2. When attempting to be more accurate start with inexpensive changes, alter your hairstyle,
wear store bought dress shoes instead of running shoes etc.
3. When you are buying or making something new, keep in mind things you have learned
and do not waste your time and money on things you know are not accurate. (Don’t settle
for buying something “just because”. It is always worth it to bide your time and get what
you are really looking for. Skip the Batten burg lace parasol and wait for something that
actually existed during the Civil War. )
4. Avoid blatantly obvious faux pas such as ball gowns during the day, (Scarlet O’Hara is not
a good role model) or things that are out of time period. (Flip flops do not go well with hoop
skirts.)
5. Also remember common sense. It is important to create an impression that correctly
educates, however striving for complete accuracy is very challenging and sometimes
impractical. Remember you are just getting started.
The Basics for Ladies
6. A simple day dress; high necked, long sleeved, white cuffs and collar, hook and eye front,
full, gathered or pleated skirt to ankle. Hook and eye front or at worst buttoned. No zippers.
Bodices were generally hook and eyed shut with buttons as decoration. Button holes made
it harder to recycle old dresses into the latest style. These “dresses” are separate bodices
and skirts that are finished separately and attached together at the waist by hand sewing.
Note: If you are unsure of period accurate fabric patterns stick to plain.
(Broadcloth is a cheap, cotton blend available in many colours, always a safe choice to
start with and the cotton blend will survive camping better than 100% cotton)
7. Hoops or corded petticoat.
8. Low flat boots, square toe. (Period authentic ones can be ordered from certain sutlers or
similar styles can be found in modern stores.)
9. Chemise, drawers, corset and petticoats. Corsets during this time were not restrictive or
body contorting. They were designed to support the weight of the many layers that make
up these dresses. The illusion of the tiny waist comes from the dropped shoulder seam
and the wide skirts. With this “basic” dress there are a few options in regard to sleeve and
bodice style. (More on this another time.)
10. Hair should be parted in the middle and confined at the back of the head. Victorians
viewed loose hair as a declaration of loose morals. Short hair can be either excused with
an explanation of a recent illness or hidden with a hair piece. Ringlets and more elaborate
hairstyles should be reserved for balls and evening entertainments.
11. Bonnets were always worn outside or with certain outfits hats were fashionable.
12. Finally a reticule or basket will hide any “modern” necessities. (Baskets were generally
used on shopping days. As most re-enacting takes place during the day, in a village, this
is appropriate.)
When selecting your outfit, remember “off the rack” is a completely foreign concept to a
Victorian lady. During the civil war “mass production” was unheard of in ladies fashion.
Keeping that in mind, these dresses were designed to fit a specific owner. Custom was the
order of the day. Those who could afford a dressmaker had their clothes made for them. Those
of reduced means sewed for themselves or enlisted the aid of family. When you eye an “off the
rack” dress at a re-enactment you will be lucky to achieve the fitted look that these dresses are
meant to have. Sometimes, slight alterations may be necessary to create the right look. There
are “off the rack dresses”available from certain sutlers and individuals who will make custom
dresses. There are also inexpensive patterns now available at local fabric stores as well as
authentic patterns from sutlers. Just watch the details and don’t be afraid to ask questions of
more experienced re-enactors.
wear store bought dress shoes instead of running shoes etc.
3. When you are buying or making something new, keep in mind things you have learned
and do not waste your time and money on things you know are not accurate. (Don’t settle
for buying something “just because”. It is always worth it to bide your time and get what
you are really looking for. Skip the Batten burg lace parasol and wait for something that
actually existed during the Civil War. )
4. Avoid blatantly obvious faux pas such as ball gowns during the day, (Scarlet O’Hara is not
a good role model) or things that are out of time period. (Flip flops do not go well with hoop
skirts.)
5. Also remember common sense. It is important to create an impression that correctly
educates, however striving for complete accuracy is very challenging and sometimes
impractical. Remember you are just getting started.
The Basics for Ladies
6. A simple day dress; high necked, long sleeved, white cuffs and collar, hook and eye front,
full, gathered or pleated skirt to ankle. Hook and eye front or at worst buttoned. No zippers.
Bodices were generally hook and eyed shut with buttons as decoration. Button holes made
it harder to recycle old dresses into the latest style. These “dresses” are separate bodices
and skirts that are finished separately and attached together at the waist by hand sewing.
Note: If you are unsure of period accurate fabric patterns stick to plain.
(Broadcloth is a cheap, cotton blend available in many colours, always a safe choice to
start with and the cotton blend will survive camping better than 100% cotton)
7. Hoops or corded petticoat.
8. Low flat boots, square toe. (Period authentic ones can be ordered from certain sutlers or
similar styles can be found in modern stores.)
9. Chemise, drawers, corset and petticoats. Corsets during this time were not restrictive or
body contorting. They were designed to support the weight of the many layers that make
up these dresses. The illusion of the tiny waist comes from the dropped shoulder seam
and the wide skirts. With this “basic” dress there are a few options in regard to sleeve and
bodice style. (More on this another time.)
10. Hair should be parted in the middle and confined at the back of the head. Victorians
viewed loose hair as a declaration of loose morals. Short hair can be either excused with
an explanation of a recent illness or hidden with a hair piece. Ringlets and more elaborate
hairstyles should be reserved for balls and evening entertainments.
11. Bonnets were always worn outside or with certain outfits hats were fashionable.
12. Finally a reticule or basket will hide any “modern” necessities. (Baskets were generally
used on shopping days. As most re-enacting takes place during the day, in a village, this
is appropriate.)
When selecting your outfit, remember “off the rack” is a completely foreign concept to a
Victorian lady. During the civil war “mass production” was unheard of in ladies fashion.
Keeping that in mind, these dresses were designed to fit a specific owner. Custom was the
order of the day. Those who could afford a dressmaker had their clothes made for them. Those
of reduced means sewed for themselves or enlisted the aid of family. When you eye an “off the
rack” dress at a re-enactment you will be lucky to achieve the fitted look that these dresses are
meant to have. Sometimes, slight alterations may be necessary to create the right look. There
are “off the rack dresses”available from certain sutlers and individuals who will make custom
dresses. There are also inexpensive patterns now available at local fabric stores as well as
authentic patterns from sutlers. Just watch the details and don’t be afraid to ask questions of
more experienced re-enactors.
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