Floral Prints and knee-length skirts were the hottest looks for women in ‘58. Short-sleeved dresses and "empire waist" three-quarter coats were also popular.
For men, sleek, narrow-lapelled suits, narrow ties, and brightly patterned shirts were the way to go.
For teens, T-shirts and jeans were the standard uniform for males. For the young ladies, Capri Pants were the new hot look. Popular shoe styles included pedal pushers and Saddle Shoes for girls and loafers or canvas sneakers for the boys.
Toy entreasures Richard Knerr and Arthur Melin brought something called the "exercise ring" to America from Australia. The two re-named it the “Hula Hoop” and gave birth to the years biggest fad. The original Wham-O Hula Hoop sold for $1.98
The Richards Brothers of Dana Point, CA, created the first skate boards in 1958 and began selling them in their surf shop for $8
The biggest scandal of 1958 happened on TV, when it was revealed to be rigged. Contestant Charles Van Doren had been given some correct answers by the shows producers.
Van Doran, a handsome, well spoken English professor, was popular with the viewing audience and the producers wanted to keep him on the show as long as possible. Van Doren had racked up $124,000 in winnings before another contestant blew the whistle and the show was canceled.
Adult’s and kids alike loved westerns in 1958. The top TV shows of that year were Gunsmoke, Have Gun, Will Travel, and The Texan. All westerns.
The musical events of 1958 were enough to try the patience of any rock and roll fan. Elvis had joined the army. Little Richard gave up being a rock and roll icon to become a preacher (briefly). And then there was Jerry Lee Lewis who single handedly ruined his career by marrying his 13year old cousin!
Electric guitar innovator was a bright spot for rock music. His single, a brooding guitar instrumental titled "Rumble", was a heavy influence on guitarist that came after him including Jimi Hendrix and The Who’s Pete Townshend who have sited Wray as their role model. "Rumble" was banned in many markets because it "encouraged juvenile delinquency" and this is why the song never made the charts. It did become the underground anthem for the angry, misunderstood suburban teen, however. 
With rock seemingly dying fast, novelty songs hit there peek. "Which Doctor" and "Purple People Eater" were unlikely big hits.
Show tunes were also popular. The top three albums of the year were the soundtracks to South Pacific, The Music Man,and Gigi.
Rock and Roll lived on in the movies at least. Elvis had a modest hit with King Creole and even Jerry Lee Lewis was allowed one last hurrah as he raised hell through his rock music in High School Confidential.
Teenage angst was a popular theme in film. Movies with titles like The Cool and Crazy, Dragstrip Riot, and Hot Rod Gang were popular with teens.
The musical Gigi was the biggest hit film of the year. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
The most popular stars of 1958 were Rock Hudson, Marlin Brando, and Elizabeth Taylor.
more to come
