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Annie Oakley
One of the best known showgirl's and appeared in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Her story was fictionalised in 'Annie Get Your Gun'. It is the film image of a buckskin style outfit with a long skirt and a wide brimmed hat that is the most popular.
Bordello Madame (Saloon Bar Madame)
Many saloon owners of the Wild West were woman and they offered more to their clients than just drink and gaming facilities. Outfits available are varied from long, Victorian dresses to short and sexy. Fishnet tights and gloves are a must.
Calamity Jane
Real name Martha Jane Cannary. Martha was a hard drinking woman who dressed in male clothing. She gained her named after an attempt to rescue a group of soldiers who were under indian attack. She also helped save a stagecoach from the same fate. The film, staring Doris Day portrays her wearing a buckskin two piece outfit with fringing and a Cavalry style 'Kepi' hat. Any male cowboy clothing would suffice.
Cowgirl
A cowgirl did not exist in the Wild West times as far as being specified as a female. Ladies did work 'out on the range' but would have worn exactly the same as the men. Our fancy dress cowgirls will normally consist of a checked shirt, waistcoat, bandana, stetson and a short, fringed skirt. Other styles will include chaps.
Squaw
The word Squaw is actually frowned upon in Native American language. A Squaw equates to being called a prostitute. Pocahontas and Minnie Ha Ha are both famous female indians, but generally females were second class citizens compared to the men and treated as property. Many indian fancy dress costumes are available in a good range of sizes. A typical costume would consist of a dress, belt and headband. Short and sexy versions are available for the daring.
Saloon girl
Ruled by the Bordello (or saloon bar madame), the saloon girls earned their money 'entertaining' the men. Costumes normally consist of a dress that is shorter at the front and longer at the back with a bodice. Headbands, with a feather and long gloves are also normally worn. The look is sexy and there are many variations available to buy or hire.
Southern Belle
These were the 'ladies' of the Wild West. From wealthy families, these ladies did not need to work in the harsh environment so could dress more frivolously. Any Victorian dress will suffice, many are available in a range of sizes to cover all sizes.
Show me the Female Western Fancy Dress Costumes
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Mens Western Fancy Dress
Cowboy
Traditionally the cowboy's clothing was made to survive the harsh environment. Fancy dress versions tend to have a checked shirt, chaps, waistcoat, neck scarf and a hat (stetson). Many variations are available to buy or hire.
Marshall or Sheriff
Famous Sheriffs include 'Wild Bill Hickock' & Wyatt Earp. The marshall was a court officer where as the sheriff was elected by the people. A typical sheriff outfit would be as a cowboy but with the 'sheriff' star. Marshalls would tend to wear a dark, smart suit.
Mexican
Mexicans are often portrayed as being 'The Bad Guy'. This was probably due to the extreme poverty that they lived in. They revolted by taking matters into their own hands. The Mexican is a simple costume to put together. Wear old jeans, a well worn shirt under a poncho, large sombrero and a droopy moustache. Ponchos, sombreros and moustaches can be purchased or hired.
Indian Brave
The term 'Red Indian' is thought to have come from the western pioneers seeing the red skins of the natives. The red skin effect was caused by the indians using a red oxide to decorate their bodies. Braves were expected to show bravery and gained feathers as they earned respect from their tribe. Most Indian Brave costumes consist of a tunic, with and without sleeves and trousers.
Indian Chief
The respected elder of the tribe. For fancy dress purposes the costume is the same as a Brave but the headdress would be much larger. Famous Chief's include 'Crazy Horse' and 'Sitting Bull'.
Wealthy Western Man
A man who was wealthy and had men to do all the dirty work would have been well dressed. A standard Victorian outift with a stetson or a top hat will complete the look. If a dog collar is worn with a plain black suit the costume could become a preacher. A pair of wire rimmed, round glasses will complete the look.
American Civil War Uniforms
Most American Civil War uniforms need to be hired although a few are starting to become available to buy. Dances With wolves (1990), Kevin Costner plays an Union Officer who befriends a Sioux tribe of Indians.
Show me the Male Wild West Fancy Dress Costumes
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