The Poppets Visit 1908 and Get Some Edwardian Children’s Clothes


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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Macy’s 1908 Catalog
Today the Popper paper dolls are visiting 1908 and get some Edwardian children's clothes and shoes. The paper doll dress can be printed in color or black and white from paperthinpersonas.com.

So, back in June, I posted a preview of this Edwardian Poppet dress from 1908. Today, I am posting it finished. So, you can print and dress up the Poppets in it. My source was this Macy’s 1908 catalog. You can find the dress on page 97. It’s described as being made from chambray and trimmed in white. It came in rose or blue and cost 97 cents in sizes 4 to 14. I imagine the Poppet paper dolls as about 10, so it is right in their age range.

The Edwardian period is only one decade, 1900 to 1910 during the reign of King Edward. A lot of people extend the fashion period to 1914 since World War 1 really changed clothing. That makes sense, but then what do you call the era from 1914 until 1920? Anyway, I haven’t decided if I am willing to extend my era beyond 1910.

I find Edwardian children’s clothing interesting, because it is so different from Victorian outfits. The popularity of Rousseau’s beliefs that children should be allowed to do play actively meant that the styles tend to be simpler. And unlike earlier periods, you can’t immediately ID the age of a child by the length of the skirt. Most skirts are just below knee length, no matter what the age.

Though simpler than Victorian outfits, Edwardian children’s clothing still feels stuffy compared to today. Several more Edwardian paper doll pieces planned, so eventually the Poppets will have a whole wardrobe of Edwardian outfits for all sorts of occasions.

Until then, enjoy today’s summery 1908 dress even if it is December and outside it might not be so warm.

So, Edwardian children’s clothes? Love them? Hate them? Personally, I have mixed feelings. I think it is the pigeon breasted thing. Other’s thoughts?

Need a paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Poppet Paper Doll Here.

5 thoughts on “The Poppets Visit 1908 and Get Some Edwardian Children’s Clothes”

  1. I don’t know much about the history of children’s clothing. Your research is just as interesting as the final drawing! I love the little flower embroidery.

    This looks like something a kid could play in. The evolution of childhood and all the trappings that go with it are fascinating!

  2. We just watched the Samantha American Girl movie, and it’s right smack in the middle of the Edwardian era, and there was a lot of discussion on the styles of clothing. None of us particularly liked the pigeon breast look of so many of the outfits, and it’s so prevalent in that time period.

    • The corsets of the period pushed a woman’s chest forward and her hips slightly back, allowing for a very tight lacing to create a narrow waist and the resulting pigeon thing. It is a trend I rather hate, but it is what people wore.

  3. children’s clothes in the edwardian era with those drop waists are so weird-looking to me ~ hahaha. it’s an era that i have mixed feelings about in general.

    but this is so lovely, you should definitely do more!

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