COSTUMES

Costumes (which are mandatory for all exhibitors and staff) play a very important part in the creation of the Dickens theme. An exhibitor once said, "They are the icing on the cake" and indeed they are. As would have been the case in Victorian times, at the show there is a myriad of different types of costumes from very simple to very elaborate. We feel that the diversity in them only adds to the event's authenticity.

Below you will find some simple suggestions of various ways in which to acquire costumes. Please Note: The suggestions are for a very basic level of costume. You are not restricted to these at all, feel free to get as elaborate as you want. Please make sure, however, that your attire is Victorian or older in style and length. (Many people passed down clothing from generation to generation. It would not be unusual for some of the lower income people to wear clothing that was 50 years old.)

NINETEENTH CENTURY COSTUMING

MEN

Men's clothing during the 1800's were a bridge between the previous centuries and our modern era; therefore, presented a variety of styles. In the early years knicker-type pants, fitted coats, long hose and cravats (scarf-like cloths wound around the neck and tied in intricate knots) were the fashion. Colors abounded for men as well as women. Towards the middle and on through the end of the century, colors became increasingly somber. The mid-19th century man satisfied his need for individuality with bright patterned waistcoats (vests). The knickers gave way to long, slim trousers, as the shirt collars became less high and stiff. The fancy cravats gradually settled into large bow ties and ascots. The ordinary man, especially shopkeepers, generally kept to somber colors and used collarless shirts with and without cravats or neckcloths. They wore vests throughout the century for warmth. Full or half aprons were most universally worn.

EASY MALE COSTUMES

• KNICKERS: Pair of pants, cut-off about 2-3 inches below the knee using the cut-off material to make a cuff that fits snugly below the knee.
• STOVEPIPE TROUSERS: Slim-fitting trousers, solid colors, tapered to ankle
• SHIRTS: White or colored non-patterned, long-sleeve shirt with pointed collar. Heavily starched collar, ironing the points over towards the outside. For Workman: Take collar off and apply plain bias binding.
• APRON: Full or one-half apron of butcher-cloth, usually white.

WOMEN

The ladies' silhouette went from the slim-skirted, high-waisted Regency look, to the Ante-bellum full-skirted crinoline, and then back to a slimmer line swept back into a bustle by the close of the century. Blouses for day were usually high-necked with the big changes coming in the sleeves. The 1825 puffed short-sleeve became long, either slim or full, about 1850. During the very last of the century the Gibson-girl style featured leg-o-mutton sleeves and high stiff collars. Aprons worn for working were almost as long as the ankle-length skirts. Materials from the mid to late 1800's were in somber colors and of strong serviceable cloth. Hair fashions were plain for daytime, especially around the working class - smooth center part with the back of head bun or snood. The softer pompadour look characterized the Gibson girl. The mobcap of the 1700's lasted well into the 19th century, especially among the working class for indoor wear. Simple straw boaters, or modified bonnets, were worn outdoors.

EASY LADIES' COSTUMES

• BLOUSE: Use plain covered up round collared long-sleeved blouse (cotton, silk, or satin material). Plain, oval or round broach at the neck.
• SKIRTS: Very full long skirt. Use a number of under-skirts or crinoline for the bell shape of mid-century. Latter period skirts, less full, add bustle of same material.
• SHAWLS: Used extensively for warmth throughout the period.
• MOBCAP: Round piece of material edged with lace or self-hemmed elastic sewn in about 1 ½ - 2 inches from outer edge will draw piece into cap shape.
• APRONS: Usually white consisting of bib and straps and font panel with self ruffles…goes well with mobcaps.

COSTUME SOURCES

Morris Costumes
3108 Monroe Rd
Charlotte, NC
704-332-3304

Imaginations Creative Costumers
1354 3rd Ave., South
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-626-6639

Theatrics Unlimited Inc.
981 King St
Charleston, SC 29403
800-758-7469

Other Sources: Patterns
McCall Patterns
(Pattern #3722 for blouse)

Simplicity Patterns

Buttrick Patterns.

Click here for show specifics.
Click here for exhibitor information form.

Leisure Time Unlimited, Inc. 708 Main Street Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Phone: 843-448-9483 | Fax: 843-626-1513 Registration: 800-261-5991 Email: dickensshow@sc.rr.com