Ok.  I just took over directing "The White Sheep of the Family" for our spring production.  It is a very cute farce set in the 1950's, however, I'm having a hell of a time finding affordable women's costumes.  Affordable for us is $30 and under, because we are broke.  I'm already going to have to make a 50's evening gown, and I'm really trying to avoid having to sew 2 cocktail/party dresses as well. 

Hi Kendra,

There is a lot that you can do from the thrift store. My first suggestion is to get some pictures of  what you are looking for. When you get to the thrift store, don't look at the dress for the time period that it was made in, but look at the silhouette. If you can get the right shape, by subtracting some of the frills and adding accessories you can get a great look. I will often research sewing patterns from the time period. McCall and Simplicity have lots of vintage patterns on line. The drawings are simple, and really show the silhouette. They also give great ideas for accessories  or how to change up a look. My usual cost, per costume, for a show from 1930 and up is under $20.

You will also find that it will be hard to find vintage clothing that will actually fit today's modern woman. People were a lot smaller, shorter and had very tiny feet. Also, most vintage clothing wouldn't hold up to a a full run of a show. Lots of the fabrics are pretty fragile, and they don't launder as easily either. I use my vintage pieces very sparingly.