans.

There were other bottoms in between pants and shorts. Clam diggers or pedal pushers were wide leg, knee length pant/shorts. Bermuda shorts were just above the knee and short shorts were a little higher than that.

Shorts usually had a 2-inch cuff and side slash pockets. Shorts and pants also zipped up the side, not the front, which was less "like men's trousers." Short shorts became very short and tight right at the end of the '50s but only for models, movie stars, athletes, and pin-ups.

Read more about the history of 1950s shorts and shop 1950s style shorts.

Playsuits and Swimsuits

In summer, there were many options to dress casually at the beach, on vacation, or in the backyard. The playsuit, called a romper now, was a one-piece top and shorts item that usually came with a matching button-down dress or skirt to wear over it. The dress or skirt provided modesty when not actively playing on the beach or by the pool.

Jumpsuits were short sleeve or sleeveless rompers with long pants or more often, pedal pusher length pants. They could be worn alone or with a skirt over them.

Short beach robes, vests, and smocks were other coverups for the pool or beach. Playsuits came in fun summer prints like red and white picnic gingham, blue and white "sailor" themes, and tropical flora and fauna prints. These same prints were designed into cigarette or capri pant jumpsuits, short overalls, jumper pants/shorts and swimwear. Read a history of the vintage playsuit here.

1950s swimsuits were the last decade to fully embrace modesty yet remain sexy and flattering. Swimsuit tops had full coverage with built-in cups to lift and enhance. Ruching across the body maximized the hourglass shape while a skirt across the hips covered up body parts in the front and sometimes the rear too. The bubble-skirted swimsuit or the swim dress enhanced the lower half while strapless swimsuits called attention to the upper half. Learn more about 1950s swimwear history.

Two-piece bikini bathing suits grew in popularity during the '50s. They were very modest by today's standard, with only a few inches exposed between the bikini top and skirted bottom. The rise of the bottom always covered the navel. Currently, high waisted vintage swimsuits are back in mainstream fashion! Shop 50s swimsuits.

1950s Shoes

Black and white saddle shoes were all the rage for teens in the 1950s, but women wore them too. They looked best with felt or cotton circle skirts and denim pants. Other casual shoes included white flat lace up sneakers like Keds classic shoes, slip on penny loafers, moccasins, low heel Mary Janes, lace up Oxfords, and black ballet flats with a small bow on the toe.

In summer, espadrilles and sandals were on every woman's feet. Espadrilles had a canvas body and long laces that crisscrossed up above the ankle. Sandals could be combined with heels or flats. They featured many narrow straps or cutouts for ventilation.

The wedge heel shoe could be casual or fancy, as was the platform heel shoe. Wedge and platform soles were seen on Oxfords, loafers, sandals, ankle strap pumps, and peep-toe heels.

Semi-formal "outing shoes" would have been pumps or heels. Heel height was usually 1.5 to 3 inches with small, narrow "kitten" heels. Many shoes had decorative elements on the toe such as bows, crystal clips, ties, or at least an interesting painted design. For evenings, pumps were much taller with thin "stiletto" heels. Strappy sandals were also stylish evening shoes, especially in black but teens favored clear pumps for a Cinderella look.

Learn about 1950s shoe styles here and shop for shoes here.

Socks & Stockings

Colored or white fold down bobby socks were worn with casual shoes but otherwise, most skirts and dresses needed a nice pair of stockings. Stockings came to thigh height and were held up with garters. Stockings had seams, notably black seams. Nude would be fine too, but '50s women loved their stockings to stand out and attract attention. Many stockings had heel designs such as Cuban heels, pointed heels, bows, arrows and other cute designs on the back leg or ankle. Learn more about 1950s stockings here and socks here.

Shop 1950s style seamed stockings and socks.

1950s Lingerie

The 1950s silhouette wasn't a natural shape. It needed some help in the form of foundation underwear, bras, slips, and petticoats. The bra, especially the cone-shaped bullet bra, gave women the protruding bust that balanced out the wide hips. They could be strapless to wear with evening gowns and sheer tops, or with straps for daywear.

There were also falsies, bust pads, to give women what they naturally lacked. And if what they lacked was a flat tummy, well, then a boned corset or elasticized girdle would help with that. These body shapers flattened, smoothed, and held up stockings all in one. Some had built-in bras for the ultimate one-piece foundation support. Read about 1950s lingerie.

Over these support garments came a high waisted cotton or silky soft panties. A slip, either full or half size and trimmed in lace, wasn't just pretty - it helped clothing hang smoothly on the body.

Nightwear such as long nightgowns, short babydoll nighties, pajamas, robes and peignoir sets brought glamour into the bedroom. Silky gowns trimmed in lace and marabou feathers with a matching pair of mule slippers were what all the Hollywood ladies were wearing. More about 1950s sleepwear and loungewear styles.

1950s Fashion Accessories

No 1950s woman could leave the house without the perfect combination of accessories. Matching accessories were a big deal, although there were a few years where choosing a complementary color accessory was preferred over matching. Black, brown, or white accessories were the most versatile for any outfit.

1950s Hats

Most mature women still wore hats in the 1950s. They were small flat straw or felt hats with adornments of flowers, feathers, or bows. Decorations were simple. Hats were designed with light materials so that they perched on top of the latest bouffant hairstyles. Some were crescent shapes that saddled the head. Others were plate-shaped or round bowl-shaped. Lace, velvet, felt, fine straw, brushed fur, and mesh provided the foundation for most small hats.

Small hats with veils are often called fascinator hats today, a term that was not used in the 1950s. There were also whimsies (I love that word), which were headbands or clips of hat-like materials that gave the suggestion of a hat but it did not compress the hair like most hats did.

Other '50s hat styles included the pillbox hat with tall, rounded edges. The beret made of knit or fuzzy wool circled the head on teens and young women. Plate or saucer hats were the flattest hat and created a halo effect, framing a woman's face and showing off her dramatic makeup. But it was the bucket hat, called a cloche hat, that was made famous by Audrey Hepburn. It sat on top of the head and added height, yet allowed hair to peek out and around the neck.

In summer, the cartwheel hat or garden hat covered in flowers mimicked the Edwardian era picture hats (think Kentucky Derby style). They were big, with low crowns and wide brims perfect for sunshade.

It is still very easy and affordable to find a vintage hat on Etsy or eBay.com as well as new vintage inspired pillbox, fascinators, and sun hats. Read more about the history of 1950s women's hats.

An alternative to a hat would be a flower to one side or on the center of the crown. This is especially popular with the pin-up look. A hair bandana or silk scarf tied up around the entire head or like a headband was another casual hair accessory. 1950s teenagers also wore wide headbands to hold back long hair and emphasize the flip hairstyle. Shop 1950s hair flowers and accessories.

Gloves & Handbags

The other item a woman never left home without was a pair of gloves. Again, white was the best choice for spring and black for winter, but matching gloves to hats and purses was also popular.

Gloves were a cotton material that was thick enough to maintain shape. They were wrist length with straight, scalloped, or ruffled edges.

I love vintage gloves, but beware of buying any without trying them on. Women's hands were smaller/thinner back then, so most gloves don't fit modern hands well. A local thrift store or vintage clothing shop will give you the best selection you can try on.

Shop new vintage style gloves for a better fit. Learn more about the history of gloves, too.

A matching hobo handbag/purse was the iconic style of the 1950s, but it was the novelty bag made of unusual materials (plastic, straw, fabric, or mesh) and in unique shapes (boxes, baskets, or satchels) that have made a lasting impression.

1950s purses are usually small enough to hold just a few key items, although many reproduction bags are bigger for all the stuff we carry today.

In the evenings, small wrist strap or clutch bags with sparkling clasps were elegantly paired with black party dresses. Day or night purses matched other accessories such as shoes, belts, gloves, or hats.

Learn about 1950s purses here.

1950s Jewelry

Pearls, pearls, pearls. A small chain of pearls and matching pearl stud earrings were all a woman needed for jewelry. There were plenty of other styles to wear such as beads and stones in mid-century turquoise and coral colors.

Clear or colored plastics, animal shapes, fruit, and flowers were shaped into brooches pinned to dresses or hats. Flowers were also the main theme with matching necklace and earring sets. Bakelite bracelets were cheap and colorful arm decorations.

Most women did not pierce their ears, so wearing clip-on earrings was a must. Large cocktail rings dominated ladies' fingers, except for wedding rings.

In the evening, rhinestones sparkled against black dresses. Textured gold pieces were also trendy for day and evening looks. Learn about more 1950s jewelry styles. Shop 1950s style jewelry.

Read more articles on 1950s fashion here.

1950s Makeup and Hairstyles
50s Makeup
The 1950s makeup look is a fun one to recreate. While it's mostly based on a woman's natural beauty, the eyebrows are shaped into a nice arch, the eyes exaggerated with the iconic wingtip, and lips are soft and full. Learn how to recreate a natural 1950s makeup look here.

Hairstyles were inspired by the Italian cut, a short fluffy curl set. There were also style for long hair, shoulder length hair and very short pixie cuts. Learn more about 1950s hairstyles.

Shop 1950s Style Clothing

Need some 1950s outfit ideas? Try one of these combinations or read this article with even more 50s outfits and this one too.

1. Day dress (polka dots?), cardigan sweater, saddle shoes, white socks.

2. Outing dress, matching belt, hat, gloves, kitten heel shoes.

3. Skirt, blouse, cinch belt, Mary Jane shoes, small hat.

4. Cocktail dress, pearls, high heel pumps, long gloves.

5. Cigarette or capri pants, knit top, ballet flats.

6. High waist shorts, halter top, wedge sandals, hair accessory.

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What Did Women Wear in the 1950s? 1950s Fashion Guide

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A detailed guide to women's 1950s fashion. How to get an authentic 1950s inspired look and where to shop online. 1950s outfit and costume ideas.

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Research the facts behind the banning of Catcher since its publication as well as the controversy of its connection to the man who shot John Lennon and any other notable connections. Be sure to include extra information about how it was reviewed when it was first published and how it became regular reading in many high schools. Put your information together in an interesting and informative format.

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Write a short short using our vocabulary words for this novel. There are 20 words on our list. You need to construct a story that relates to the novel in some way; about one of the minor characters, set in one of the schools, or any other creative connection. The story should use at least 17 words on the list and try to incorporate the 5 parts of Freytag's pyramid and be at least 1-2 pages. Make sure you come up with a catchy title and add at least one artistic element to it such as a picture, border, or other interesting  addition.

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You will write the next chapter of Catcher in the same voice and style as Holden. You can decide how far into the future past Chap 26 to set your chapter and what has happened in the meantime. Your additional chapter should be 2-3 pages long and in line with the time period and be realistic (no alien abductions, etc). Remember to be in first person narration, use similar style as Holden (hyperbole, repetition, sarcasm) but adjust for how old you make him in your chapter.

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Construct a visually pleasing map of at least 5-7 important places/areas Holden visits in NYC and 1-2 that you decide that were not specifically discussed (like buying the record, his hat, etc) The map should be accurate to the novel and the real NYC. The places you choose should be shown in a clear way, either with color, 3D, or another creative choice.

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For this choice, you will handwrite 2 personal letters to or from any character mentioned in the novel. Your letters should follow the correct form as seen in the link below. Your letter should be at least 3 paragraphs and include an introductory opening paragraph about yourself and why your are writing, body - with your main point, and a closing paragraph that wraps up your thoughts. Your main point should give advice or express support or disagreement or other information and refer to specific elements from the novel. Please put them in a correctly addressed envelope (make up addresses but use correct form)

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Download Article

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When getting in touch with a friend, most people will opt for a text or a social media message. Nothing beats a good, old-fashioned friendly letter, and this wikiHow will teach you how to write one!

Beginning the Letter

1. Date the letter. If you're taking the trouble to write a letter by hand, it's nice to add a date on the top left corner of the paper. Many people save letters for years to come, and they like to be able to see what day and year it was written to reminisce about earlier times. Write out the date - for example, "May 18, 2020" - or abbreviate it using only numbers indicating the month, day and year.

2. Write a salutation. The beginning of a letter, whether it's handwritten or in the form of an email, is called a salutation. That's where you address the person to whom you're writing by name - for example, "Dear Emily" or "Hello, Skylar." Think about the nature of your relationship with the letter recipient, as well as your own preferences and style, and choose your greeting accordingly.

If you tend to like to write in a slightly formal style, using "Dear" in your salutation is a nice choice. It sounds typical, but think about it: calling someone "dear" is actually very sweet, and indicates that you care about him or her. However, you don't have to read into it; "dear" is as appropriate for a letter to your best friend as it is for a letter to an acquaintance you just met.

For a letter that is more casual in tone, consider beginning it with "Hi, [name]" or "Hello, [name]." This greeting is appropriate for a friend or relative, but don't begin a business letter this way; it's a bit too casual.

Write a more personal greeting for someone with whom you are intimate, or want to be. For example, "Dearest [name]," "My [name]" or "Sweet [name]."

Be sure to end your greeting with a comma. It is also formally correct to begin the body of the letter on the next line.

Drafting the Body

1. Begin with some pleasantries. The first paragraph of a friendly letter is usually warm and lighthearted. It's a way to set the tone of the letter, letting the recipient know that what's to follow will be more friendly than businesslike or serious. Use the first few lines to say an extended hello, tell a joke, or reference the season.

"How are you doing?" or "How have you been?" are common ways to start a letter. Asking a question helps make the letter feel like part of a longer conversation. If you'd like a reply to your letter, feel free to pepper it with questions throughout.

You can use the first paragraph to inquire more deeply about the recipient's life. For example, "I hope little Julie has been enjoying kindergarten. I can't believe she's gotten so big!"

Referencing the time of year is another common letter opening. Think of it as the equivalent to making small talk before you launch into a deeper conversation. For example, "I hope you've been having a wonderful fall. The trees in my neighborhood are more brilliant than they've ever been before. I think we're in for a cold winter, though."

2. Share news and personal details. Now it's time to get to the meat of the letter, your purpose for writing it. Why are you opening this correspondence? Do you want to get back in touch with a long lost friend, express to someone that you are missing them, or thank them for helping you out in some way? Be forthright, open, and articulate to communicate your message effectively.

Write about what's happening in your life. No matter what it says, your letter will probably be appreciated, but the recipient will feel much closer to you (and therefore the letter will be more effective) if it's revealing. Tell what events have occurred, what emotions you've felt, and what plans you have for the future.

Don't create an airbrushed picture of your life; that defeats the purpose of a friendly letter. Avoid a holiday newsletter-style update; your friend will start skimming to the bottom if you just list everything you've accomplished since your last letter. You don't have to go too deep into your troubles, but try to portray your life realistically.

3. Reference topics that are relevant to your friend. What was your friend up to last time you talked? Was she on the verge of breaking up with her boyfriend? Was he in the middle of a difficult season on the soccer team? Follow up by making references and asking questions to show you're interested in your friend's life.

You can also discuss topics of mutual interest. Write your thoughts on art, politics, current events, or any other subject that you'd discuss with your friend in person.

Consider suggesting movies you've seen that you think your friend would like, or books you've read that you want to recommend. Sharing good information is always welcome in letters.

Closing the Letter

1. Wrap it up. Write a final paragraph sending your friend or loved one best wishes. The last paragraph is usually lighter in tone than the body, but it should match the general feel of the entire letter. Try to end the letter on a note that will leave your friend with positive feelings.

Reiterate the purpose of the letter. For example, if you invited your friend to come to a party, write, "I hope you can come!" If you simply wanted to wish your friend a happy season, write, "Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!" or something to that effect.

Encourage your friend to write back. If you'd like a response, write, "Hope to hear from you soon," or, "Please write back!"

2. Write a closing. The closing you choose should be in keeping with the feel of your letter, whether it is traditional or more casual in tone. Like the salutation, it should be determined by your relationship with the recipient. Follow the closing by signing your name.

If you want to write a formal closing, consider "Sincerely," "Warmly," or "Best wishes."

If your letter is more casual in tone, try "Yours," "Take care," or "Cheers."

For a more intimate closing, choose "Love," "Much love," or "Thinking of you."

3. Consider including a postscript. A postscript, or PS, is often included at the end of friendly letters as a way to add information that isn't important enough to merit its own paragraph in the body of the letter. You could also write a playful joke, or leave it out altogether. In any case, make sure it matches your letter's tone and leaves your recipient with the feeling you want him or her to have.

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Download Article Download Article When getting in touch with a friend, most people will opt for a text or a social media message. Nothing beats a good, old-fashioned friendly letter, and this wikiHow will teach you how to write one! Date the letter.

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Read the attached article on teens and physical affection. In a persuasive response of 350-450 words, discuss whether you believe Holden misinterpreted Mr Antolini's pat on the head or if he was correct that it was inappropriate. Use at least 2 quotes from the article in your response and make your reasons clear and backed by evidence in the novel.

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Separating from childhood to begin the journey of adolescence (around ages 9-13), young people reject many childish ways-interests and likes-in order to act more grown up. In the process, they may elect to give up the expressing and the accepting of physical affection with parents (sometimes just the expressing, sometimes just the accepting, sometimes both) in order to show that they no longer want to be defined and treated as a child.

In doing so, adolescents can create a loss that they never quite get over-the letting go of a powerful non-verbal intimacy with parents.

What parents may encounter at this juncture is a more standoffish and physically unresponsive son or daughter who shies away from the old contact because now it feels inappropriate, even embarrassing, diminishing the older status that they seek. Also, after puberty, when the need for physical privacy is increased, the teenager often wants parental touch to be more circumspect so it is not, however unintended, experienced as sexually obtrusive. An affectionate parent can pat, physically play with, and wrestle with a child in ways that are simply off-limits with an adolescent.

Sometimes you can tell how much they miss the old parental touch and hug and kiss when they get angry seeing a parent cuddle a much younger child. "Why don't you stop hugging on her?" Or, "You're going to spoil him!" And a little later, the teenager engages in some age-inappropriate teasing of the much younger sibling. Why? The answer is because it's painful to witness what he or she has forsaken, but is still missing. Growing up requires giving up, and ceasing physical affection with parents can create a hard loss.

It helps ease and lessen the loss when parents can do two things: continue to offer a lesser form of physical affection, and provide expression of caring through words when acts of physical affection are disallowed. Patting your teenager on the back or giving them a side hug can often get through the painful wall of refusal that is keeping the teenager from the primal parental touch that they still miss.

Remember, if you can keep some level of physical contact in place, then as the teenager grows older, and becomes more confident in being older, the acceptance, expression, and reciprocation of physical affection can open up again.

Verbal contact that conveys caring is more important the less welcoming of physical contact the adolescent becomes. Using words to convey sensitivity, empathy, support, interest, attention, approval, and appreciation can all communicate the emotional warmth that physical affection so efficiently conveys. And never underestimate the power of a friendly smile to warm a beleaguered teenager's heavy heart, as well as laughing with each other and making time to have fun together.

Adolescent boys are particularly susceptible to giving up physical affection from parents because not only does that demonstration of caring feel childish, it also feels unmanly, at least according to the notion that to be a man means being proof against the childish need for parental touch. In response, parents usually back off to respect the more physically aloof definition he is after.

Then, what I sometimes see happen in high school age young men going through a romantic breakup is greater difficulty processing the devastation than for young women, who often seem better emotionally equipped to process the loss than young men who can silent up or even act out the pain-young women often seeking and finding emotional support, young men often going it alone.

Fortunately, there are many cases of teenagers, including young men, who keep the door to physical affection with parents open all through their growing up. They are mature or wise enough to understand how forsaking this primal connection is not some adolescent obligation. They do not treat it as a necessary loss. For most others, however, the degree of giving and receiving a loving touch, or hug, or kiss with parents is intermittently permitted depending on mood and circumstance, perhaps accepting and giving it more on close family occasions, for example, and resisting it when in front of friends.

So physical affection from parents with their adolescent can be a hit or miss proposition. And when it is a miss, and the parental overture is turned away, it's important that parents don't take that as a personal rejection. It's better, when refused to just assume the time or mood or circumstance isn't right, take a rain check, and try again another time when, weather permitting, conditions will be more favorable.

In the meantime, never forget to use that old verbal substitute for physical affection that never goes out of style and that is almost as primal as a hug or kiss in its way-those three little words that you can never tell your teenager too often: "I love you."

For more about parenting adolescents, see my book, Surviving Your Child's Adolescence.

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Adolescence and Physical Affection with Parents

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Separating from childhood to begin the journey of adolescence (around ages 9-13), young people reject many childish ways-interests and likes-in order to act more grown up. In the process, they may elect to give up the expressing and the accepting of physical affection with parents (sometimes just the expressing, sometimes just the accepting, sometimes both) in order to show that they no longer want to be defined and treated as a child.