The article is devoted to the original types of traditional design of the Northern folk costume of the Olonets Province from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. The article deals with the history of traditional folk costume, its functions: festive, ceremonial, professional, regional, class, indicating the occupation and religion. The author analyzes the materials, various methods of decorating the decor with embroidery, weaving, lace, as well as the ornament and colour scheme of the costume. The general sources of studying the history of the folk costume are works of fine and applied art, literary works and historical documents. The author concludes that the constant appeal to the modelling folk costume creativity is very important for a modern designer. The analysis of models created based on folk costume revealed various creative approaches of artists to the use of folk motifs in a modern costume created in the process of creative re-interpretation of folk traditions with regards to modern conditions.