How to Get the Right Square Dance Gear

People around the world enjoy square dancing, from schoolchildren to adult dancers, callers and queuers. Square dance clothes can range from informal flannel shirts and blue jeans to custom-made outfits. Serious dancers--and those who want to become serious dancers--can find the right clothes at specialty dance shops, either locally or online.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Strong sense of personal style

1. Start at the top. If you're a man, you'll need a cowboy hat. You can add a hat band to match your outfit for a special touch. A lady can wear a hat, dress up her hair with jeweled clips or ribbons, or go bare-headed.
2. Add a shirt or blouse. A button-front shirt is appropriate for a man, as is a tie. For a lady, a ruffled blouse without buttons is the way to go unless you prefer a dress. A square dance dress includes a puffy skirt that twirls when you do.
3. Skirt the issue. A lady needs a prairie skirt, unless she opted for a dress as mentioned in Step 2. A lace-trimmed skirt that puffs out when you're still and twirls when you turn is a classic. A man can get by in a good pair of pants.
4. Go underground. Square dance clothes include undergarments, too. Regardless of whether she chooses a dress or skirt, a lady needs something pretty to show when she twirls. A petticoat--a puffier version of a slip--and/or pettipants--ruffled bloomers--should do the trick. These garments are available in a variety of colors to complement any dance outfit.
5. Step to it. Ladies' shoes have a heel and a strap, rather like tap shoes. Heel height and upper styles vary to accommodate personal preferences. Men typically wear western-style boots.
6. Add some shine. A man can jazz up his outfit with a bolo tie, eye-catching belt buckle or collar tips. A lady can wear any jewelry she chooses, such as earrings or a pendant.

Tips & Warnings

• Many shops that sell square dance clothes offer custom outfits as well as those in stock.