What's in the Box

Cream floral dress with olive green collar and cross-body straps
Canvas-style satchel with Air Raid Precautions detail
Evacuee ID tag (cardstock with string)
Olive green beret

This Kids 1940s Evacuee Costume captures a powerful moment in history — the wartime relocation of British children during WWII. The modest mid-calf dress features authentic floral print, olive green collar detail, and decorative cross-body straps that nod to the utility aesthetic of the era.

The fabric drapes beautifully with a fitted bodice and A-line skirt, complete with matching olive belt at the waist. Standout pieces are the canvas satchel (with visible Air Raid Precautions text mimicking authentic evacuation bags) and the cardstock ID tag — the kind children wore pinned to their coats when boarding trains to the countryside. Durable construction means this costume works for full-day school events and multiple wears.

Perfect For

Book Week & History Projects: A natural match for historical fiction titles like Goodnight Mister Tom, When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, or any WWII-set stories. Pairs with classroom history presentations on the Blitz, evacuation, or 1940s home front life.

School Commemorations & Themed Days: Ideal for Remembrance Day assemblies, ANZAC Day dress-up, or 1940s-themed school concerts. Works for decades day if your school picks the 40s theme.

Drama Productions & Photo Days: Perfect for school plays set in wartime Britain, living history museums, or vintage photo shoots. The complete accessory set means no last-minute scrambling for props.

How to Wear It

Pair with white ankle socks and black Mary Jane shoes for the classic evacuee look. Loop the ID tag through a coat buttonhole or safety-pin it to the dress collar. Hair in plaits or Victory rolls completes the period-accurate style — no modern hair accessories needed.

Parent FAQs

What size should I order?

Check the size chart for chest and length measurements. The dress runs true to size with a fitted bodice — if your daughter is between sizes or prefers a looser fit through the chest, size up. The A-line skirt gives plenty of movement room.

Can she wear this over regular clothes?

The dress is designed to be worn as the main garment, not as an over-layer. It's comfortable enough for all-day wear at school — the cotton-blend fabric breathes well and the mid-calf length allows easy movement for sitting at desks or assembly floors.

How do I wash this? Is the fabric durable?

Hand wash the dress in cold water and hang to dry — the floral print holds colour well. The satchel and beret can be spot-cleaned. The ID tag is cardstock so keep it dry. One parent tip: remove the ID tag before washing and store it with the beret for next time.

Is this suitable for a Book Week parade?

Absolutely. The complete accessory set (satchel, ID tag, beret) makes this instantly recognisable as a wartime evacuee — no additional props needed. Teachers love historically accurate costumes for Book Week, especially for upper primary students studying WWII.

Care: Hand wash dress cold, hang dry. Spot-clean satchel and beret. Store ID tag separately.

Kids 1940s Evacuee Costume - WWII Schoolgirl Dress Book Week