Making Historical Re-enaction Costumes: School Events


Figure 1.--

HBC has received numerous requests from parents asking how to dress their children in various historical or national styles for a variety of events. Considerable information is available on HBC which parents can use to use as a basis for costume design, bith chronological periods and national costuming. While there are many periods and countries that we do not yet cover adequately, there is considerable coverage that has proven useful. What we have not been able to help with is how to inexpensively recreate the outfits. Parents interested in histprical re-enactions are often willing to make expensive purchases. We would like to offer some suggestions on how to create reasonable looking costumes for school events at modest cost.

Australian Federation Day (1901)

Thanks to your wounderfull site, my two 2 boys here in Australia will look "just the thing" for their school Centenary Of Federation celerbrations tomorrow. Here is how I made their costumes:
Simon: Simon is 6 years old. I purchased second hand clothing from the Op. Shop. They have a great choice and are cheap. I bought a shirt and stiched the collar under to leave a granndpa style. I bought a girl's dress with a beautiful sailor collar and cut it off. (There were many dresses with collars, some lace edged, that were suitable for a variety of costumes, including sailor suits and Little Lord Fauntleroy outfits.) The collar was easy to cut off at it was only joined at the back. I then simply put it over his head and sitched in, again only at the back. I then bought a pair of long pants which I cut off below the knee. Here you can deither hen to desire length or hem and gather by threading with elastic making pantaloons. I added braces which helped him feel the part. Then I added a pair of my white knee high stockings and school shoes.
Chris: Chris is 9 years old. I got a shirt andcprepared it as above with "cravat tie" thing (his choice) around his neck. I bought a lovely old blazer with lapel turned up. I added braces, long shorts prepared as above, long dicks, and school shoes. For an Eton cap, some baseball caps work.
Both boys" To complete the look, I got ome old looking books and tied them up with leather lace (string or thin rope would work) and a satchel bag.

I hope this helps others in dressing their kids. Regards Louise






Christopher Wagner






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Created: May 10, 2001
Last updated: June 4, 2001