Nothing like the Hollister-inspired casualwear of the new millennium, Civil War-era fashions were stiff, hot and (we're guessing) itchy. Women wore up to five layers of clothing, including stockings, corset, petticoat bodice, skirt and gloves (the better to carry a parasol). Men weren't less burdened by much in frock coats, tailcoats, union suits and cravats. Get a closer look at the heavy clothing of old when the Plaza Branch of the Kansas City Public Library (4801 Main) holds a Civil War Fashion Show. At 2 p.m., local Civil War re-enactors don the fashion styles of both the North and the South, including civilian and military attire, and the clothing worn by slaves. Also, John Wornall House director Kandice Walker joins a panel of experts to discuss the outfits that nobody would be caught dead wearing today. Admission is free; RSVP online at kclibrary.org or by calling 816-701-3407.
