Mens outfit on the cheap?

[juliap]

I am trying to come up with an outfit for my husband as cheaply as possible.  It does not have to be HA just something that will fit in and have that renaissance feel.  So I raided his closet and found these items



Will any of this stuff work.  Its just a regular button down shirt, cordaroy pants, and a vest that went with a colonial outfit.  I am willing to alter things to make it work, have any suggestions? Also what do I do about shoes on the cheap? Oh also I can spend a little money I just want to spend as little as possible. 

I am not going for a couple of weeks so I possibly could buy a shirt or something if I found one cheap enough.

[Zardoz]

I think that generally looks OK for the 'renaissance feel'. If I had a suggestion, it would be to get a more renaissancey shirt, solid color, puffy sleeves, etc.

Shoes are harder, and hardly ever cheap, I'd just go with some plain leather oxfords, the more beat up the better. You might look at some resale shops for good "pre-worn" shoes.

[Anna Iram]

Hi Juliap. Yep, I'd agree the shirt isn't right. It's a bit too modern of a print and fabric, and too tailored of a cut and sleeve. I'd stop in a local thrift shop and see if you can find a more peasant type of shirt. If your husband is not large don't overlook the womens sections. Look for natural fabric colors, and no collar or buttons. With the right shirt the vest will be fine. I think the pants will work, though you might also look for a simple elastic waist uniform pant, the kind that's found in medical uniform shops. A few bucks might snag you a pair in the thrift shop.  Wander over to the shoe section also to find very simple sandle or a boot if you are lucky.  Never know what ren garb treasures lurk at Sals Army.

Here's some *very* basic costume sites. These are pretty basic,but the look works. That can give you an idea of what to look for anyway.

http://www.amazon.com/Egan-Village-Rogue-Costume/dp/B000A81P4M/ref=pd_sbs_a_3

http://www.amazon.com/Plus-Size-Renaissance-Man-Costume/dp/B0002RKUJW

http://www.anytimecostumes.com/products/p-021780220

[Rowan MacD]

  Don't overlook the kaftan shirts in the womens' section at the thrift store.

[juliap]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I scored a really cheap shirt on ebay that I think will work.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180560347272&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Now if I can just figure out some way to dress up the outfit a little so it will match the dress I am working on. Maybe I can add some trim to the vest or a fancy hat.   

Here is the dress I am going to fix.

http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=13592.0

I figure on the pants the shirt will hang down low enough to cover up the fact that they are not drawstring.  I think the fabric and color of them are pretty good.  I need to go visit my local salvation army and see if I can score some shoes.  Thanks for the tips. 

[Butch]

If you were to tuck the trouser legs back inside the trousers and put the cuffs about a hands length below the kneecap, and make a drawstring at the cuffs, and then wear long socks, I believe it may be closer to the look you want.

Couple that with some tan long stockings, and the low shoes (as Zardoz suggested), and you would be covered.  For the shoes, look at thrift stores.  If you get lace up oxfords, you can cut away most of the lacing area to make the shoes look more like latchet shoes.

Good luck!

[juliap]

Thanks for the ideas.  I looked up latchet shoes and found out what you were talking about with cutting them.  That is really neat I think I might do that.  I found a pair of leather shoes in my other closet and they turned out to be oxfords.  He never wears them so I think he will let me cut them up.  They look brand new though, I have to figure out how to distress the leather and make them look older. 
  I am not sure if I can convince him to wear stockings  .  He is not as into this as I am.  If you put the stockings on do you put the long socks on top of the stocking? What color socks do you use?  Thanks for all the tips this has been a really big help.     

[amy]

I hear you sister... Never say stockings... or hose.... or tights...  I just buy the super long knee sox and say.  "Here put these long sox on so your legs don't show"   and no questions are even asked!

[Butch]

Sorry, I was using "long socks" and "stockings" interchangeably!  Just a pair of socks over the calf and under the trousers, so no skin is showing.  It appears he is being dressed as "common" so some earth tone would be just fine!  Any shade of grey, tan, or brown would do.  Stay away from black!

Don't get too wrapped up in distressing the shoes.  They will hardly be noticed at all, especially once they get dusty and dirty from the lanes.

Have fun with it, that's the main thing!

[Adriana Rose]

It blew me away this summer when the teenage boy that was watching my kiddo this summer showed up in a pair of opaqe tights under his rolled up pants, his girlfriend who worked for me too told him it did not look right wear these and he did all the weekends he worked.