How to Dress for a Medieval Festival

Costumes at a medieval fair are grand and elaborate, for men and women. Fabrics are elaborately designed and convey wealth. Rich materials from heavy velvets to sweeping brocades are worn. Men's costumes range from noble to knightly, with heavy cloaks and chain mail or armor in style. When you're putting together your medieval costume, think extravagantly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Women's blouse with long flared sleeves
• Full heavy skirt
• Crinoline petticoat
• Full-length cloaks for men and women
• Tiara or floral wreath
• Folding fan
• Trousers that tie along the calves
• Ruffled shirt or pirate-type shirt
• Tall suede boots
• Plumed hat
• Sword and shield

Women's Costumes

1. Wear a princess hat of cone-shaped satin. Attach a lightweight veil that hangs from the tip of the hat to just below the shoulders and an elastic below the chin to secure it. Wear headgear that ranges from a small crown to a more elaborate headpiece. You can also choose a headpiece of rounded velvet that sits low on the forehead and has a long veil attached or a floral wreath with ribbons hanging down the back.

2. Wear a top that is tight and low-cut with a squared neckline. Choose sleeves that are full and straight, narrow at the shoulder and wider at the wrists where they drape. Over it wear a corset that laces up the front.

3. Dress in a full skirt that falls in folds to the ankles. Choose rich velvet or brocade, sometimes with a center panel in a contrasting patterned material. Add a long, loose-hanging belt in front. Underneath, wear a crinoline square dancing slip or stiff hoop skirt or petticoat to lift the skirt.

4. Wear dark slippers in a delicate style for footwear. Layer a flowing cape over the dress in cooler weather. Choose lined velvet with a hood and a tie at the neck.

5. Carry a rose or fan for accessories. Wear chokers of pearls or gems like rubies or emeralds at the throat.

Men's Costumes

6. Wear an elaborate crown to convey nobility or a velvet hat with a rounded crown and large plume. Choose a helmet to represent a knight, either with a plume or without.

7. Wear a full-sleeved shirt ending in a tight cuff with string ties across the chest. Top it off with a fake fur-edged velvet vest that flares out from the waist, or choose a fake leather tunic gathered at the waist trimmed with gold satin. Men can also choose a ruffled shirt or chain-mail vest.

8. Select black or gray pants gathered at the cuff or knickers with stockings beneath. Wear pants that tie along the calves.

9. Choose simple tall suede boots for footwear. Wear a hooded, lined cloak that falls to the calves or ankles in a dark royal color.

10. Carry a sword and shield as accessories. Both wooden and plastic will be effective.

Tips & Warnings

• Medieval clothing among the nobility tended to be elegant and gaudy, with women wearing stiff petticoats beneath their skirts. Look in books about the medieval period for more clothing ideas.

References

• Renaissance and medieval costumes
• Medieval costume designs