Do you want to dress up for your local Renaissance Faire and you need something to wear? While you can always wear jeans and tee-shirt, it is so much more fun to dress the part. However the closest thing you can find is a princess costume in the kids toy chest. It's time to look at your thrift stores or even your closet to find that pieces to make a complete Renaissance outfit.
Start with the basics when putting to together an outfit. For women find an ankle length solid color skirt. If you find two solid skirts even better. With one skirt you can let it hang long, or safety pin the hem up on the sides to about knee high. With two skirts, leave the bottom skirt hanging and tuck the outer skirt into the waistband. Again use safety pins to keep the outer skirt in place. While you can wear skirts with designs on them you will want to limit the pattern choice as typically it is the faire bodice that contains the design.
For the top you will want to find a poets shirt and a lace up vest. The poets shirt does not have to be white, and does not have to match the skirts. In fact lots of different colors look great for outfits like this. The lace-up vest or bodice can be the hardest part to find. This is typically why most people make the faire bodice their first purchase.
The basics for men are nearly the same consisting of long pants, long sleeved shirt and usually a vest. Lounging pants are the best for the peasant attire. Browns and blacks being the best color choice.
Next a loose fitting shirt that pulls over the head in a solid color, typically with long sleeves. While the pants and shirt would be enough for your man's outfit, if you find a long lace up vest as well this can further complete the peasant look.
Shoes are also another big aspect to your garb. Avoid wearing sneakers when possible. Even black sneakers can ruin the look. Instead wear boots, sandals, or slip-on shoes. However remember most faires are not on paved ground. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking over grass and gravel.
Once you have gathered all the main pieces, you will want to add accessories to complete your look. Starting at the head the best for a peasant design is a straw hat. Adding a bandana instead can change you from a peasant to pirate.
Next add a belt. Modern looking belts are fine as long as you hide the buckle under the vest or skirts. The belt should be strong enough to hold all the extra accessories you will want to hang from it. A metal or wooden cup is a must for quench your thirst through the hot day. A pouch to carry your ID, credit cards, sunscreen, car keys, cell phone and cash. Other items you can add are flea catchers (fox tails), knife and fan. If bringing a knife first check with your faire if they are allowed and always remember to peace tie.
After searching your closet and thrift store you still do not find a complete Renaissance outfit start searching on-line. There you will find everything from a faire bodice to all the garb you could ever need. On-line is also a great place to start if you want to be more than a peasant. Every class you could want to play is found on-line.
Julie loves Renaissance Faires and dressing the time period when ever she can. For over 17 years she has created many different outfits from store bought to items already owned, to sewing her own.
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