Many of our guests, especially our historical dancers, will wear period attire. All are encouraged to dress in the fashions of around 1900 to the 1920s, as suits their mood and the vibe of the event.  

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If you are not of the historical costume persuasion, you are in no way expected to dress up to attend, but if you want to join in the fun, please do.  ​ 

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Some of our guests are accomplished historical costumers, and they will be splendidly turned out in the fashions of the era.  You don't have to be one of them to join in.  I am not addressing them.  They don't need me to tell them what to wear.  This is addressed to the first timers, and those who want to join in without breaking the bank. This will not be a comprehensive survey of the fashions of the time, it will be a quick and dirty guide on how to fake it 'til you make it.

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The everyday fashions of the era (roughly the 1890s to the 1920s) have a lot of elements that can be found today and much of what I will suggest can be found in thrift stores, department stores and online for not necessarily a lot of money.

You don't have to be perfect.  Any effort will be welcomed and appreciated.  

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Men:

A suggested men's outfit is as follows:

Slacks
Light colored long sleeve dress shirt
"Oxford" style leather shoes
Tie (bow ties are best, regular ties are fine)
Vest
Hat: I suggest a "newsboy" style or straw boater. Bowlers and even fedoras (but not trilbies) can work too.  Never a top hat.  Top hats are for formal wear and this is not that. We also don't suggest modern cowboy hats.  Most don't really have a period look.

 

Women:
Women's clothing has a lot of variety, and there are numerous period styles that bear no resemblance to what is described here.  This is just one suggestion for an easy "cheat". 

 

The easiest option is a simple blouse and skirt combination.  

A light colored, (preferably white) "floofy" blouse with partial or full sleeves. 
You could wear it with a fitted vest and an optional tie (masculine style for a liberated woman)
Ankle-length skirt
A straw boater style hat or big decorated hat is a nice touch.
Simple shoes or boots of a traditional style.

Men and women: If you are interested in acquiring "off the rack" historical reproductions, you can try https://www.historicalemporium.com