Dress

• Clara Barton wore long-sleeved dresses with a hoop skirt. Any period-style dress in a neutral color or black will work for this costume. Look for a dress with slightly puffed sleeves and buttons up the front, since Barton was often photographed in this style of dress. You can rent a dress like this at a costume shop or look at antique stores for an authentic version. For a child's costume, a velvet or cotton dress close to this style will work fine.
  
  

Hair Style

• Barton wore her hair up. She often wore it in braids that she pinned to her head, but was also photographed with her hair in a bun at the back of her head. If you have long hair, experiment with different styles, using bobby pins to secure your locks. You can also use a long wig and pin it up to match a photograph of Barton.
  
  

Shoes

• Barton wore tall boots with laces up the front. Many different styles of lace-up boots will work for this costume. If you are concerned with authenticity, many antique and vintage clothing stores sell boots in this style, though they are often small, so if you have large feet you may have a hard time finding some that fit. Make sure they are in a dark color, preferably black.
  
  

Accessories

• As a nurse and the founder and president of the Red Cross, Clara Barton often wore a small cross pin on her chest, and a small triangular nurse's hat. These accessories will help others identify the subject of your costume, and will complete Barton's look. Barton sometimes wore a bustle. Add some padding to the back of the dress to achieve the look.