There is no better way to get into “the mood” to study history than donning a costume from a bygone era. From the Toga to the Tank-Top, a person’s daily dress not only defines them, but how they relate to the society around them!

So, here are some basic costume making tips to help anyone relate to what life was like “in the olden days,” even if your sewing skills aren’t “top notch!”

The necessary equipment: You’ll probably need some old clothes that are either over sized, or that can be cut apart and pieced back together. I suggest also having an assortment of old (or cheaply procured) sheets on hand, as well! (They’re not just for Toga’s anymore!) Thin nylon rope or clothesline, and a wide assortment of ribbons, elastic, lace and yarn comes in handy! Then, a roll of Duct tape, a hot glue gun, a carton of safety pins, and a solid, hefty stapler can be your best friends. If you do happen to sew, and have access to a sewing machine or the patience to hand stitch, having needle and thread have their uses, too!

The Pattern: If you’re the kind of person who feels they have no creative skill what-so-ever, there are dozens of fantastic patterns out there from companies like Simplicity, McCall's and Butterick that show you how people of the past made their clothes. At the very least, it will give you an idea of how to put the outfit together. If you feel capable – period costumes aren’t hard, they’re just different. It’s generally a good idea to do a little surfing on the web to find images of people wearing costumes from the time you’re trying to emulate – that way you know how fancy or plain to make your piece, and whether bright colors were fashionable or faux pas!

The Basics:

For Guys: You almost can’t go wrong with a pair of dark pants and a white shirt as your base. Adding to that a jacket, vest, waistcoat (i.e. a longer vest), leggings, boots or dress shoes, scarf, or hats of various sizes can change the period in a flash! Though different periods the length of the pants – and the fashionable colors and materials changed. Start with something that “looks close” then adjust the length using your handy-dandy Duct tape as the hem.

For the Medieval look: Cut off a pair of dark pants and hem them with duct tape to look like puffy shorts. Add to that either a “peasant” shirt, or just a plain white button down. A colorful vest or hat is often useful as well. But, most importantly, WEAR PANTYHOSE! Yes, it’s strange now, but that was the norm… white, red, black, blue, what ever color suits your fancy! Feel funny? Watch Robin Hood: Men in Tights!

For the “revolutionary” look: Make a simple cravat by taking lace or something white and silky-looking and layering it, then bunch up the top and staple it to either a piece of wide ribbon or an extra piece of fabric cover the staples with Duct tape if it looks like they’ll poke through too far – we don’t need bleeding jugulars, here! Then tie it, fluffy side out, around the neck like a tie – or clip with safety pins. Use a similar technique for making cuffs for each arm! Also, remember, the pants would have been shorter – so bring them to about the knee and add some white leggings.

For the “Civil War” look: The fashion wasn’t too far off our current dress fashion. Dark pants, vest and a jacket (though then it would probably have been longer or had tails) were all the rage. To get the “uniformed” look – either a navy blue or gray wool suit works wonders as a base. If you’re handy, buy or salvage some brass buttons and sew them down the front in 2 columns. If you’re not handy, get some gold ribbons and make military insignia on the shoulders or sleeves with your hot glue– this is where pictures help!

Exceptions to the “Pants and Shirt” rule: For a Scottish guy – you can’t go wrong with a kilt. Traditional kilts have 9 yards and lots of pleats, but you can mimic it with a thin plaid flannel blanket… Make it bunch a little (fold it, then Duct Tape it!) and what ever is left over, throw over the shoulder! For the Greeks – do a Toga! Wrap it around the waist once, then go over the shoulder and pin it to the back… Use lots of pins… you don’t want to lose it!

For Girls: Again, there are some basics that almost never fail! For much of clothing’s history, women wore very full skirts – whether fancy or not. The easiest way to make a very full skirt is to get a piece of fabric that will wrap around the wearer at least twice (a full size sheet works magnificently!) Then, I generally fold the cloth to the right length for the wearer not to trip over a piece of nylon cord. Sometimes I sew that into a casing, sometimes I duct tape it in place. Either way, when you pull the cord tight, the dress bunches and, Voila! You have a full skirt. Add to that either a white button down shirt, a peasant shirt, or something that looks a little more frilly and you’ve got your basics. Adding other embellishments – jewelry (real or imitation), headdresses, hats or wigs, or scarves or vests can help with the right mood.

For the “Regency” look: If you’re doing Jane Austin, you’re going to have to roll up your sleeves and hitch up your skirts… Literally! The skirt should be worn “Empire” style – from just under the chest down to the floor. The shirt should have short, puffy sleeves… Add a shawl and a headband and you’re all set!

For the “Pre- Revolutionary” look: This was the era of the wide hips… Add a little padding on either side under your skirts, or wear a jacket with tails.
For the “Civil War” Era: Add some frills! Day dresses were relatively plain, but for the evening – Oh, la, la! The easiest way to add frills is to cut strips that are the same width as your skirt (before you bunch it) and either sew or tape them on in layers. Also, showing a little shoulder was the norm, so a tank top with a matching strip taped around the neckline and shoulders does the trick! Also, for that really full look – you can add a crinoline or hoop if you’re really creative!

For the “Victorian” Era: The skirts got thinner, but they stayed as long – so use less fabric so it bunches less! Then, a white button down shirt, with or without lace frills, finishes the look!

Remember, if you’re having fun and learning, it doesn’t have to be perfect! And, don’t forget to talk about what life would be like if you had to wear these clothes every day!!