Providing dress-up clothes encourages children to take part in dramatic play. It allows them to experiment with different roles and situations than they encounter in their daily lives. Fancy costumes can take a child to a wedding, a tea party or whatever occasion they dream up. The versatility of fancy clothes makes them an ideal starter for any dress-up box. You can create an assortment of dress-up options by combining old clothes with a few homemade embellishments.
Paint the paper plate black and allow to dry. Cut out the centre of the plate leaving a 3-inch rim all the way around the plate. Roll the sheet of construction paper into a cylinder and fit the bottom into the paper plate opening. Glue in place to create a top hat. Combine with the dress shirt and necktie for a fancy boy's dress-up outfit.
Create a girl's dress-up wrap out of an old sheet. Cut a rectangle measuring 6 feet by 2 feet out of the sheet. Glue an artificial flower on a pin to create a brooch. Wrap the rectangle of fabric around the child's shoulders and secure with the brooch. Allow extra fabric to drape down the front of the wrap.
Cut a zigzag pattern going lengthwise all the way across the yellow sheet of construction paper. Glue the ends of the paper together to make a crown. Decorate with sequins. Also, glue sequins around the edges of the sunglasses to make a fancy accessory. Add any additional dress-up items you may have on hand, such as handbags, gloves and scarves, to provide extra accessory options.
Tip
Check second-hand stores for items to fill your dress-up chest.