How to Build a Dress-Up Wardrobe
Build Fantastic Collection of Play Clothes for Your Children
Many children have character based dress-up clothes. A strong imagination is an important factor in the development of children, so don’t undermine your child’s ability to use his imagination by giving him too many character driven clothes with the associated ready-made stories. One or two character-based outfits of their favorite character is all they need.
The rest of your children’s wardrobe should consist of lots of pieces that they can mix and match from dresses and pants to vests and hats to give them lots of pieces to use. However, while giving your child a variety of items is important, it is not necessary to deplete your finances when supplying them with dress-up clothes.
Free Clothes for Dress-Up
The cheapest place to find dress-up clothes is in your own wardrobe. Most people have clothes they keep out of nostalgia. A cute dress that you are fond of but no longer wear could make an ideal foundation for dozens of costumes. An old shawl can serve many purposes. It can be a shawl, a head wrap, a baby blanket, an apron. Grandpa’s old suit will certainly make the adults smile.
Consider giving children the jewelry that you wore in high school but wouldn’t dream of wearing today —just make sure the jewelry is age appropriate and safe for your child.
Thrift Clothes for Dress-Up
A thrift store is a great place for dress-up clothes. Many thrift stores have discount days for their clothing. Shopping on these days will save you a lot of money on play clothes.
A gaudy sequined dress is bound to become a favorite of young girls. A fringed leather vest serves to signify many different characters. From cowboy to rocker to Native American—the fringed vest is a versatile dress-up piece.
Don’t worry if second-hand dress-up clothes are too big. Your children don’t care. The only modifications you should make are those needed for safety. For example, an overlong dress can be cut to a safer length and hemmed.
Accessories for Dress-up
Besides full outfits, children should have lots of accessories. Sometimes, when the mood is right or time is short, an accessory is all that is necessary to make the game. Collect hats, shoes, vests, purses, bags, and mirrors for your children’s wardrobe.
Other accessories include small suitcases, leather backgammon sets (the case makes a great pint-sized brief case), wands, tool kits, tool belts, painting aprons, and doctor kits all of which can be bought at the thrift store for a dollar or two.
Hand-made Dress-Up Clothes
If you are handy with the sewing machine, you might want to try making some dress-up clothes. Most pattern manufacturers offer a line of costume patterns. Try sticking to generic costumes or historical costumes and avoid those that are character driven.
Here are some tutorials for other dress-up clothes and accessories you might want to try making for your child.
Dress-Up Fun: A Queen Surveys Herself
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A Hand-Made Prairie Girl Costume
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