Hairstyles The adage is "Part in the center—Pull
it back—Plaster it down." Center parts were the norm for women in the 19th century, as identified with females
as pink was in the 1950s. Buns, rolls, or braids at the back neckline are appropriate. The hair should be over, behind or
just over the tops of the ears and no height on top. Bangs, fringes, or wisps are not appropriate to the 1860s. The use of
hairpieces if you do not have long, thick hair is appropriate and authentic. Anna Allen’s website offers instructions for period hairstyles
using hairpieces, Gotham Patterns offers instruction for period hairstyles and there
is a thread on the Sewing Academy forum that discusses how to put up period hair
styles. Shorter hair was a fad in the 19th century worn by younger women and girls.
As with everything else in your impression, your
hairstyle should match your impression. A refugee on the road or a poor farmer’s wife will probably not have a fashionable
hairstyle; merely pull it back in a bun and get it out of the way.
The hairstyle photos appear full size; there are no larger images to link to.
Makeup There is much discussion about wearing makeup. Women
in the 19th century did wear it but obviously not in the same style as in the 21st century. It is suggested that to obtain
a period look that modern makeup be kept to a minimum of base, no eyeliner, no eye shadow, a little clear lip balm to protect
the lips, and only a very little (if any) mascara. However, the decision on how much makeup to wear will be determined ultimately
by what you are comfortable with and your reasons for reenacting.
If you wish to learn about period cosmetics there
are several publications and articles on the subject. By doing a search on many of the forums you will also find threads addressing
the makeup issue or you can also find information in Virginia Mescher’s book Powdered, Painted, and Perfumed.
Jewelry The jewelry you wear will depend on the dress you are wearing. A work
dress really requires no jewelry, perhaps a belt buckle, a simple brooch, a pocket watch, and a pair of earrings at the most.
You may add a bracelet or rings if you are wearing a better dress. Never wear a wristwatch, antique jewelry that would devastate
you if you lost it, a high school or college ring, or a modern solitaire engagement ring. Simple gold bands are excellent
for married women.
Broaches were generally round or oval, occasionally
rectangular or square. Originals used C hook with no safety clasp, and the pin extended beyond the edge of the broach. Earrings
should be pierced with hook backs or hoops—no posts. If you don’t have pierced ears, it would be preferable not
to wear earrings than to wear clip or screw backs.
Aprons It may seem strange now, but aprons were not only a utilitarian garment
in the 1860s but were also an accessory. Your impression and dress will determine the type of apron to wear.
Fancy aprons worn purely for fashion were usually
of silk and may be embroidered or decorated with some other type of handiwork. This type of apron was not intended to be used
to keep the dress clean while working and would not be appropriate when wearing a work dress or for a lower class impression.
Aprons used for utilitarian purposes were usually
of calico (even re-used), homespun check, or wool. A colored apron would not show the dirt as easily. Worn to keep the dress
clean, a utilitarian apron covers most of skirt up and down and hip to hip. Working aprons can be a “pinner” style
with a bib that is sewn to the apron waist band then pinned to the dress with straight pens. You can also use the waist aprons
we think of today that fasten around the waist and cover the skirt to just above the hem. Utilitarian aprons button or tie
in the back and often have pockets. Over the shoulder straps are not appropriate for the Civil War period.
Continue to Reticule and Purses and Gloves and Mitts
