Garbing but not entirely accurate

[theshyfox]

I have worked at the Texas renaissance festival for the last three years... I know when something is "period" and when something is not. I have had a few incidents when attending other faires as a patron. These incidents involved my costumes not being entirely "period" and also involved several rather snooty "playtrons" to be very rude to me.

I am in a boat again that I fear will sink, and any words of wisdom to calm my nerves on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

I will be attending Dickon's on the Strand this Saturday. It is a festival that focuses on the Victorian era, rather than Renaissance. If I were to dress in my normal garb, do you think I would suffer much worse scorn then in the past?

This is a problem I run into when I'm costuming... I do something that makes me happy, but then I run into "purists" who would rather I not have dressed up at all.

[Auryn]

Ignore them,
there are spoil sports in every walk of life, people who feel the need to share the misery that stains their own lives.

I say ignore them, but I'm a smartass so I would have a few choice colorful words with them if they actually had the gall to say something to me.
I say dress as you will and be damned with those who look down upon you, the only ones having a bad time is them.

[Jessi]

I would say "It's a good thing I'm not dressing to please you." 

I go to faire to have fun and I have no intention of ever bing HA. I certainly do not look forward to the day when someone thinks they can tell me how to dress. You will hear me up and down the lane.

Don't let those people get you down. <hugs> Go, have fun.

[Taffy Saltwater]

Goodness, I didn't realize DotS was literally around the corner.  Go in whatever you like and have fun.  Hmm - do they have a mulled wine vendor?

[theshyfox]

honestly? I don't know what kind of vendors they have, as I haven't been to this festival in almost ten years!

Thank you guys for the kind words. I was really worried... over something very silly. But with your support I'm feeling much more confident about my garb.

[ArielCallista]

I think what matters is whether or not you want to be historically accurate. If you do, then try your hardest and try to take anything as constructive criticism. If you aren't then its their problem they aren't happy with what you're wearing. There will always be that one person who tries to ruin everyone elses fun...its a defensive response because they aren't happy. their loss not yours.

[Master James]

The important thing here is that you are a patron and pay to get through the door.  If you were a part of the cast then that is different but as a patron if you want to dress up in a chicken outfit, its your privilege as long as whatever you wear does'nt break any laws.  For those people who give you grief, they aren't worth your time so show them the hand cause the face ain't listening.  Dress however you like and enjoy yourself.  That is what faire is all about.

[Birdinthelocker]

I think you know that I feel your pain for various reasons.... I don't think I even OWN an outfit that would be considered "Renaissance Period accurate". I enjoy going to the festival as Jack or in my steampunk garb.

Lucky for me I only had three people say anything rude this year at TRF. Two of them were snotty 13-15 year olds the other was a pickle vendor.. we were quick to point out that their weren't exactly giant pickles walking around in the renaissance era either.

ARRGGH I forgot about Dickens!! How could I?? and I call myself a steampunk fan... I sure hope I can rope together the time and money to go.

[Dinobabe]

When I wanted to start Civil War reenacting it was hard finding a group that would accept a woman soldier.  I received a lot of negative comments, the main one being NO!!!!  I have been in a great group for the past three years.  We have a ton of fun, I do my job, and I do it well.  Every once and a while I get dirty looks.  But you know what!?  I am having a blast while they sit in their tents picking at button threads (too many, you know)!  And while they insist on sleeping on the cold ground (because that is how it was done) I am nice and snug in my sleeping bag, on my air mattress, in, yes, a period correct tent.  Now we have four female soldiers!

It doesn't matter what you do in life; reenacting, cooking, driving, living; there will ALWAYS be someone with a negative comment.   Be happy!

[Baron Dacre]

If you are not working and therefore not required to be in period costume, it is none of their business.

If you paid for your own ticket, then it is none of their business.

If they are strangers and just being bitchy, then it is definitely none of their business.

In my group (RPFS Court) we have actively discouraged our members from on-stage nit-picking of visitor costumes. However in general they will dispense advice if asked.

[Lady L]

One thing to remember...NO ONE is 100% historically accurate!

How many people raise their own sheep, shear them, card the wool, weave the wool into fabric, dye it and then cut it out and hand sew their garment, hmmm?

Same goes for linen, which is even more labor intensive. Cotton was expensive and hard to come by in Europe. What about hose and shoes? Did they hand knit their own hose or sew it on the bias? Did they cure their own leather and hand sew their shoes? Etc. etc....

[Anna Iram]

I imagine that those that created the event, while they might *hope* everyone comes in Dickens appropriate attire, know not everyone has such garb. Regardless of who you may meet on the streets, I'd bet the folks that actually created the event and invited you to come and play are just happy you came and want you to have a wonderful time. Your job as a "guest" is to add your festive spirit to the occasion. So bring your sense of play (I know you have one as I see ...fox eyes(?) in your avatar  and don't worry about what might be said. Have fun.

[VIII]

If they snipe at you, just look them in the eye and ask, "Is it Judgement Day already?!?" then ignore them for the rest of the day, unless they apologise to you, publicly.

[Tipsy Gypsy]

If they snipe at you, just look them in the eye and ask, "Is it Judgement Day already?!?" then ignore them for the rest of the day, unless they apologise to you, publicly.

Or smile your most charming smile and say, "Thank you so much for your unsolicited opinion". And walk away, leaving them sputtering.

Excellent point, Lady L!

[Jaythebarbarian]

"If I'm dressing this way to please you, you better be buying me dinner."