new and looking for outfit ideas/advice!

[andrew]

Hello guys,
I am going to the PA renaissance faire this weekend on Sunday and would like to have an outfit to go in. I was hoping to create a costume without spending all that much money. (I dont have that much money to work with!) Does anyone have tips on making an outfit on a budget? I was hoping to be an inn keeper or a bartender.

Thanks!

[WaywardWench]

Hello guys,
I am going to the PA renaissance faire this weekend on Sunday and would like to have an outfit to go in. I was hoping to create a costume without spending all that much money. (I dont have that much money to work with!) Does anyone have tips on making an outfit on a budget? I was hoping to be an inn keeper or a bartender.
Thanks!

On a shoestring budget I would recommend goodwill and thrift stores for things that can be repurposed. Stay in natural colors and fabrics when possible. Peasant, pirate, highwayman and gypsy are easy enough to pull together from modern things. Don't be bashful, check the ladies areas for big sleeved blouses or shirts, coats, jackets.

Look for a vest or coat that can be remade into a laced up jerkin. Leather or wool would be great. Take off the buttons and sleeves, punch some matching holes, get extra long leather laces from the shoe store or leather section of hobby store, retie the sleeves through matching punched holes to the shoulders and lace up the front and belt.

Look for leggings in the ladies area for "Robin Hood" tights. Wide leather or studded belts.Tuck oversize, wide legged pants in boots. Check purse section for something to use as a pouch to hang from belt.

As my design friends always remind me, look at things with your "16th century, not 21st century" eyes.
Have fun searching and playing.

[Trillium]

Great ideas there!  Also, for pants, keep an eye out for black or brown scrubs or pajama pants.  They work well in a pinch.

[andrew]

i must agree! these are some good ideas. i was told that black/dark colors are more for the higher class. is that true? ill be shopping around this week. any other tips would be wonderful

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

If you buy scrub pants, you'll want to take a seam ripper and carefully remove the back patch pockets.  If you find a colorful scarf, you can tie it around your head, pirate style. 

[andrew]

how about my shoes/boots?

[Dinobabe]

Wal-Mart usually has canvas deck shoes.  They are cheap and fairly comfortable.  I wear them with my middle class garb.

Look in the men's section for clothing of Goodwill, too!

[andrew]

Wal-Mart usually has canvas deck shoes.  They are cheap and fairly comfortable.  I wear them with my middle class garb.

Look in the men's section for clothing of Goodwill, too!

I am headed to walmart after work today! Thanks for the advice. My aunt is also going to look into a small shop for cheaper garb. She makes it herself!