When you go to a Renaissance Faire, it is fun to really get into the spirit of things and dress up like someone from that time period. Most fairs offer guidelines on what appropriate garb, or costumes, could be. To help you out, here are five things you should not wear to any Renaissance Fairs.
Modern Footwear and Shoes
There are many people who go to a Renaissance Fair in period garb, but then give up below the ankle. Perhaps they opt for sneakers and comfortable shoes because they have nothing else, or because they know they will have to walk around all day. However, there is nothing so distracting as seeing a lady in a beautiful gown with running shoes peaking out the bottom.
Gothic or Punk Corsets or Shirts
Some people seem to get confused about what period they should be dressing for when going to a Renaissance Faire. They seem to think that any long skirt, bodice, and blouse will do. Just as in every period in history, the Medieval and Renaissance times had specific fashions. Crushed velvet, vinyl, satin, and machine lace were not available.
Fairy Wings or Dragon Tales
There are some Renaissance Faires that are friendlier toward fantasy costumes, and, of course, no one is going to scowl at a small child wearing something like this. However, contrary to folklore and fairy tales, the Renaissance period was not populated by actual dragons and fairies. People at the fairs take history seriously.
Harry Potter Costumes
With the explosion in popularity of the Harry Potter series, there are more and more black cloaks and pointy wizard hats available for sale. Anyone considering wearing a Harry Potter costume to a Renaissance Faire should think again. Harry Potter is 20th and 21st century and has nothing to do with history.
Glasses, MP3 Players, and Wristwatches
Many people wear these modern trapping for conveniences sake at the Renaissance Faire. Of course, if you are going to blunder blindly into the wrong privy without your glasses, you do not have a choice. Getting in the true spirit of the Renaissance Faire, however, means leaving these things at home.
Wearing any of these five things to a Renaissance Faire is sure to make you stick out like a true Dane. Dane, by the way, is short for mundane, and is the Renaissance Faire regular's term for a newbie, or a person not in the know. Following the above guidelines will help you pick out appropriate Ren Faire garb or costumes.
