Yes you read that right! Many people don't think of Dirty Dancing as a "period" set film because it is sooooo quintessentially 1980's; however, it is meant to be set in the 1960s.....technically 1963.
This film is an American classic of girl meets boy,etc. etc. etc....but it still surprises people that the setting is supposed to be the early 60's. All you need to do is take a look at the killer soundtrack to gain your bearings...Otis Redding, The Ronettes, The Contours (just to name a few).
Now onto the clothing! So there are only a few instances of costuming in this film that actually fit the look and feel of the 1960's. Honestly it is like they said anyone over the age of 35 gets period appropriate looks and anyone under 35 gets totally wild 80's looks (let's be clear that it was made in 1987). I understand the choice there (meaning they wanted to separate the old school of moms and dads and new school punk kids and dirty dancers), if that is the case, if not it is a total WTF moment on the costumers part.
Let's take a look shall we?
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| Johnny and Penny's opening number, to tantalize guests into taking dance lessons. The tux is fairly standard and hasn't changed a whole lot from its invention. Penny however it looking pure 80's fabulous here. |
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| These background suits aren't bad at all. The tiki look is a straight throwback to Hawaiian culture becoming a mainstream trend of dress in the mid to late 50s'. |
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| I'm sorry but Penny again is in something SUPER 1980's. The hair is at least better here. Baby's mom looks like a stylish 60's upper middle class wife here. |
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| This look is straight up hideous. The baggy men's shirt and white pants do nothing for her except to illustrate a starting point for her sexual and emotional transformation into womanhood right......... |
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| HERE. except that these shorts (read denim short shorts with rolled cuff) were not a thing in the early 60's. Pedal pushers and Bermuda length shorts were the norm until the late 60's at the earliest. So all in all a wondrously entertaining film...fun, upbeat, with a killer retro soundtrack....but lacks seriously  Thanks! Talk to you soon, Vicki xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo |
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