In the mid 19th century, little girls wore bonnets mainly for practicality and tradition. The bonnets protected them from the sun and were seen as a proper part of a young girl's outfit. Vintage Old Fashioned Bonnet White Colonial Pioneer Prairie Felt Sun 1850's American Pioneer Dress and Sun Bonnet. Next up is the apron. : r HistoricalCostuming Amazon.com: Nuoqi Prairie Dress Women Adult Pioneer Dress Long Colonial Costume with Bonnet Apron Blue S : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry