Dress for the Fest!

Dress for the Fest!
Why not get right into the middle ages and make an attempt at medieval garb for the Magna Carta
Medieval Fest! Here are some simple ideas for creating a costume from what you can scrounge from
home or uncover in an op shop. For added inspiration we have included photos of members of the
Society of Creative Anachronism in their fabulous outfits. For them this a serious hobby so don’t be
concerned if you can’t reproduce the look—just enjoy dressing up.
Serfs
The lowest social class of the medieval society were known as serfs and were very poor. For this costume
a piece of sacking or calico can be fashioned into a simple, shapeless tunic and secured with some twine
or a belt at the waist. A pair of leather sandals is a good option for footwear. Hair should be unkempt and
dishevelled (so that won’t be difficult) and you can add some smudges to your face to look as though you
have been working in the fields.
Peasants
Peasants were the farmers of medieval society. A female costume
could feature a white blouse, dark vest/waistcoat and long skirt in
earthy colours or just a plain long dress with a belt or girdle around
the waist or hips. Boots or sandals are suitable footwear. The head
can be covered with a veil which is a piece of material (square or
circular) that is draped over the head to the shoulders and held in
place with a strip of fabric.
Men can sport a white shirt with a pair of leggings or trousers
topped by a vest, waistcoat or tunic. A belted Surcoat—like a long
rectangular poncho— is a warm covering. A pair of well-worn work
boots or even ugh boots are a good option for footwear.
Nobles
For women a long flowing gown in a single colour such as royal purple,
deep blue or burnished gold is a suitable option. If you want you can add
braid, lace, ribbon or cording (with a stapler or glue if you can’t sew). Hair
should be well groomed and styled away from the face using plaiting. The
head can be covered with a veil—a piece of material (square or circular)
that is draped over the head to the shoulders and held in place with a fillet
around the brow. A fillet is a narrow circlet made from metal, ribbon or
braid. Court shoes, ballet slippers or Mary-Jane style shoes are a good
option for footwear.
For men a pair of dark-coloured stockings/leggings/pants could be paired
with knee high boots and a long sleeved white shirt under a sleeveless
tunic/waistcoat/vest. You can sew or glue some faux fur onto the tunic to
create a more elaborate design. A gold sash or rope belt can be worn
around the hips for added detail and a velvet hat finishes the look.
General tips
•
In the medieval period, children’s outfits resembled adults.
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The Medieval Fest will be held in June and there are outdoor activities so rug up by adding layers
of everyday clothing under your costume. Consider throwing a cape or shawl (read: blanket)
around your shoulders and securing with a brooch.
•
Medieval clothing provided information about the status of the person wearing it. Elevate your
wealth and status by increasing the amount and layers of clothing and the level of detail and by
going for more expensive fabrics in bright colours.
•
Go for natural fabrics and materials if you can – linen, wool, cotton, leather, silk.
•
While printed fabrics weren't available, woven and decorated fabrics were. You can get some
wonderful effects using sari fabrics for trim or tunics.
•
Suit of armour? It is amazing what you can do with a bit of cardboard and aluminium foil.
•
Shoes are sometimes the most difficult thing to get right. Moccasins, Birkenstocks, ugh boots,
leather boots, leather sandals and ballet slippers are all appropriate.
•
Unmarried women and children wore hair loose or plaited. Married women usually wore some kind
of veil or hat. A straw hat is an option.
All photographs courtesy of the Barony of Politarchopolis, Society of Creative Anachronism
Photographers – Chris Struz, Amanda Swadling and Martin Ollman