These are childrens dresses I found on ebay

Actual dress from 1906


Here is an authenic pinafore from the early 1900s.



Because pinafore dresses remained popular for many decades search for "pinafore" and pair it with a little cotton dress or shirt.
Here is an example found on ebay for less than $5

Or throw an apron over a dress you have.




These sold for $10:00 + shipping




You can also find pinafore patterns

This one is from McCalls just search for pinafore

or McCall's  4648

Vouge pattern
V7958
or
V7593 
Butterick B4569

This McCalls pattern only cost $1.99  Do it in two different calicos or a solid and a calico and it would work.  Just DO NOT do blue and white like the one below!

 
 
 


In the 1970s there was a revival of historical fashions.  So there are many vintage dresses available from the 1970s that would work.  Jessica McClintock 
designed many for GUNNE SAX, so a search in the clothing catagory for "sax" will turn some of them up.  After you're familiar with the pictures you should be able to spot them easily. 

Here is an exaple I found on ebay with leg-o-mutton sleeves. 


 

And two sailor dresses

Most of these sold for under $10


Here is a Gunne Sax jacket that is Victorian inspired

Victorian inspired.  But a little too fancy for school!

Laura Ashly also did Victorian inspired dresses.  Here is one with leg o mutton sleeves.



For $50 + shipping you can have an apron, calico dress, and bonnet custom made for you.  This is more PIONEER style, but if you avoid white and do it in two calicos, or a calico and complimantary solid it should work. I wouldn't plan to use the bonnet though.  The little girl in blue looks ok.  The others are simply swallowed by the dress and the length is too long for our purposes.
http://stores.ebay.com/Kellys-Costumes

(again you won't need the hat.)



This cute one can be custom made for $35

Search for rosaliesruffles on ebay.


Then in the 80s the Gunne Sax short formal dresses were inspired by the bustle dresses out of the 1890s.  Add a long skirt under one and you have an easy saloon girl or can can out fit complete with bustle.
Example from ebay.
Another just right for the dance hall girls.


1889

If you're not sure, bring it to a rehearsal.


EASY Theatre's Home Page
 
Home page of john daniels, jr.