"Bad-Idea" Masquerade Costumes

Wastepaper Basket 

Source: Fancy Dress Described, 6th ed., 1896  

We all have one of those friends who takes a silly idea and runs with it. 

A Lady Gardener 

Source: Fancy Dress Described, 6th ed., 1896

Apart from being the most impractical and cumbersome dress for an actual gardener, even a lady one, one would think that the rake and the watering can would be very much in the way at a ball.

Mailbox 

Source: Fancy Dresses Described, 5th ed., 1887

If your little girl wants to express her love for the British postal system this Halloween, help her wish come true with this not-at-all silly costume idea.  

A Gleaner 

Source: Fancy Dresses Described, 5th ed., 1887 

Yet another one in the line of terribly impractical 'work' costumes. Perfect for anyone who owns a sickle.  

Poker/Cards

Source: Masquerades, Tableaux and Drills, 1906

If you're suffering from a gambling problem and don't quite know how to let your friends and relatives know about it, why not opt for this charming costume? 

Magpie 

Source: Fancy Dresses Described, 5th ed., 1887

If the fanciful Bat Lady costumes from one of my earlier posts is not quite your cup of tea, you can always go for something a tad more traditional. With a different headdress this costume could also double as a "zebra". 

For more wonderfully silly Victorian costumes visit Historical Fancy Dress blog.