1950s working man style

[Jovan]

Can anyone help me on this? I know most of you have your attention focused on the Golden Era, but here's the situation:
A friend of mine is writing and wants to direct a film with me in it. It takes place in the late 1950s, though he's not exactly set on a specific year. He wants to audition me for a part, and I suggested to him that the part (I'm not allowed to say) might be enhanced if he dresses like a working man of the era.

I know the button down collar was high in popularity, and the 3" point collar was still in use, as well as the skinny ties being a common item. I think most RTW shirts then had box pleats and pockets, much like today. But what about suit styles and silhouettes? Hats? Shoes? Socks? Hairstyles? Watches? I'm not very knowledgeable in those areas, and my searches haven't helped much. Any help and especially pictures would be much appreciated, since he's setting aside a budget for the costuming. Thanks.

 

[aliados]

The era brings to my mind images of Ricky Ricardo and Clark Kent -- somewhat baggy, wide shouldered jackets, baggy pleated trousers with pegged cuffs -- maybe you you watch some Superman and I Love Lucy reruns . . .
But note that the silhouette changed drastically between the early and late fifties, slimming down considerably, so I would think that you'd have to be more specific as to the year.

 

[Salv]

On The Waterfront from 1954 would be a good source for 50s clothing ideas. Tons of blue-collar wear, plus some sharp suits worn by Johnny Friendly and Charlie the Gent, and a few fedoras as well. There's a 10-photo gallery on imdb.com for starters http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047296/photogallery

 

[Lincsong]

For the blue collar guy; blue, black or brown "khaki" style pants, same color heavy weight shirt. Black shoes with white socks.

 

[Jovan]

Thanks.

 

[cooncatbob]

Watch "Rebel without a Cause" 1950 LA, check out how the police and Jim Backus the father are dressed.
Bob.

 

[reetpleat]

Important question. Working man at work, working man out for a beer with friends, or working man going to dinner, church, or somewhere he might want to look nice.

A working man would most likely wear a suit many places when he is not working. But it would be a simple suit without flashy cut, heavier wool maybe.

 

[Jovan]

That's what I mean, just a very average suit of a guy who maybe works at a TV station or in a cubicle.

 

[dhermann1]

Late 50's vs early 50's

By 1957 suits had undergone a drastic change. Pants were pegged and lapels and ties had gotten very skinny. A man wearing wide and baggy any time after 1957 would have looked distinctly old fashioned. Believe me, I was there. Check out images of people like Bobby Darren and Rod Serling to get the look. Also, if he were a "working man" he might not have been wearing a suit at all, in which case you have more latitude.