| For anyone who's attending a Renaissance or | | | | costume - match fabric types, styles, and every |
| Medieval faire, the fun can be increased by having | | | | element of your outfit. No matter what you're dressing |
| your own costume. Wearing street clothes to a faire is | | | | as, your whole costume should work with it. |
| completely acceptable, but it often makes people feel | | | | 3. Don't be afraid to do research. For people who love |
| as though they're only tourists, watching what's going | | | | history, this is real books and paintings type research. |
| on but never participating. A costume, or "garb" of your | | | | Take a look at the fashions of the past and get some |
| own can make you really feel like you fit in. If you want | | | | ideas about how to put things together. For those who |
| to experience a little bit of times gone by, here are | | | | are just there for fun, the research is a little different. |
| some tips on choosing a costume for the faire. | | | | Take a look at what others are wearing to the faire, |
| 1. Decide what your priority is. Some people really love | | | | and get an idea about how to put your costume |
| authenticity when it comes to their historical costumes. | | | | together. |
| They know which elements of common faire clothing, | | | | 4. Creativity is okay. Too many people are frightened |
| like grommets and modern fabrics, are out of period, | | | | or intimidated by the historical element of the faire, or |
| and which are truly authentic. That doesn't mean that | | | | by faire culture. This results in costumes that look |
| everyone has to live up to that standard - there are | | | | nearly identical. Don't be afraid to step out of the mold, |
| just as many fantasy barbarians and fairies at most | | | | and come up with something that works well at faire, |
| faires as there are people who look like they've | | | | but isn't the same old thing. |
| stepped out of a painting. However, it's a good idea to | | | | 5. Bargain shopping should be done with caution! Like |
| decide what you want out of your faire costume | | | | many other things, with Renaissance costumes, you |
| before you start sewing or before you buy any | | | | get what you pay for. That doesn't mean you should |
| clothing items. | | | | never look for a good deal, but it does mean taking a |
| 2. Think about your character. Most people who attend | | | | good look at the products you're buying. It doesn't |
| the faire in costume have a specific character they're | | | | matter whether you're purchasing fabric for a costume |
| trying to portray, whether it's a real historical figure, a | | | | or a finished piece of clothing. Good quality and (when |
| general type, or a fun fantasy invention. To make sure | | | | appropriate) good construction are important. Many |
| that you have a costume that looks like it was made | | | | bargain items won't hold up for more than a few faire |
| to go together, think about the sort of person you're | | | | seasons, and worse yet, they'll fit strangely long before |
| dressing as. Peasants look peculiar in silks and velvets, | | | | then. It's worth it to invest in high quality costume items |
| and their aprons and tankards don't work well with a | | | | if you want to look your best. |
| high court outfit, either. Don't just match colors in a faire | | | | |