Article Fashion

While many people associate costumes with children and the Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating
increasing numbers of adults are rediscovering the joy that comes from dressing in period costumes. Thanks to the influence of Renaissance Faires and the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA)
adults are embracing costumes and accessories that hearken back to the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance of the 14th through the 17th centuries.

Historic Celebrations

During the Renaissance (which literally means "rebirth")
shifting perspectives in philosophy
art
literature
science
and religion had a tremendous impact in Europe
the effects of which are felt to this day. Today's Renaissance Faires capture the essence of that time
with an abundance of music
entertainment
art
and food that celebrate the eras in which they're set. While many Renaissance Faires are set in the England's Elizabethan Era
others find their inspiration in the French Renaissance or in pirate themes of the18th century.

Similarly
the Society for Creative Anachronism honors the Middle Ages and Renaissance by researching and creating personas who would have lived during those times. Artisans
combatants
cooks
and others diligently perfect their characters
and gather together - in SCA garb and sometimes with SCA armor - to celebrate with historical accuracy.

Finding the Right Costumes

Whether you're attending a weekend Renaissance Faire or are steeped in the SCA culture
the right costumes enrich and enhance your experience. Watching men battle with medieval swords or attending a medieval wedding is simply more meaningful when your appearance blends in with the era. Because it's not always easy to achieve historical accuracy
it's helpful to find a merchant who can reliably guide you to the proper apparel and accessories. Thanks to the Internet
it's never been easier to find sources to help you in your quest.

For example
the best online stores will help women find the right undergarments (like chemises
hoopskirts
bloomers
and corsets) to wear under their dresses
skirts
or ball gowns. Men can find everything from vests and doublets to puffy-sleeved shirts and breeches. Pirate costumes
Scottish clothing and kilts
and children's costumes are also available from the right online Renaissance stores.

Accessories are a Must

When you're dressing for a particular era
accessories complete your look. For example
Renaissance clothing tends not to have pockets
so a pouch is the perfect accessory to carry your necessities. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance
hats were de rigueur
so you'll need to find the proper cap
beret
snood
veil
or hood.

While well-choreographed battles are part of the Renaissance Faire experience
and SCA events are fraught with well-trained warriors
weaponry can also be a costume accessory. Accessory weapons don't need to be functional; indeed
they must only fit in with the era you're recreating. Look online to find sources of mini collector weapons
weapon carriers and belts
and accessory swords.

Making Your Own

Once you begin attending Medieval or Renaissance events
the chances are good that you'll want to expand your wardrobe using techniques from the era. The best online sources offer an array of costume patterns for everything from Tudor and Elizabethan gowns to corsets and tunics.