How to Make a Child's Southern Belle Costume
The Southern belle has become synonymous with the idea of elegant gowns, ruffles and bows, a fancy "up 'do" with curls, parasols, and a lovely southern drawl. Since the Southern belle is truly like an American princess, it is no wonder why so many little girls opt to dress up as one. It isn't hard to make a Southern belle costume for a child and make her feel like a beautiful lady.
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Instructions
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Find a beautiful dress that can be transformed into a Southern belle's gown. The dress should be long and flowing. The more the pouf, the better. To make the costume even more personalized, let the girl pick a dress in her favorite color.
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Have the child wear a crinoline, such as one for square dancing, to add volume to the bottom off the dress and make the skirt have even more pouf.
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Add ruffles and lace to the dress. Ruffled strips of fabric and lace can be found at any craft or fabric store. Use a sewing machine or a thread and needle to attach the ruffles and lace around the skirt of the dress. Place several layers of the ruffles on the skirt; each layer can be as close or as far apart as you prefer. Try placing ruffles up the entirety of the skirt, or place a few layers at the bottom.
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Adorn the bodice and neckline with lace, ribbons, and other frilly fabric. Tie a thick ribbon around the waist. Sew lace and ruffles to the neckline. Sew or use fabric glue to add some bows as well.
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Go all out with the girl's accessories. A southern belle is hardly complete without a parasol and a wide-brimmed sun hat. To make the hat match the dress, add some lace or ruffles to the edge of the brim. Satin gloves and a fan will look very lady-like. For jewelry, have her don a choker or a locket.
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Curl her hair. Bouncy ringlets will complete the southern belle look. If her hair doesn't curl well, try another fancy "up 'do."
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