5 Types Of Costumes And Characters For Every Faire
Start writing a post
Entertainment

5 Types Of Costumes And Characters For Every Faire

An overview of the most common festival fashions and personas.

3723
5 Types Of Costumes And Characters For Every Faire
Goldstar

For many festival-goers, dressing up is at least half the fun. A Renaissance faire, especially, encourages creative participation before you even step through the gates. Looking and playing a certain part enables you to not only attend a festival or faire but also interact with performers and other visitors in a uniquely lighthearted way. However, before you can choose what to wear, you must first decide your motivations and preferences.

The list of possible personas is endless, but below are a few of the most common costumes and characters for your faire experience.

1. The royal.

This person goes all out to look as kingly or queenly possible. No matter the level of discomfort, he or she values the historical accuracy of multiple layers. What’s a few petticoats in summer heat for looking timelessly regal? The intricate lacing and jewels might cost a small fortune, but this person considers it a small price to pay for belonging to the court. After all, common costumes are for peasants, and this attire guarantees a class distinction. One who chooses this luxurious lifestyle and costume can at least briefly trade real-word problems for fashions fit for a palace.

2. The fantasy.

This type takes a step beyond merely medieval into the mystical realm of magic and myth. According to the person who chooses this kind of costume and character, why just go back in time when you can transcend other worlds and rules? Brightly colorful fairies and elves are probably the most common personas at these events, but everything from dragons to orcs also make a few polite appearances. To properly identify one of these creatures during a sighting, just look at the physical characteristics, especially pointed ears, wings and tails. Costumes are usually as elaborate as the ideas and designers themselves.

3. The dancer.

Likely the most seductive of the entire faire, with the exception of the tightly-clad warrior, this person links sensuality with her costume. The easiest way to locate this type is to simply listen for bells almost anywhere on the dancer, from anklet to headdress. Her jingles give her away every time, even before the ringing of her finger cymbals. Bold is the best word to describe this outfit as it embellishes every shape. Even if this person is not actually performing on stage with the professional belly dancers, her costume makes her feel capable to shimmy with the best of them!

4. The pirate.

With a sword at the hip and feather in the hat, this one is the self-proclaimed badass of the entire group. The girls are probably sashaying in their striped skirts while the guys brandish their weaponry through the crowd. They might all look like rebels and rogues, but this merry group knows how to have fun. The person who chooses the pirate life will probably spend half the time teasing the pious knights and the rest of the day with a tankard. Whether pirate wench or swashbuckler, this attire and attitude add a level of excitement to guarantee a dashing time.

5. The steampunk.

This type is the infamous wildcard as it combines historical costume with sci-fi influences. The clothing can also incorporate garments from the previous types, but the unique accessories are really key. While some of the others might prefer jewels, the person who chooses the steampunk ensemble and lifestyle has an eye and preference for gears on everything from gloves to top hats. The distinct combination of ruffles, metal and lace also generates an outfit with both romantic and industrial flair. Garbed in goggles and timepieces, this festival-goer takes a new approach to traditional festival fashions for a timeless creation.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

46016
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

29131
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953530
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

160324
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments