• A little ingenuity will help you create a saxophone-player costume.saxophone image by TEA from Fotolia.com
  
  The saxophone was once the heart of most popular music. In the 1950s, the radio airwaves were loaded with a range of saxophone-based genres, including jazz, rockabilly and finally rock 'n' roll. The players of these instruments varied greatly in their dress as did their music. You can recreate their costumes by picking the genre you like the most.
  
  

Early days

• In the early 1950s, swing was still king of the music world, and the saxophone player was front and center of the sound. You can mimic this timeless look with a white sports jacket. Find one with rounded-edge lapels. The length should fall to the hip area, and it should fit well in the shoulders. Choose flat-front black pants that do not require you to wear a belt. A wing-tipped tuxedo shirt with a plain front is preferred. Cuff links are a must. A brightly colored flower, such as a carnation or a rose, should be worn in the lapel as well. Wing tip or pointed toe shoes are preferable. Hair should be combed away from the face and very neat; parted on the side is more traditional. A wider, black bow tie is preferable, but a thin one will do, and white socks should be worn. Swing saxophonists were very "hip" for the time, so practice up on your 1950s lingo before heading out in your costume.
  
  

Jazzing It Up

• Jazz remained popular throughout the 1950s. Though popularity on the radio might have been on the low side, clubs throughout the United States were filled with jazz bands, all led by the saxophone player.
  
  For this costume, you will need a broad-shouldered suit jacket and matching pants. The suit should fit very loosely and the pants should be just a bit too long for the wearer. Choose pinstripe gray, black or white or a bright solid color. Blue and purple were popular stage colors. Dark socks and pointed or wingtip shoes should be worn. A hat is necessary and should be the focal point of the outfit. Choose a traditional dress hat to match your suit, or a flashy, contrasting one to stand out. It should be worn with the brim tipped down on one side. Large rings on multiple fingers should be selected in gold tones. Using cheap toy rings for your costume is fine. Choose a thin dark tie. Your shirt should match or complement your suit. If you choose a bright blue suit, wear a soft blue shirt. Comb your hair back under the hat and keep it neatly off the collar.
  
  

Rockabilly Boy

• Rockabilly made a big splash in the 1950s, and the saxophonist didn't miss a beat. This look can be replicated simply with a baggy pair of jeans and a plain white T-shirt. Roll up the jeans and shirtsleeves, and grease your hair straight back. Put on a pair of dark high-top sneakers with white socks and you are ready to rock and roll.