The Gulf Coast Renaissance Fair and Pirate Festival
Cheap & Easy Costumes
Costumes
Creating a Cheap and Easy Renaissance Outfit
It’s time for your local Renaissance Festival and you want something to wear to fit in. While you can always wear your everyday clothes, you’ll have more fun playing a part. Unfortunately, the only costume you can find is your daughter’s latest Halloween costume. However your newest Renaissance outfit could be as close as your closet or nearest thrift store.
In both men’s and women’s clothing try to find 100% cotton. Most of your time will be spent outside wearing multiple layers. Cotton will keep you cooler than polyester.
Start simple when putting to together a peasant outfit.
The basics for Women:
One to two ankle length solid color Skirts
Lace up vest for the skirts if you only find one, either let it hang long, or safety pin the sides up to knee outfit. It’s even better if you find 2 skirts. Leave the bottom one hanging at ankle length and tuck the top skirt into the waistband. Safety pins can be handy here as well. If you only find one solid colored skirt and one patterned, wear the patterned as the bottom skirt.
Poets Shirts, Vest and Bodice
The lace-up vest or bodice is where you will want most of your design for the poets shirt, this can be any color. While most poets shirts are in white, color adds more dimension to your look.
A lace-up vest or bodice can be the hardest thing you acquire. Many people wait until visiting the faire to purchase a bodice.
The people who run the clothing shops can help you find the best fitting bodice to flatter your figure. However for tighter budgets a lace-up or button-up vest will work.
The basics for Men:
Long Pants
opened or closed.Pants are typically in the browns or blacks. They are worn long to either tuck into boots, or cover the tops of your shoes. Look for lounging pants in a sold color. A drawstring waist is the best.
Long Sleeved Shirt
The shirt is very much like a tee-shirt that pulls over your head. Long sleeves are recommended, however if your faire is hot, short sleeves will work. This should also be a solid color.
Vest
Vest also are typically in the browns or blacks. While the shirt and pants would be enough, a vest to go over the shirt would make the look complete. Look for the longest solid color vest available. The vest can either be closed or hang open.