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About Dickens in Dillard
Dress the Dickens!
One of the most delightful parts of Dickens in Dillard is watching our festival come to life—not just through the setting and characters, but through you! Adding a little old-world holiday charm to your outfit is a wonderfully fun way to step into the world of A Christmas Carol.
But before we go any further: dressing up is completely optional! Come in full Victorian finery, add just a hint of Dickens, or simply come dressed as yourself. You’ll fit right in either way.
And here’s the best part: Victorian doesn’t have to mean complicated. You can arrive ready for Fezziwig’s Ball in an elaborate gown, top hat and tails, dress the little ones like they’ve wandered straight out of a Dickens story, or simply add a long skirt, vest, scarf, shawl, newsboy cap, boots or cozy winter coat to pieces you already own.
December in the mountains practically helps with the costume—layers, scarves, shawls, capes, gloves and hats are both wonderfully Dickensian and wonderfully practical!
Below, we’ll start with a little Victorian fashion inspiration for ladies and gentlemen, share some fun ideas for the children, and then bring it back to everyday life with simple, comfortable and easy-to-recreate looks using modern pieces you may already have in your closet.
Our rule of thumb? Spirit over perfection. Go grand, go simple, mix old with new, add one wonderfully Dickensian touch—or don’t dress up at all. There’s no costume inspection at the gate! We simply want you to come, have fun and enjoy stepping into the magic of Dickens in Dillard.
Come as you are. Add a little Dickens if you dare.
For the Ladies: Go Ahead, Be a Little Extra
If you’ve ever wanted an excuse to wear velvet, lace, sweeping skirts, fabulous hats and a dramatic cape, this is it! For a more traditional Victorian look, think rich fabrics, high-neck blouses, fitted bodices, full-length skirts, gloves, shawls, capes and beautifully embellished hats.
Want that wonderfully full Victorian silhouette? A petticoat is your secret weapon. It’s simply an underskirt worn beneath your dress or skirt to add fullness and shape—and it can take a fairly simple outfit from “pretty long skirt” to “Why yes, I may be attending Fezziwig’s Ball later.”
Add a brooch, ribbon, muff, little handbag or gloves and have some fun with it. This is the section for the ladies who believe more is, occasionally, more. And if this feels like entirely too much effort, keep scrolling—we promise there are much easier ways to get the look!
For the Gentlemen: Dapper Is the Assignment
Gentlemen, should you feel inclined to properly Dickens the place up, this is your moment. Think waistcoats, tailored trousers, long coats, cravats or bow ties, gloves, scarves and—naturally—a very respectable hat.
A patterned vest can do a surprising amount of heavy lifting, while a top hat, pocket watch, cane or long wool coat can take things from “nicely dressed” to “I have important Victorian business to attend to” rather quickly.
Tweed, velvet, plaid and rich shades of burgundy, forest green, navy and brown all work beautifully. Layer them up, add a scarf for our December mountain weather, and don't be afraid to be a little theatrical.
And gentlemen who are currently thinking, “Absolutely not. I am not buying a top hat”—keep scrolling. We have you covered, too.
Not Everyone Dined on Silver (or Wore It Either!)
While the wealthy enjoyed their fancy gowns, elaborate hats, and tailored suits, most Victorians had more practical things to worry about—like making a living!
The middle and working classes dressed in simpler, durable clothing, often handmade, mended, or passed down through generations. Think cotton dresses, aprons, shawls, waistcoats, sturdy trousers, flat caps, and sensible boots.
And here's the good news: You don't need a Victorian-sized fortune to look the part at Dickens in Dillard! A simple skirt and blouse, a vest and cap, or a few well-chosen accessories can bring the era to life.
Take inspiration from these examples of everyday Victorian attire for women, men, and children. A little creativity goes a long way—and not a single aristocratic ancestor is required!
Ladies, Dress to the Dickens — Your Way!
Going Victorian does not mean you need a corset, hoop skirt, and three hours to get dressed. The trick is to borrow a few details from the era and make them your own.
Feeling grand? Go all in! Velvet, lace, dramatic sleeves, a sweeping skirt, cape, fabulous hat, gloves—the more Dickensian drama, the merrier.
Prefer simple and comfortable? Start with pieces you may already own: a long skirt, high-neck or ruffled blouse, boots, fitted vest or cardigan, and a shawl. Add a ribbon at the neck, little cape, bonnet-style hat, or vintage-looking brooch and suddenly… very Victorian.
Want that fuller Victorian skirt without much effort? Meet the petticoat! A petticoat is simply an underskirt worn beneath your dress or skirt to give it extra shape and volume. You can find inexpensive modern versions online or at costume shops, and slipping one under an ordinary long skirt can instantly make the whole outfit feel much more Victorian. No elaborate gown required!
And remember, layers are your friend! Dickens in Dillard is a December affair, so shawls, scarves, capes, wool coats, gloves and boots aren't just part of the look—they'll help keep you cozy.
The secret? You don't have to be historically perfect. We're going for Victorian-inspired, festive and fun. Mix modern pieces with period touches, wear what feels comfortable, and make the look as simple—or as delightfully over-the-top—as you please.
If Charles Dickens might give you an approving nod, you're doing just fine.
Gentlemen, It’s Time to Get a Dickens Vibe!
Good news, gentlemen: you do not need to arrive looking like you raided Ebenezer Scrooge’s closet. A Victorian-inspired look can be surprisingly easy—and you may already own half of it.
Start simple: dark trousers, a button-down shirt, vest or sweater, boots or dress shoes, and a scarf. Add a newsboy cap, suspenders, bow tie, cravat, long coat, or pocket watch and suddenly you’ve gone from Saturday afternoon to Victorian gentleman about town.
Want to turn up the Dickens? Swap the modern jacket for a longer coat, add a patterned waistcoat, gloves, a cane, or—of course—the mighty top hat. Velvet, tweed, plaid and rich colors like burgundy, forest green, brown and navy can add even more period character.
And yes, modern clothes are absolutely invited to the party. A regular pair of trousers with a white shirt, vest and scarf can work beautifully. A sweater layered over a collared shirt with a long coat and newsboy cap? Easy. Suspenders with rolled-up sleeves and boots? You’re practically ready to ask, “Please, sir, may I have some more?”
December weather also gives you an advantage: scarves, wool coats, gloves, hats and layered vests actually help create the look while keeping you warm.
The goal isn't historical perfection. It’s to have fun with it. Go simple, go dapper, go full Victorian gentleman—or mix a little old with a little new.
Just add a touch of Dickens and wear it like you own the counting house.
Little Dickensians, Dress the Part!
Calling all little ladies and gentlemen! Step back in time and become part of the Victorian Christmas magic at Dickens in Dillard!
While costumes aren't required, we encourage our youngest guests to join the fun by dressing in Victorian-inspired attire. Think newsboy caps, suspenders, bow ties, waistcoats, long skirts, bonnets, shawls, and cozy scarves!
No need for fancy costumes or expensive outfits! A few simple accessories and a little imagination can transform everyday clothing into something straight out of a Charles Dickens story.
Need a little inspiration? Take a peek at our ideas below to help your little ones look the part. And remember, December in the North Georgia mountains can be chilly, so warm layers and comfortable shoes are always in fashion!
welcome to be part of the story!
👒 For the Young Ladies
- Keep it simple: A long skirt or dress, a blouse, tights, and boots. Add an apron, shawl, or ribbon in the hair for a charming everyday Victorian look.
- Dress it up: A velvet or lace-trimmed dress, a bonnet or decorative hat, gloves, and a little purse for a more elegant appearance.
- Finishing touches: Braids, curls, bows, and a small basket can complete the outfit!
🎩 For the Young Gentlemen
- Keep it simple: Trousers, a button-down shirt, suspenders, and a flat cap. Roll up those sleeves for a working-class Victorian look!
- Dress it up: Add a waistcoat (vest), jacket, bow tie or cravat, and perhaps a top hat for a proper young gentleman.
- Finishing touches: A pocket watch, scarf, or newsboy cap adds plenty of character.
A Few Tips for Parents & Guardians
You don't have to spend a fortune! Check thrift stores, raid the family closet, or mix and match pieces you already own. Earthy colors, plaids, florals, lace, and simple accessories can work wonders.
Remember, December in the North Georgia mountains can be chilly, so warm layers and comfortable walking shoes are a must!
Most importantly, have fun with it! From little chimney sweeps to elegant young ladies and gentlemen, every young Victorian is welcome to join the magic of Dickens in Dillard.