Characters from American history can provide many costume ideas.
American history has many interesting stories that tell the world how the United States came to be. These tales serve not only as history lessons for teachers to discuss; they also can give you lots of ideas for costumes. So whether you plan on attending a costume party or a Halloween event, portraying a character or event straight out of American history might make you the talk of the party.
Plymouth Rock
The history books say the Pilgrims who came to America first landed on Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. You can portray this event by becoming the actual rock itself. Taking a literal spin on the story, you need to construct a fake rock that you can wear. First wrap some chicken wire in the shape of a large rock, leaving four holes: one large hole at the bottom, one for the head and two for the arms to fit through. Wrap this construction with paper-mâché and wait for it to dry. After it's dried, paint the paper-mâché gray. Find or make a little wooden or plastic ship and attach it to the top of the rock near one of your shoulders. Put the costume on by pulling it over your head.
American Revolution
Fighting the British in the American Revolution enabled the United States to gain independence from Britain. Portray the enemy soldier, also known as a redcoat, by donning a white dress shirt, a red coat with tails, a white pair of pants and long black boots that go up to the knees. Find a musket and an 18th century-style white wig and you're all set to invade the Colonies. If you and a friend plan on going to a costume event together, suggest that she wear a Colonial American costume while you wear your redcoat costume. A simple tricorn hat, a pair of buckled shoes, a white dress shirt and a brown vest and pair of trousers complete the look.
Rosie the Riveter
When American men went off to fight the Germans and Japanese during World War II, women stepped in to manufacture weapons for fighting the enemy. The iconic character representing this time is Rosie the Riveter, a physically fit woman with a bandanna on her head and her arms flexed. To match this look, find a red bandanna and add to it some white polka dots. Then find a blue, button-up jumpsuit with a stiff collar. Wrap the bandanna around your entire head so only a bit of hair in the front sticks out past it. Tie the bandanna so the knot sticks up at the front of your head.
Tags: American history, American Revolution, dress shirt, head American, head arms, Plymouth Rock, Rosie Riveter
