Some Costume Ideas
With links to pictures of children from the 1890s

For the Marvelous Matriculation Musical
which is set in the summer.

Also some good ideas for Holiday Musical
which is set in Texas on an unseasonably warm December day.

Also good for "Vaudeville Tonight"


By November you should at least be sending your daughters to class in a rehearsal skirt.


I hope that by looking at the pictures of children from the time period, that you'll realize that you may already have clothing in your closets or your children's closet that will work.  If not, these pictures should give you an idea what to look for at a thrift store. 

Remember the kids were from many social economic backgrounds.  And I think variety is nice. 

I'll continue to add links to this page as I find them, so check back. 


COLOR
AVOID:  All white or all black on stage.  White is glaring, and black can be dull.  Think colors!

Although we are used to looking at black and white and sepia photos from the time period.  Humans prefer color if they can get it.  Aniline dies were created in the 1890s, and so it is was also known as the "Mauve Decade" because of the colors.  Look at this page to see the some of the colors from Mary Chamberlain’s shoes from the 1890s. 



Necklines
High for day time.  The play is set in the daytime.
Lower for evening.  The vaudeville performers may use evening wear in a couple of numbers.

Remember the show is set in May which is hot in Texas.
  • Yet, long sleeves and stockings were common to cover flesh especially for older children. 
  • Children would NOT have dressed like small adults for school. 
  • Skirts would NOT have touched the floor.  They needed to be able to walk to school, work, and play outdoors without getting their hems dirty.  (The kids maybe climbing stairs, so above the ankles to mid-calf would be safest and perfectly appropriate for the time.  See bottom picture.)


Shoes in general

Button and slip-on shoes and ankle boots, but buckles weren't very common in this period.

Girls Shoes 

Simple soft ballet shoes work great.  Sound great on a noisy stage, easy to dance in.  Not as loud, and many people already have them, or could use them.  And they are available at Wal-Mart.  Usually only black, pink, or white are available at Wal-Mart.  While black is fine, the pink ones should be died to keep from looking too much like "pink ballet shoes."  In a pinch I've also spray painted them! 

Boys Shoes

School boys may be barefoot for Matriculation Musical or wearing black or brown ankle boots (here is a picture), or even cowboy boots which are easier to find.
There is a pair of poity-toed, lace-up men's shoes on this page.
Here is a picture of a very common leather shoe worn by boys.
Boys might also have worn a plimsoll shoe, which is a dark cotton lace-up sneaker with a thin sole.


Girls Legs
Note if barefoot it and wearing bloomers (pantaloons) it would be Ok to go without stockings.  But with shoes you really need to have on stockings.  I've found that thin trouser socks work well.  Note in the bottom picture that the girls stockings often match their costumes. 

Note skirt length:  Younger girls wore skirts to just below their knees. The skirts got longer as the girls got older, by high school graduation they reached the floor.

Boys Legs
Socks were generally black in color.



The oldest children may look more like the adults if you like, but I would steer away from the bustles that were common in the period, unless called for in the Vaudeville.


BOYS
  • For boys think:  no pockets and high waists, in fact check out the women's department or raid mom's closet.  Note the high waist and limited pockets on this overalls pattern
  • Think colors and even plaids. Denim that we all have and love wasn't as common.
  • Loose fitting not tight.
  • Leather and canvas suspenders.  Button, sewn in, and clip-on suspenders were very common.
  • Knee length pants were common.  But full length can be seen also.



Fabrics to avoid for the School Children
  • Velvet:  Because it is summer
  • Satin: Because they are dressed for school and play
  • Silk:  Because they are dressed school and play
  • Taffeta:  Because they are dressed school and play
  • Blue jean denim:  Wasn't as common then

Hats

Hats were common, but please remember that the lighting in the theater comes from above, and hat brims cause shadows across the child's face which would be better to avoid.


Patterns and pictures


1889
Notice skirt lengths, stockings, colors, sleeve shapes, fullness of skirt, etc.


Make the Dorothy dress in a nice calico (floral print) and it would work also, but avoid blue and white gingham or your child will only look like Dorothy.

And another pattern, a little earlier, but would still work.
 

3 female 1 male from fashion plate of the period.


1900s dress avoid white
1900 dress (Please avoid too much white on stage.)

Original Butterick pattern dated 1898



Current McCalls Pattern:  sleeves on the outer dress from an earlier time period, but could still work. 




1880s but would still work.

Current Simplicity patterns that would work:
Simplicity Pattern #9497 with sleeves.
Simplicity Pattern #4905.
Simplicity Pattern #5137.
Simplicity Pattern #5144.

More patterns mostly for adults.  Note mutton sleeves.

Children's patterns.  Note sailor suits for boys and girls will work for this time period also.

Whole page of links to children's clothing

Girls dress 1886 but avoid white on stage.
Pink and white cotton gingham girl's dress, round neck yoke with ruffle, c. 1899

Great plaid dress!

White cotton rose printed muslin girl's dress, pink cotton lining, c. 1906

Blue cotton boy's shirt, long sleeves, pink ribbon and lace trim, 1893-1895

More from the Wisconson museum

More info

Wikipedia artical on clothing of the 1890s mostly adult clothing.

Classic Pinafore popular for many decades.

Sailor suits were popular for boys and girls.


Fancy shirt pattern for older girls could go with simple skirt.

Suit

Photo of Victorian School Children

More Victorian girls clothing from 1889

Pics from the UK but similar

More Victorian Children

For those who are costume challenged.  Look through the info above, you may already have something in your closet that would work.  If you're not sure, bring it to a rehearsal.

Costume Rentals: 
Because we were asked, you may also rent a costume from us for the entire show run.  Cost is $50 + a $25 deposit, as long as our costumer knows early in the rehearsal period that you are planning to do so.  You'll still need to provide shoes (if needed).
 

$50 fee for the entire run plus a $25 refundable deposit which will be returned if the costumes are returned with no damages immediately after the last rehearsal.  All costumes rented must be returned.


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