Tinkerbell Boogaloo's Renaissance Faire Costumes
Basic costuming advice for Renaissance Faire performing is to dress in layers. Make costuming pieces out of light weight cotton fabric to help stay cool. Cotton guaze fabric is light enough to wear even on warm summer days. Although I don't recommend black for hot days in the sun. Keep the shirts and pants simple so they can be worn beneath coats, vests, and skirts.
A reminder on costuming differences between Ren Faires and S.C.A. events. Troupe sister Aysu, a member of S.C.A., says authentic Ghawazee coats and vests are not cut under the bustline, which makes this coat more of a Turkish style. The striped pattern fabric would be appropriate for Ghawazee costuming in the 18th and 19th centuries. If we attend a Renaissance Faire event, we wear peasant blouses and no coin bra on the outside to pass for accuracy. Ren faires are more fantasy than history, so we can get away with this look. The harem pants, choli, coin bra, and turban are elements of American Tribal Style costuming. Harem pants are not a period costume piece. Aysu explained that Egyptian, Persian, and Indian style pants are baggy at the thighs and then tight at the ankles. Tassel belts are not period, as they are part of modern A.T.S. and tribal fusion costuming. Flashy coin scarves and coin bras are not period either, but are elements of modern cabaret and tribal dance.
This black shirt and harem pant set goes with my Ghawazee coat. To vary the look, I can remove the coat and put on a hip scarf and tassel belt.
This cream shirt and copper harem pants go with my Turkish coat. Aysu says the fabric and style of this coat are appropriate for Persian style dance. Again, all I need to add is a tassel belt and scarf for a new look.
You never know when a valiant knight will fight for your honor in a joust, so be prepared to wear his favor on your costume if he should win the tournament! This favor is from Sir Robert of the Knights of Valour. He jousted and won at the Ren Faire in Danville. He also wore my favor on his armor, a long scarf made of matching material from my Turkish coat. He kept the scarf and probably gave it to his good lady wife.
