So you’re going to a Renaissance fair, and you want to fit in. Whatever shall thee wear?
As you may know, most ren fairs are set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I with English royals, nobles, knights, ladies, merchants and peasants galore. But there’s a lot of leeway these days, with the addition of fantasy characters from books and movies like “Lord of the Rings” or “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
Still, for first timers, it’s best to stick with the general theme. Most fairs have costumerental booths near the event’s front entrance. The Belrose (www.thebelrose.com) booth, for example, offers authentic designs in a range of “classes.” It’s a fixture at California’s big ren fairs, often staffed with a barker calling out, “Be a knight, be a fool! Wear a kilt because it’s cool!”
Whether you rent or create your own costume, be advised that royalty – naturally – can get pretty expensive with its fine silks and lace trappings. Clearly, peasant is the easiest way to go, and you can put an outfit together yourself. Get thee to the thrift store! Here are the key elements:
Peasant woman:
Light-colored, blousy peasant-style shirt Flowy skirt in a solid color — dark green, burgundy or blue. Nothing too fancy for paltry peasants!
A vest or bodice, ideally with a lace-up front, but buttons will do
A leather belt – It’s not just for looks. You’ll want to tie on a small pouch to keep your ID, money and personal items. Peasant women still need lip gloss!
A garland of flowers or a muffin-style cap for your hair
Peasant man:
A blousy, puffy peasantstyle shirt worn as is, or with a simple, longish vest belted at the waist. You can get away with brown or dark-colored pants, but breeches are the look for the stylish peasant man. They’re puffy knickerlike pants ending just below the knee. Those might be tougher to find in the thrift store, but if you do score some, wear them with long “hosen” (socks).
More:
If you get hooked on this fair, you’ll want to take it a step further and develop a character. Are you a knight, a noble, a merchant, a monger? Then you’ll want some props to carry around with you. Are you a blacksmith? Wear a leather apron and a belt full of tools. A scribe? Don a long black cloak and carry pen and parchment.
Official guide
For far more detail than you ever knew you wanted, check out the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire’s costume guide at renfair.com/ socal/join-us/costumeguide.