Courtesy of The Fabulous Forties Gals

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Sydney Ballesteros, 26, loves old-fashioned clothes so much that she's started a group for people who share her love of the past. The Fabulous Forties Gals formed a year ago.

At a recent swing dance, the four members dressed up like cigarette girls and sold Coca-Colas and candy cigarettes.

"My grandmother, the '40s was her era, and she exposed me to the clothes and music of that era at a very young age," Ballesteros says. "I was always fascinated by her vintage jewelry and bright red lipstick."

The group's goal, according to Ballesteros, is to "establish a solid network of people who share a common interest and appreciation for eras past."

"Maybe we can get together and have luncheons and do events that pertain to nostalgia," she says. "Maybe we can do some more dances, car shows or festivals. Kind of like how in San Francisco they have the Art Deco Society where they put together balls and events."

In addition to attending swing dances, Ballesteros also poses as a 1940s pinup model. She says she's done a couple shoots at the Arizona Inn.

"I'm starting a portfolio with my pinup photos," she says. "I have a MySpace page where I advertise my pictures and I'd like to sell my prints eventually." Glenn Miller, Lindy Hop

Maureen McLane's mother taught her how to Lindy Hop to Glenn Miller albums when she was a little girl. Today, she's one of the most stylish members of the Tucson swing scene. She gets most of her vintage clothing at Desert Vintage and Costumes, 636 N. Fourth Ave.

Her favorite swing outfit: " Anything with a really full skirt — kind of the Loretta Young look. She . . . used to come out and twirl around. She would have this huge full skirt on and she looked lovely." Sexy but modest

Kathleen Lauth, who owns Desert Vintage and Costumes, says women need skirts or dresses that will let them move.

"We like the '50s dresses because the bodice is nice and fitted," Lauth says. "If people are really into the re-enactments, they wear crinolines — nylon half slips that go under the skirt that are very full and poofy. They come in a variety of colors, though they're usually white. Square dancers also wear them. It's good dancing apparel because you can dance a lot more freely without showing your underwear. You can kick and do flips and everything and be modest."

What about nylons?

"I think traditionally women would wear nylons, but it's just too hot in Arizona," she says.

Lauth says jewelry is good, but you have to bear in mind what kind of dancing you're going to be doing.

"You don't want to get tangled up," she says. "Jewelry from the 1950s can be very gaudy. You can find some great pearls, chokers, charm necklaces and bangles."

To achieve the vintage look, Lauth says, men should wear pleated pants, suspenders and button-down shirts with the sleeves rolled up.

"Sometimes a wide tie with a great rayon pattern if they really want to be period," Lauth adds. "You might wear a fedora to the outfit, but not while you're dancing."

Both men and women should wear shoes with smooth soles. That might mean buying dance shoes, or gluing felt to the bottom of your sneakers.

To join the Fabulous Forties Gals email them at fabforties gals@gmail.com.