Embrace the spirit of Guthrie's Victorian Christmas Walks by dressing the part! Costumes are encouraged, but not required to attend these events.
The Victorian Walks are exactly what they sound like—a trek through historic Guthrie! We suggest you dress comfortably: wear good walking shoes, check the weather, and dress in easily removable layers.
DRESSING ON A BUDGET
It is not necessary to come fully dressed in 19th-century attire to enjoy the Victorian Walks! Adding one or two pieces to your regular wardrobe can go a long way towards stepping back in history.
Men: Wear a vest or waistcoat (pronounced "west kit" in Victorian times), or add a pair of suspenders to your pants. A top hat or bowler is a snazzy addition as well.
Women: A long skirt and a high-necked blouse are the easiest way to look period-appropriate. Adding a bonnet or decorative hat will reflect the "Victorian modesty" of the era.
Children: Children's fashions were often a reflection of what adults wore. A newsboy cap and vest, or a simple skirt will do that job.
WHERE TO FIND MORE INTRICATE COSTUMES
There are many resources for territorial/pioneer and Victorian costumes locally and online. Here are some of our favorite places to score the duds:
(Search for pioneer costume, Victorian costume, dickens costume, hoop skirt, corset, top hat, etc.)
IS ANYTHING "NOT ALLOWED"?
Ensuring that the Victorian Walks maintain a family-friendly environment is an important part of our theatrical time travel and holiday experience. In that spirit, we ask that guests use their discretion and common sense. Attire that is not appropriate for a family event includes:
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Clothing with objectionable material such as obscene language or graphics.
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Clothing that exposes excessive portions of the body that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment.
***NEW THIS YEAR***
We are integrating the much-revered steampunk attire into our Victorian Walks. Previously, guests of the Victorian walks were suggested to wear only costumes that correlate to the central theme of Territorial Victorian Christmas. Encouraging the steampunk genre into the walks will open up the events to a new and intriguing tier of costumes for viewing and enjoyment by the public. Steampunk attire features notable Victorian pieces such as corsets, petticoats, suspenders, and gowns but has an edgier, distressed look with a post-apocalyptic feel.
COSTUME EDUCATION & INSPIRATION
Resources abound for those looking to recreate an authentic period vibe! Here are a few to get you started:
Victorian Fashion: Who Wore What?
Victorian Clothing from the 1890s
Fashion History Timeline: 1890-1899
What Kind of Clothing Did the Pioneers Wear?
Dressing for Your Dickens Event
Ultimately, dressing up or not is up to you. Whether you do or you don't, we hope to see you in downtown historic Guthrie on December 2nd and 9th!
GUTHRIE'S VICTORIAN WALKS HAVE DRAWN COSTUMED GUESTS FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD FOR OVER 20 YEARS!