Renaissance Faire Outfit Ideas

Looking for Renaissance Faire outfit ideas? Here we delve into more elaborate Renaissance Faire costumes like pirates, knights, and noble men and women!

Here’s a list of Renaissance Faire costumes, which writer Holle Abee kindly told me I could share.

Male

Knight
King / King Henry VIII
Prince
Nobleman
Tavern Keeper
Wizard
Court Jester
Elf
Muskateer
Romeo
Robin Hood
Highlander
Shakespeare
Druid
Irish Lad
Priest
Squire
Farmer
Shepherd
Cardinal
Cook

Here some key questions for planning your Renaissance costume.

1.Time period: The majority of US Renaissance Faire’s are set in Elizabethan England, thus Queen Elizabeth and Henry the VIII are on the list. However, you’ll find there are medieval faires here and there, and larger Renn Faires often have a Viking or Norse weekend.

2. Social class: The options include royalty and nobility, the middle class, and the lower class or peasants.

3. Profession: As you’ll notice in the list about there are a number of jobs like tavern keeper, shepherdess or shepherd, farmer, or cook.

If this is your first Ren Faire, read the website and check the themes for the Renaissance Faire you plan to attend.

Pirate Costume

Pirate costumes are pirate weekend are both popular at Ren Faires. The chance to channel your inner swashbuckler is irresistible.

1. Shirt and Pants: Begin with a loose-fitting white or beige shirt. Opt for billowy sleeves and a v-neck or lace-up collar for an authentic look. Pair with dark pants or leggings.

2. Add a Vest or Cloak: Layer a weathered vest or a flowy cloak over your shirt. If seeking a vest, look for details like buttons, buckles, or even faux leather trim to give it a rugged feel.
3. Now for the Pirate Accessories:
   • • Bandana: Tie a bandana around your head, preferably in black or red. Keep the ends loose.
     • Eye Patch: Wear it over one eye and embrace your inner scallywag. Me, I’d skip the eye patch.
     • Boots: Don tall leather boots or boot covers that look worn.
     • Belt: A wide belt with a large buckle adds to the pirate aesthetic. Check out these double pouch belts, as well.
     • Jewelry: Adorn yourself with chunky pirate rings, hoop earrings (clip-ons if necessary), and beaded necklaces.
4. More Pirate Accessories:
   • • Weapons: Carry a plastic sword, dagger, or even a toy flintlock pistol (check event rules, some faires allow peace-tied weapons).
     • Props: Consider carrying a treasure map rolled up in your belt or a stuffed parrot perched on your shoulder.
5. Final Touches:
   • • Makeup: Optionally, apply smudged eyeliner or face paint for a most rugged appearance.
     • Distress Your Costume: Give your attire a weathered look by lightly sanding edges or adding strategic tears and even dirt and fake blood.
6. Walk the Talk:
   • • Practice your pirate accent and mannerisms (use a YouTube video for reference.)

Now that you’ve got the steps, go forth and conquer the high seas! Arrr!

Knight Costume

Knights are a very popular Renaissance Faire costume perhaps because jousting is one of the most spectacular and popular parts of Renaissance Faires.

Noblewoman’s Costume:

Step 1. Undergarments

• • • Chemise: A white or cream floor-length chemise is the base layer. It’ll have a loose-fitting sleeves and a gathered neckline and be partly visible on the completed costume.

Step 2. Top Layer

Corset or Bodice with Skirt

• • • A well-fitted bodice or corset in velvet or brocade with lacing at the front.
    • Select boning if you wish for structure.
    • A full, floor-length skirt is the next item in a complementary color to the bodice. Fabrics like velvet, silk, or brocade work well.
    • Trim or embroidery along the hem were popular.

Or Dress instead of Bodice and Skirt

• • • A full, floor-length dress made from velvet, silk, or brocade will look fantastic.
    • Trim or embroidery along the hem were popular.

Step 4. Sleeves and Cuffs

• • • Enhance the sleeves with additional details like ribbon, lace, or faux pearls. Puffed or slashed sleeves are characteristic of the Renaissance.

Step 5. Headwear

• • • Headdress choices include a French hood, a jeweled circlet, or a gable hood.

Step 6. Jewelry

• • • A large pendant necklace, earrings, and rings with pearls and gemstones would all fit with the silk and brocade of your Rennaisance Faire outfit.

Step 7. Footwear:

• • • Wear flat or low-heeled shoes in a color that complements the costume. Just be sure they are comfortable for lots of walking.

Step 8. Hair and Makeup:

• • • Braids, curls, and pinned-up styles were common.
    • Natural-looking makeup

Noblemen Costume

With costumes for nobles, focus on luxurious fabrics such as velvet, brocade, silk, and wool.

Step 1. Basic Garments

1. Shirt: A light white or beige shirt in linen or cotton with puffy sleeves.
2. Doublet: Ideally made with velvet or brocade with buttons or lacing, decorative trim, and slashed sleeves that show the shirt underneath.
3. Breeches: Like short knee-length pants in matching or coordinating fabric to the doublet.

Step 4: Outer Garments

1. Cloak or Cape: Perhaps in heavyweight fabric such as wool, vegan wool or velvet. Can be embellished with embroidery, fur trim, or decorative closures.
2. Jerkin: Sleeveless vest made of leather or sturdy fabric and worn over the doublet; often decorated with intricate patterns or embroidery.

Step 5: Headwear

1. Hat: Flat caps, wide-brimmed hats, or feathered berets often adorned with feathers, jewels, and decorative bands.

Step 6: Footwear

1. Shoes: Leather boots or shoes with decorative buckles.
2. Hose or Stockings: Wool or silk stockings in a matching color to the outfit.

Step 7: Accessories

1. Belt: Made of Leather with a decorative buckle.
2. Jewelry: Men wore Rings, brooches, and necklaces featuring gems and gold to show their status.
3. Gloves: Fine leather or fabric gloves, often embroidered or decorated.

Step 8: Final Touches

Props:

1. Sword: Replica swords add authenticity.
2. Pouch: Leather pouches for essentials.

Grooming:

1. Hair: Style hair according to the period.  You could wear a wigs but it might be too warm for most Ren Faires.
2. Facial Hair: Trim or grow a beard to match historical portraits.