Saloon Girls Revealed
Before selecting a saloon girl costume, it might be interesting to review what the ladies who entertained in the dance halls and bar rooms of the old west were really like.To begin, most were not prostitutes. They may not have lived up to the Puritan ideals of the more conservative eastern U.S. But they were treated like ladies by the men they entertained. Most earned a living by dancing, singing, and providing conversation.
Saloon girls wore skirts that were considered short by the standards of the day. Their bell-shaped skirts were knee-length or a bit longer, reaching mid-shin. They wore bright colors and ruffles. Their multi-hued petticoats were often visible, and reached kid boots that were decorated with tassels. They favored sequins, fringe and lace.Their lace or silk stockings were held up with garters that were often gifts from special friends or admirers. Pistols or jeweled daggers sometimes completed their costumes.
Accessories available for saloon girl costumes include fishnet and satin gloves in opera length or elbow length, boas, ostrich feather plumes, and garters in many colors, some decorated with metallic lace.The dresses themselves may range from demure Miss Kitty attire, to sexy and revealing, or garments reminiscent of Mae West, the Moulin Rouge, or Lady Luck.
An extravagant Madame wig can set off many of the dresses, including burlesque costumes. Or choose a cancan skirt with head feathers.
For the next Halloween party or other costume occasion, a step back in time with an adult saloon girl costume could be lots of fun!
I found some websites with more interesting information about old west saloon girls. Speaking of old west, one of the orginal liberated women was sassy Mae West. Fans of the CanCan will love this site about Moulin Rouge costume ideas. You can even find directions for how to sew your own Moulin Rouge costume. Remember that the accessories really pull your whole look together.
There are some great ideas for couples costumes: Saloon Girl & Gunslinger, Mae West & W.C. Fields, CanCan Dancer & Bartender. And even more ideas for wild west costumes.
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