Historical Attire

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to have fun dressing in historical attire from California’s past!

See our Photo Gallery to see a few examples from students dressed from different periods of California’s rich history.

Check in your own closet or your parents’. Craft, fabric and consignment shops have lots of great supplies that don’t cost a lot.  Be sure to ask your parent’s permission when making your outfit or you may accidentally cut up your dad’s favorite shirt!

Create a costume inspired by your Expert Word Card! …

or dress in historical attire from any of these periods of California’s past.

Native California period – Do research on what is appropriate to an indigenous tribe specific to California or the region of California where you live. 

Spanish Period
Missionary: A brown or gray robe with a robe belt, a cross around your neck.
Spanish Explorer/Conquistador: Create armor from cardboard and foil/spray paint. Wear a silver-colored helmet

Mexican Period
Vaquero: White shirt, vest, jeans, cowboy hat, boots.
Mariachi Member: White shirt, black pants, black jacket, red bowtie, sombrero style hat

United Stated Period
Miner: Jeans, flannel shirt, boots, and a hat.  Add a gold mining pan (pie tin decorated with glitter), face paints for beard and some “dirt”.
Pioneer: White blouse, long skirt, or a long cotton dress and a bonnet; Pants with a white shirt, vest and a coonskin cap.
Farmer: Overalls with a flannel shirt, a straw hat and a basket of fruits and vegetables.