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Original poster

Have you been to a medieval fair? What to wear?

19 replies

VenusClapTrap · 31/12/2023 10:22

We’ve been bought family tickets for a medieval fair as a Christmas present. Jousting, falconry displays, archery workshops and what have you.

Just reading through the info, and costumes are ‘strongly encouraged’. My initial reaction was ha ha no, but I’ve decided it might be fun to enter into the spirit of things. After all, you can’t really sit at a medieval banquet in a pair of jeans, can you?!

The info says to avoid polyester chain store Halloween costumes (makes sense) and that authenticity is the order of the day. I’ve had a browse on Etsy and gone down a rabbit hole! Now my head is aspin with all the options. Peasant or noble? Early or late medieval? Is renaissance the same thing? What about Tudor?! Is Viking a faux pas?! So many questions.

It would be easy to spend a small fortune kitting out the four of us, what with undergarments, over garments, headgear, leather accessories and whatnot. So what’s a middle ground between an Asda nylon sexy serving wench and a historically accurate German imported reenactment outfit? Everything seems to be one extreme or the other.

Why I’m even mulling this over now is a good question too; the fair is not until August…

OP posts:
Dogsitterwoes · 31/12/2023 10:30

As a reenactor, I can guarantee noone will get anywhere near real authenticity without spending time and lots of money, and I think it's a bit unfair of the organisers to steer people away from cheaper fancy dress for a one-off. I'm sure there will be plenty of polyester fancy dress outfits being worn.

If it's medieval then no, Tudor or Viking won't work.

If you don't want to buy fancy dress, I'd go for peasant as easier to put together.

Also check if there's a theatre costume hire place near you.

Dogsitterwoes · 31/12/2023 10:32

If it's Warwick castle, the whole thing is about as authentic as my car sitting outside, so really don't worry too much.

AlwaysTheBabysitter · 31/12/2023 10:38

I used to tag along to some LARP events with my husband which had a similar dress code, and (because I didn't want to splash out on expensive kit!) I went for things like a long floaty skirt with knee high boots, a big billow-y blouse with a plain cloth waistcoat/corset-y type thing over it.

Probably a bit more pirate wench than medieval, but no one minded!

Vinted might be worth a look?

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Original poster
VenusClapTrap · 31/12/2023 11:02

Ok thanks, I’ll try not to get too carried away and obsessed by authenticity! Slightly disappointed I can’t dress as a Viking!

Looked on Vinted and eBay, couldn’t see anything. Plenty of time though.

Not Warwick Castle.

OP posts:
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 31/12/2023 11:15

I just wore ordinary clothes!!

Talking to some of the reenactors, nothing I could have achieved or justified would have been vaguely authentic.

LuckyCharmz · 31/12/2023 11:17

I would go for natural muted colours and natural fibres- linen/leather/ fur (might be a bit warm for august!) Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration, someone’s bound to have done it before. Buy individual things that aren’t necessarily sold as medieval and put together your own look.

Original poster
VenusClapTrap · 31/12/2023 12:18

I’ll have a look at the Toast sale - bound to be some drapey natural fibres in muted colours on there! 😁

OP posts:
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 31/12/2023 12:23

LuckyCharmz · 31/12/2023 11:17

I would go for natural muted colours and natural fibres- linen/leather/ fur (might be a bit warm for august!) Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration, someone’s bound to have done it before. Buy individual things that aren’t necessarily sold as medieval and put together your own look.

That's pretty much what we did
And dd wore a felt Robin Hood tunic.

ANightmareBeforeChristmas · 31/12/2023 12:24

I've been several times to the Tewkesbury one and just worn normal clothes; it would be hard to compete with the reenactors who devote hours and lots of money to the authenticity of their clothing. Other than authentic costumes, boho/hippy clothing is popular amongst visitors.

Chilledtorybeats · 31/12/2023 12:29

Why don’t you try making something? Toast isn’t a bad shout actually. You could get a long underdress and make some sort of over garment and a hood or veil. Maybe some leather accessories. I think you will have more fun if you dress up and you have time to do it. You can get the gist of the look without having to get too authentic.

Singleandproud · 31/12/2023 12:37

If it's in August it's likely to be hot so I'd be avoiding boots and similar.
If it was me I'd aim as not standing out as 'modern' in the background of people's pictures (not jean shorts and a bright football shirt), muted colours maybe a lightweight brown skirt and, light coloured long sleeved cream blouse and I'd imagine it's in the woods or somewhere outside so brown strappy (walking) sandal. Enough to blend in but you'll never meet authenticity like the reenactors and means you can wear the outfit again later so is more sustainable.

GingerLiberalFeminist · 31/12/2023 12:40

We've been to a few and never worried about dressing up. However we've never sat at an actual banquet, more wandering around watching the displays and browsing the stalls.

eBay is quite good for outfits though, a step above Smithies without costing the earth. Just search Medieval wench 😂

beginnerwitch · 31/12/2023 13:55

If it's Loxwood Joust most people wear normal clothes. Only a very few wear costume

Original poster
VenusClapTrap · 31/12/2023 14:29

beginnerwitch · 31/12/2023 13:55

If it's Loxwood Joust most people wear normal clothes. Only a very few wear costume

Oh. Aww. It is, so that’s a shame. Sad now.

OP posts:
beginnerwitch · 31/12/2023 15:05

Oh no. Don't be sad. You can dress up and some people do (especially kids) but it's just not the majority. It can get very muddy though if it's rained (last year it was torrential) and very hot if it's sunny as there's very little shade at the main arena so worth bearing in mind but it a fantastic day out. We go most years and love it!

Original poster
VenusClapTrap · 31/12/2023 15:22

I’ll add wellies to our costume list then! Glad to hear it’s fun. See you there!

OP posts:
reluctantbrit · 31/12/2023 16:27

We have to been Loxwood, it's a brilliant one but not a lot of dressing up from the visitors.

DD is cosplaying and wore a cheapish medival dress to fairs at Arundel and Hever castle. The staff loved it, lots of people thoughts she is part of it and she was asked to pose for photographes. But that's definitely not the norm.

You are able to buy costumes ther if you find the sudden need to get into the spirit.

Original poster
VenusClapTrap · 31/12/2023 17:01

I remember that dress, @FlabMonsterIsDietingAgain . She looked amazing. Green is my favourite colour too.

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