Fast and Easy Renaissance Style Clothing

Got a last-minute invite to a renaissance fair? Or you just want to dress up for a day at the festival but don't have a single thing in your closet that looks medieval? Never fear, there are several ways to pull together an outfit fast and with little to no sewing involved.

Several renaissance villages have been invaded by pirates, and this is an easy ensemble to create. A pair of pants or jeans that you don't mind cutting in a zigzag pattern along the legs (striped pajama pants would be ideal), an old shirt (ruffled is a bonus), and a couple of scarves to tie around the waist and head would be all you need. Add some gold jewelry and a pair of boots and you'll be a fearsome pirate.

A simple robe or cloak can easily cover up modern clothing at a renaissance fair. Start with a large rectangle of fabric, such as a flat sheet. Fold the sheet across the short measure, and then fold it again lengthwise. Create your neckline by cutting a shallow curve up towards the folded short edge, roughly 3 inches long, starting at the long side of the folded corner about an inch down. Unfold lengthwise, and you should have a neckline shaped like a U. On the front of the robe, cut a slit from the center of the curve straight down until your head fits through comfortably. You can leave it as is, adding a scarf or rope for a belt and blousing the top a little. For a little more detail, add some trim along the edges and neckline with fabric glue or fusible tape or whip stitch.

Make a fast tunic out of a pillowcase by cutting a hole for your head to slip through out of the top and arm holes on either side. Embellish with trim or lacing. Add a shirt underneath with the collar either concealed by the tunic or removed and the sleeves rolled up to cover the buttons and a belt. With some strips of fabric wrapped in a crisscross pattern below the knee to the ankles around plain pants or jeans and a pair of boots you're all set for medieval adventures.

Create a fairy costume by taking a sheet and folding about a third of it lengthwise, then folding it in half widthwise. Wrap it around your body and pin the shoulders with safety pins or pretty brooches. Fasten the sides with pins or wear a tank top and pretty tights or footless leggings underneath and tie a belt around your waist. Add some silk flowers and vines from a craft store with glue or sew them on, slip on a pair of sandals, and you have a beautiful fantasy dress to wear at the renaissance festival.

So don't despair if you don't already have period clothing to enhance your visit to a renaissance fair. You can easily make something yourself. It may not be authentic, but it will certainly be unique and fun.