A Victorian Halloween

Girls’ and Boy’s Fancy Costumes

Posted on July 21, 2007 - Filed Under Fancy Dresses Described | Leave a Comment

Girl’s and Boy’s Fancy Costumes is a section from Fancy Dresses Described, or, What to Wear at Fancy Balls by Arden Holt. Fifth Edition, London; 1887.
I’ve broken down the costume ideas into alphabetized groups for easier browsing. Find inspiration for an authentic Victorian style Halloween party with the following:
Juvenile Fancy Balls are much the fashion, [...]

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Costumes for Children: A-B

Posted on July 21, 2007 - Filed Under Fancy Dresses Described | Leave a Comment

ALICE IN WONDERLAND. The characters in this popular tale are greatly in favour with children. Alice is dressed in low bodiced white muslin short frock with sash. The Lion and Unicorn as faithful copies of their pictures. The March Hare in a brown coat and waistcoat, with hare’s head and feet. White Rabbit in a [...]

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Costumes for Children: C-D

Posted on July 21, 2007 - Filed Under Fancy Dresses Described | Leave a Comment

CANACE (Chaucer). Dress of terra cotta silk, close fitting; long pointed shoes of old gold satin; hair plaited round the ear; silver coronet; gold veil; falcon on wrist.CAVALIER DRESS (For boy, after Von Hughenburg). Dutch type. Broad-brimmed Flemish hat, with ostrich feathers; doublet and waistcoat; breeches to knee; sword-belt crossing bodice; tie at throat; hat [...]

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Costumes for Children: F-G

Posted on July 21, 2007 - Filed Under Fancy Dresses Described | Leave a Comment

FAIRY. Short tulle diaphanous dress, with low full bodice, covered with silver spangles; silver belt at waist; wings of gauze on wire attached to back; hair floating; a silver circlet on the head. Or, for a Fairy Queen, a crown, the wand, to be carried in hand, becoming a sceptre. Stars should be introduced on [...]

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Costumes for Children: H-J

Posted on July 21, 2007 - Filed Under Fancy Dresses Described | Leave a Comment

HAMLET. Long black cloth cloak scalloped black velvet jerkin trimmed with jet, black velvet sword-belt, and bonnet with black plume ; black silk tights, black velvet shoes slashed with satin.

HARLEQUINETTE. Short skirt of orange, blue, and scarlet, arranged in diamonds; jacket, bodice and tight sleeves, opening over a white waistcoat, a red scarf round the [...]

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