| While many people associate costumes with | | | | historical accuracy, it's helpful to find a merchant |
| children and the Halloween tradition of | | | | who can reliably guide you to the proper apparel |
| trick-or-treating, increasing numbers of adults are | | | | and accessories. Thanks to the Internet, it's never |
| rediscovering the joy that comes from dressing in | | | | been easier to find sources to help you in your |
| period costumes. Thanks to the influence of | | | | quest. |
| Renaissance Faires and the Society for Creative | | | | For example, the best online stores will help |
| Anachronism (SCA), adults are embracing | | | | women find the right undergarments (like |
| costumes and accessories that hearken back to | | | | chemises, hoopskirts, bloomers, and corsets) to |
| the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance of the | | | | wear under their dresses, skirts, or ball gowns. |
| 14th through the 17th centuries. | | | | Men can find everything from vests and doublets |
| Historic Celebrations | | | | to puffy-sleeved shirts and breeches. Pirate |
| During the Renaissance (which literally means | | | | costumes, Scottish clothing and kilts, and children's |
| "rebirth"), shifting perspectives in philosophy, art, | | | | costumes are also available from the right online |
| literature, science, and religion had a tremendous | | | | Renaissance stores. |
| impact in Europe, the effects of which are felt to | | | | Accessories are a Must |
| this day. Today's Renaissance Faires capture the | | | | When you're dressing for a particular era, |
| essence of that time, with an abundance of | | | | accessories complete your look. For example, |
| music, entertainment, art, and food that celebrate | | | | Renaissance clothing tends not to have pockets, |
| the eras in which they're set. While many | | | | so a pouch is the perfect accessory to carry |
| Renaissance Faires are set in the England's | | | | your necessities. During the Middle Ages and |
| Elizabethan Era, others find their inspiration in the | | | | Renaissance, hats were de rigueur, so you'll need |
| French Renaissance or in pirate themes of | | | | to find the proper cap, beret, snood, veil, or hood. |
| the18th century. | | | | While well-choreographed battles are part of the |
| Similarly, the Society for Creative Anachronism | | | | Renaissance Faire experience, and SCA events |
| honors the Middle Ages and Renaissance by | | | | are fraught with well-trained warriors, weaponry |
| researching and creating personas who would | | | | can also be a costume accessory. Accessory |
| have lived during those times. Artisans, | | | | weapons don't need to be functional; indeed, they |
| combatants, cooks, and others diligently perfect | | | | must only fit in with the era you're recreating. |
| their characters, and gather together - in SCA | | | | Look online to find sources of mini collector |
| garb and sometimes with SCA armor - to | | | | weapons, weapon carriers and belts, and |
| celebrate with historical accuracy. | | | | accessory swords. |
| Finding the Right Costumes | | | | Making Your Own |
| Whether you're attending a weekend Renaissance | | | | Once you begin attending Medieval or Renaissance |
| Faire or are steeped in the SCA culture, the right | | | | events, the chances are good that you'll want to |
| costumes enrich and enhance your experience. | | | | expand your wardrobe using techniques from the |
| Watching men battle with medieval swords or | | | | era. The best online sources offer an array of |
| attending a medieval wedding is simply more | | | | costume patterns for everything from Tudor and |
| meaningful when your appearance blends in with | | | | Elizabethan gowns to corsets and tunics. |
| the era. Because it's not always easy to achieve | | | | |