Planning a costume for the renaissance festival can be a little overwhelming at first. There are so many styles and different kinds of costumes that it can be hard to know where to start. Hopefully this article will help you put together the perfect outfit for your adventure.
What to wear to a Renaissance FestivalThere's no need to spend a lot of money on clothing for a Renaissance Festival. You don't have to be dressed in elaborate costume, or even commit entirely to one specific character or period. Just think of it as an opportunity to experiment with different looks and styles, whether you're trying out something new or just having fun with what you already have in your closet (or at home). When choosing what type of outfit is right for the weather conditions at the festival: if it's hot outside, wear lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton; if it's cold out but sunny, bring along some scarves or shawls that can double as blankets; if there's rain expected during your trip, a water resistant cloak will be your best friend!
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Your clothing choices don't have to be elaborate or expensive.
First off, you don't need a costume. You can wear modern clothes, and still fit in! No one is going to judge you. But if you like to dress up, or if you want to feel like you're a part of the magic, then this article has tips for you.
Check out your local thrift shops for clothing that could be repurposed into something you could wear with your costuming. If you have a little sewing knowledge, you could easily add lace or trim to a garment to make it look perfect for your costume.
There are also plenty of local buy and sell groups on Facebook and other social media sites that are specifically for renaissance festival costuming. These can be a great resource for low cost costume pieces.
You don't have to commit entirely to a specific character or period.You don't have to commit entirely to a specific character or period. The festival is a great opportunity to experiment with different looks, but it's also fun if you want to wear something that represents your personality or interests. You could be a pirate, knight, peasant or princess; maybe even all four at once! Combining elements of costumes from many different time periods or genres can be a great way to create new and interesting costuming fashion styles. And the wonderful thing about creating your own costuming looks like this is that they can be as simple or as over-the-top as you want them to! |
Start with the basics.
A simple skirt and blouse are a great combo for your renaissance festival costume. You can find these at any clothing store and they are a great base for your costume. If you want to be more creative, try adding some jewelry or accessories.
A cute floral headpiece is a classic renaissance festival accessory and will help complete your look. You could also wear a large hat or crown. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, try adding a pair of gloves or garters.
Being creative with simple accessories will really help your basic costumes stand out!
A cloak is a must-have for any Renaissance Festival attendee in the colder months
When shopping for a cloak you should of course start by looking at our online store here at Cravencrow Costuming! But there are many other options available and so you should choose the one that perfectly fits your style.
Short lightweight cloaks are great for days where it's only a little bit cold, and of course they don't cover up too much of your costume so you can still show off the rest of your beautiful outfit. Long and heavy cloaks are also available, and are wonderfully dramatic and fun to wear. If the weather calls for rain, look for a cloak that has either a water resistant lining, or use a water resistant spray such as ScotchGard to help keep you dry.
Cloaks also come in many patterns including plain colors such as browns and blacks but also more patterned ones such as floral patterns or stripes on them! Plaids are a classic for renaissance festival costuming and look great with most outfits, especially if you're going for a Celtic look.
Many people choose to wear corsets over their outfits.A corset is a classic renaissance festival accessory and there are many different styles and shapes. If it's your first time wearing a corset, go for something simple like a vest style that won't be too tight. You can work your way up to the wasp-waist styles later! Pair your corset with a simple poofy blouse and a large skirt for a classic renaissance festival look. Full skirts can be tucked up in different ways to create different styles which is great because it gives more versatility to your costuming wardrobe. Another cute way to style your corset is to wear it with a long tunic and leggings. This is a really great look if you have a cool pair of boots you want to show off! |
Other accessories.
Wearing items on your belt is a great way to show off things that are relevant to the character you are portraying, such as potion bottles or weapons.
You can also carry functional items on your belt such as a belt pouch to carry your wallet and phone, or a hand fan for when the weather is hot.
A wooden cup or mug can be carried on your belt with the help of a mug clasp. These are usually made from leather and have a snap that holds on to the handle of the mug.
So in conclusion:
If you're still unsure what to wear, don't worry! There are plenty of options available at your local Renaissance Festival and of course online sites like ours that will help you find something perfect for your next adventure!