If you go to a renaissance fair, you’ll almost certainly be greeted with open arms. These festivals are all about the atmosphere and having a good time. If you’re attending, take advantage of the opportunity to dress up for the occasion and experiment with your wardrobe! First and foremost, consider whether you want to be historically correct or classically costumed. This article is not intended to be a history lesson, and the differences between the two will not be covered in detail. I also don’t have the experience to talk about historical costuming, but if you’re interested, here are some of my favorite renaissance fair outfits:
1. Colonial Costumes
If you’re willing to dress like a colonial American woman, you’ll have access to beautiful fabrics and be able to design your clothes with ease. You might even have trouble finding some of the accouterments you’ll need to make them look real. I like to pair peasant blouses with authentic crepe fabric skirts, but the empire waist may open up additional wardrobe possibilities! Most renaissance fairs will only allow particular sorts of clothes in any case; this limitation is commonly referred to as “cosplay” (read: get up and go play).
2. Atomic Black Siren Pirate Costume
Pirate outfits come in a variety of styles and sizes. If you’ve always wanted to be a pirate, this is a great costume to attempt, and it’ll undoubtedly get you more compliments than your regular Renaissance fair cosplay! You might want to consider constructing two costumes, one for each season of the year. Many pirate characters wear black-haired bonnets as part of their traditional attire (think of pirates in “Pirates of the Caribbean”).
3. Greek Goddess
A Greek goddess costume could be made up of completely different items than what you have in your closet. Longer clothing with many folds and drapes, especially of the silky sort, dominated Greek fashion, which was predominantly Athenian! Chiffon may easily be used to create your look. To achieve the desired look, you can also try utilizing heavier materials, like brocade.
4. Elaborate Renaissance Costumes
The elaborate costume is one of my favorite renaissance fair costumes. I enjoy everything that goes into creating an authentic renaissance costume. The layered fabrics, built-in corsets, layers of fancy apparel and accessories… everything! I enjoy seeing all of the gorgeous clothes worn by women during Renaissance festivals, even if I’ve never made one myself.
5. Ingenue Costumes
You might wish to consider becoming an ‘ingenue’ if you desire a more traditional costume. A woman of noble blood or at least aristocracy who has yet to make her imprint on the world is known as an ingenue! They could be older or younger than the average person, ranging from 14 to 25 years old. They are expected to be educated, although they are frequently unaware of their rank.
6. Victorian Costumes
Victorian costumes can be highly detailed, but they also take time to create. I like the style, but I lack the patience to sew something complex. Consider adding a couple of ready-to-wear dresses to your closet! It’s a simple method to get started with cosplaying, and it doesn’t require much fabric or sewing knowledge.
7. The Black Plague
The black plague costume is one of the most famous renaissance fair costumes. While the plague was just one of several outbreaks, it significantly impacted how quickly it spread and how many people it killed. I’ve seen some incredible black plague outfits, complete with ornate helmets, masks, and other accessories.
8. Marvel Comics Costumes
Whether you’re a male or a girl, you may cosplay as your favorite Marvel character with ease. Making two costumes, one for each season, would be a good idea. This can be as simple or as tough as you desire. Make the characters in your winter outfit Season Four or Five costumes, for example, if you want to communicate a statement with your costume (e.g., “I love Doctor Who!” or “Barbie is friends with the Ninja Turtles”).
Channel your inner superhero with Halloween costumes inspired by your favorite Marvel characters. From classic heroes like Spiderman and Captain America to newer characters like Black Panther and Captain Marvel, there are plenty of options for both men and women. Don’t forget the accessories, like a shield for Captain America or web-shooters for Spiderman, to complete your transformation into a superhero.
9. Atomic Deluxe Renaissance Gypsy Costume
If you’re looking for a gypsy costume, I recommend Cosmic Gypsies’ Atomic Deluxe Renaissance Gypsy Costumes. It comes with a one-size-fits-all outfit and matching accessories. The intricacies are incredible, and you’ll be able to customize them to your preferences.
10. Roman Costumes
The most popular renaissance faire outfits are Roman costumes. A successful Roman costume may involve several different elements and a significant amount of effort to put together. Fabrics for Roman attire can be challenging to come by, but they are well worth the effort. Use bobby pins and green thread to construct several sorts of brooches from old crusty bread bags, or weave the metal coins you’ve collected into your outfit!
Complete your Roman costume with the right pair of shoes! Opt for mules shoes, which were commonly worn by Romans in ancient times. These slip-on shoes feature a closed toe and backless design, and can easily be paired with a tunic and a toga. With its simplistic yet classic look, you’ll surely stand out in your next Renaissance Faire event.
11. Long Sleeved Gown with Atomic Red Chest Strap
Handsome Guy Cosplays Atomic Red Chest Strap Long Sleeved Gown is a light, breezy, and comfy outfit. The cloth gives my hair a silky sensation and looks great against my skin. I’m so thrilled with it that I’m planning on dressing up like this for Halloween!
12. Cowgirl Renaissance Costume
Cowgirls are still famous, even though they aren’t referenced as frequently as they once were. This is due to their appearances in Hollywood films such as “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” and Clint Eastwood’s American Westerns from the 1970s. Try Atomic Cowgirl’s outfits if you’re looking for a nice cowgirl costume to wear to a renaissance festival!
13. Viking Costumes
The Viking costume is a popular choice for renaissance events, especially in the northern parts of the United States. Viking outfits are pretty simple to make. Purchase Green and brown wigs, post your own on Etsy or eBay, and a full-length black garment with the white trimming to wear over them!
For an authentic Viking look, consider Viking braids for men as a hairstyle option. This hairstyle features intricate braids that can add a fierce appearance to any Viking costume. Pair with a fur-lined tunic, leather pants, and battle-ready boots for a complete look that is sure to turn heads at the Renaissance Faire.
14. Violet Chachki Renaissance Gown
Violet Chachki is a drag queen known for his love of Renaissance and Greco-Roman attire. He makes short videos on the costumes he wears and develops regularly, and you can see more of them here. From every aspect, I believe this dress is adorable!
15. Drag Queen Costumes
Drag queens dressing up as women is one of my favorite things to witness. They have a level of artistic flexibility that many other types of drag shows do not! You’ll be able to express yourself fully, and your costume will highlight your originality.
16. Princess Dress from Frozen
You’ve likely seen this costume somewhere along the way! Princess Anna of Frozen is Disney’s official princess, and she serves as an excellent role model for our children. This outfit is adorable, and it’s ideal for cosplaying as any little girl who is your child!
If you want to accessorize your Princess Dress from Frozen costume, consider adding braided hairstyles to elevate your look. Check out our article on quick and easy braided hairstyles for some inspiration! These styles can be done in minutes and will have your hair looking just as magical as your costume.
17. Women’s Peasant Costume
For renaissance festivities, peasant costumes are another excellent option. They’re straightforward to obtain and come in a range of styles. To my understanding, a peasant costume is the only one that can be built from scratch. Consider creating your peasant costume if you have some spare time and a basic understanding of sewing.
18. Tavern Wench
A tavern wench costume is ideal for a girl or lady who wishes to appear both seductive and sweet. It’s a simple costume that you can whip together in about an hour with minimal stitching. This is undoubtedly your greatest bet if you want to be an attractive and approachable wench!
19. Sorceress
Witchcraft is a well-known and age-old outfit. You should think about your tastes and find a style that you enjoy. If you like spooky ghosts, this is the outfit for you.
For ultimate inspiration for sorceress costume ideas, check out the top 15 enchanting female characters in Elden Ring. From magical powers to stunning outfits, you’ll find plenty of ideas in this article.
20. Fortune Teller
You may not realize it, but fortune-telling is one of man’s most pleasurable pastimes. This technique has existed for centuries, and it’s fascinating to learn more about it. Consider these wardrobe suggestions if you wish to dress up as a professional fortune-teller.
21. Juliet
In Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet,” Juliet was a fascinating character. The dark version of the Juliet costume consists of a leather skirt, black leather bra straps, and a red leather collar. This costume is perfect for a more ominous Renaissance fair.
If you’re aiming for a classic, romantic look, consider a morning show-inspired costume. You can channel your inner Juliet by wearing a delicate lace gown paired with simple jewelry and a flower crown. This look is perfect for those who want to capture the romance and elegance of the Renaissance era.
22. Princess
Being a princess is very significant to renaissance fair fans. This outfit is ideal for any young lady in your family. If you don’t have a daughter, this will make an excellent gift for one of your friends!
23. Irish Lass
A white dress with green trimming is typical of an Irish lass attire. For those fascinated by early-nineteenth-century fashion, this outfit is a great pick.
Complete your Irish lass costume by incorporating a touch of Heterochromia like some stunning celebrities here. This distinctive feature comprises different colored eyes and emphasizes your unique appearance. Make sure to stick with green and white colors and enjoy your big day in the Renaissance Faire.
24. Shepherdess
This outfit is ideal for dressing up as a shepherdess or any other pastoral figure. If you follow the principle of “less is more,” you may make this costume look quick and straightforward.
25. Red Riding Hood
At Renaissance Faires, this outfit is trendy. This red costume may be put together quickly with the help of a flower print design.
If you’re looking for a costume that’s both cute and creepy, then a Red Riding Hood outfit may be the perfect choice for you. To complete the look, consider adding a pair of brown boots to your outfit. Brown boots can complement a Red Riding Hood costume by adding a rustic, earthy feel to the ensemble, and they’re highly versatile, so you can wear them with other outfits as well.
26. Geisha
In the United States, the Geisha costume is a popular choice for Renaissance and Renaissance Faire events. Films like “Memoirs of a Geisha” and the TV show “How to Get Away with Murder” have included this costume.
27. King
Any Renaissance Faire would be incomplete without a king’s attire. This attire will be vibrant and attention-getting. If you don’t have children, this outfit will make an excellent holiday present because it’s commonly worn over the Christmas season.
28. Tavern Keeper
Make an old-fashioned sign if you’re dressing up as a barkeeper! This can be accomplished by cutting a wooden sign or making your own.
29. Wizard
Wizards have always been famous, and this suit is a perfect addition to the medieval and Renaissance festival attire alternatives.
If you’re going for a wizard costume, check out our list of Harry Potter female characters for some inspiration. From Hermione Granger to Bellatrix Lestrange, there are plenty of strong witches to choose from. Add some classic wizard accessories like a wand and robe to complete the look.
30. Romeo
Another popular costume for Renaissance Faire is this one. If you’re a guy who enjoys making costumes, you’ll gain a lot of admiration from your friends and family. You can find videos on YouTube or other similar sites that show you how to build this costume.
31. Robin Hood
The red hood can be made out of cardboard or other inexpensive materials, making this costume entertaining to wear. A few words and other accessories are also required.
32. Nobleman
This outfit is a little more challenging to put together, and it will require you to use your imagination! You can easily opt for a shorter beard or leave out the ruffle cuffs if you’re not good with details.
33. Prince
Another alternative for guys who want to seem beautiful and appealing is to wear a tuxedo. This costume stands out thanks to the purple cape and suit.
34. King Arthur
Whether you’re familiar with the legends or not, you’ve probably heard of King Arthur! If you use a primary color like blue or red, this outfit is simple to build.
35. Shakespeare Costume for Men
In the Renaissance era, Shakespeare was a well-known dramatist. This casual clothing is a beautiful choice if you’re interested in this period. Along with the Elizabethan ruff, the cuffs might be fashioned of velvet or other materials.
36. Druid
This costume is ideal for druids that desire to dress in druidic garb. It’s excellent to seem all magical and mysterious if you’re like nature!
37. Priest
Any Renaissance fair would benefit from the presence of a group of priests. If you don’t want to make the costumes yourself, you can buy them from a store.
38. Henry VIII
The Tudors were a powerful family who controlled England and Wales for nearly a century. Henry VIII’s life was full of drama, making dressing up as this English monarch much more fun.
To emulate the style of the infamous King, there’s no better way than growing a beard fit for a Royal. Check out the 50 Most Influential Celebrity Beards of All Time at Hood MWR, where you’re sure to find inspiration and tips on grooming and maintenance. The perfect beard can complete your Henry VIII costume and give you a regal look that will turn heads at the Renaissance Faire.
39. Knight
A real knight would wear chainmail armor and other metal accessories. If you’re having problems with the heavy armor, you can wear a light metal mesh or fabric.
40. Elizabeth I
Elizabeth was Henry VIII’s daughter and the country’s first female monarch. If you don’t live near a Renaissance Festival, you may always dress up like a noblewoman for Halloween or other occasions.
Want to dress up like the iconic Elizabeth I? Check out some costumes that feature high collars, ornate lace details, and dramatic sleeves. To complete the look, you can add a wig styled in the queen’s signature red locks. Get more ideas from our article on redhead actresses known for their elegance and beauty.
41. Elf
Elfs are amusing and imaginative beings that are also highly popular. The outfit is ideal for anyone who enjoys constructing anything out of cardboard or other low-cost materials.
42. Medieval Minstrel
Anyone who appreciates music will love this medieval attire! The costume’s key components are the huge shoes, tunic, and hose.
43. Fairy Godmother
Fairies are enigmatic entities who reside in woodlands and come to people magically at night. But, of course, you should also have a wand to hand out if you’re interested in this outfit!
