Historical Halloween Costumes for Children

Pioneer stories have always been favorites with children.

History can be a great source of inspiration for a Halloween costume. Thousands of years of adventure and romance, along with the accompanying fashions, are right there in your child's history book. A historical Halloween costume also may encourage a little interest in the history behind the outfit.

Pioneer

A boy will need a pair of high waist, dress pants in gray, brown or black. Wear with a tan or light gray, button-down shirt, buttoned all the way to the neck. Hold the pants up with plain suspenders. Wear with a wide brimmed felt hat and boots.

A girl can wear a long print skirt, white or matching high neck blouse, a white half apron and high top shoes. A bonnet can be bought online or you can find an easy pattern to make one.

Roaring 20's

Girls should wear a straight, sleeveless dress. Sew three or four rows of swingy fringe around the skirt. Wear bangle bracelets on both arms and a long string of beads around the neck. Wear flat shoes and a close fitting, small brimmed hat with a bow or flower.

For a boy, go to the thrift store and find a slightly too big, double-breasted suit in white or a bright color. Wear with a black, button-down shirt and a white or matching tie. Finish with oxford shoes, a fedora and a carnation in the lapel.

Medieval

Instead of tights, have a boy wear tight gray or brown sweatpants. Wear a long sleeve t-shirt and an oversize short sleeve t-shirt of a different color. You can find an easy pattern for a cowl and hood to wear on his head. Wear simple brown shoes and wrap leather strips around the legs in a crisscross pattern from the instep to the knee.

For a girl start with a solid colored, one piece dress or robe with long sleeves and a slight flair to the skirt. Use a patterned fabric to add trim around the neck and down the front. Make a matching belt that ties in the front and reaches to the hemline. You may also add large bell sleeves from the elbow down in the same fabric. Wear hair in a long plaid down the back and cover with a veil.

Ancient Greek

A Greek costume may be made by cutting a sheet or piece of white fabric to the length of the garment and the width of the arm span of the wearer. Wrap it around the body and pin over each shoulder. Belt it with a sash. A girl's costume would reach the ankle and a boy's the knees. Add trim with a Greek key pattern to the hemline and wear with sandals.

References

• Fashion Era.com: Flapper Fashion - 1920s Fashion History
• Fashion Era.com: Ancient Greek Costume History Greek Dress - The Chiton