subject: Renaissance Halloween Costumes: Queen's Lady And Village Wench [print this page] A unique characteristic of Renaissance Halloween costumes are that they may be worn for occasions other than for trick or treat and seasonal parties. The popularity of Renaissance Fairs provides a number of occasions to wear costumes of the period. Whether a lovely lady of the queen's court gowned with a flowing veil or a village wench with a bawdy laugh - many options are available to you. You might be royal or common, good or evil, brave or cowardly. Renaissance costumes can be interpreted easily with color and accessories.
It will be to your benefit to create a quality costume. Wear it for Halloween and re-use it during Renaissance fairs held during Spring and Summer months. Identifying clothing worn during that period is easy due to the vast amount of information that exists for the period. Whether researching on Google or through a visit to your local Library you will be able to find apparel that signifies that time period. http://www.costumecauldron.com/Adult-Renaissance-Medieval-Costumes.html
You will be assuming a specific role in the society with Renaissance Halloween costumes. You may be of common stock such as a peasant with a bare subsistence income. Or would you prefer the part of a king, queen, prince or princess? You might be Robin Hood or one of his merry men or choose the dark side as a common thief
More research will add greater historical detail to your costume. High society would wear rich colors with women flaunting sweeping dresses and tall hats adorned with floating veils of various lengths. Fabrics used might be light and airy for the ladies and heavy and dark in color for the men of the time. http://www.costumecauldron.com/shop/halloween-costume/Medieval--Renaissance-Costumes-title0-p-1-c-341.html
Peasant clothing for a woman could consist of a plain colored work dress, usually in grey or brown. Add props by carrying baskets or water jugs at your side. Face paint can be used to create the appearance of a long day working the field or time spent in the barn, tending the animals.
Men's Renaissance Halloween costumes will also very. Common peasants wore mostly the same neutral colors, brown tones and grays. A straw hat could be worn to block excessive sunlight. The dirtier your clothing appears, the more realistic it will be. Hygiene back then was not anywhere near what it is today, many only bathed a few times a year. This look can be recreated through the use of paints and clothing wear. Please, for the courtesy of those who will come in close proximity of you, do not go for the real thing and forgo regular bathing. While we can appreciate historical accuracy, that's just downright nasty!
If you prefer to act as royalty, just like with the female costumes, the colors should be very deep. Purples and reds were more expensive to get back in those days, so only the wealthiest usually wore these hues. Male or female, royalty usually came adorned in jewels, including the obligatory crown. If you don't' have costume jewelry that fits the style, consider designing your own out of inexpensive materials.
Fans of Renaissance Fairs will get their money's worth of wear from a period correct costume. It's worth spending the money to create a costume that fits well and suits the character you've chosen to play. Your personality will be the most convincing element of your Renaissance Halloween costume so choose a character that suits you. Edited by Hetsil Protage
