Top Dress up Fancy Dress Costume Ideas for Adults – Costume Hits V Pirate Costumes
Renaissance-Faires-Costume
Decide how accurate you wish to be to the time period. Many pirates seen at renaissance faires are actually modeled after the pirates of the 18th century, known as the Golden Age of Piracy. Pirates did, however, exist, and in fact have existed since before the Middle Ages. So, you have a very free range as to whether to dress in the popular 18th century fashion or take a more truly renaissance theme. Likewise, you can choose a historically accurate route, or add your own creative flare.
- Want to be truly historically accurate? Truth is, most female pirates (and there weren’t many) in the day dressed as male pirates, which isn’t the glamorous look portrayed in movies. Even captains, when working with their crews (as they often did), dressed very simply; breeches, a shirt, perhaps a vest, and often barefoot for better footing on deck. A sash was an important part of a sailor’s garb as well; it could be used as a belt, a headwrap, even a rag or towel for cleaning duties. Clothing was often quite ragged and worn as well, as pirates rarely had many articles of clothing to begin with.
- If you prefer to go a more imaginative (and more popular route) as featured in the photo at the top of this article, there are three basic pieces that should be included in your garb: a blouse, a bodice, and skirts/breeches. Your blouse can be long-sleeved or short, but most importantly the sleeves should fit loosely, in a flowy or “poofed” style. This style provides a great contrast with the tightness of the bodice.
- Your bottom half should be clothed in either breeches or skirts, or often in my case, both. The breeches can be either loose or fitted, but either way should be worn tucked into boots if you’re wearing them. You should either avoid modern closures (zippers or snaps) or try to hide them with accessories. Skirts should be cut very full; the best test is to put it on and spin. If the fabric flies out vertically and doesn’t just “bubble” it’s perfect for pirate garb. The reason for this is that most pirate skirts are worn in a hiked fashion, and you want plenty of fabric to work with to get that perfect wenchly, rakish look. Thrift stores are great for buying skirts and breeches; mine were all found at Goodwill and Salvation Army. Medical scrubs can work well if you want loose breeches as well.
- Now, the bodice. This is one of the most important parts of your garb. My preferred bodice method is to buy a plain corset to wear under all of your garb to do the actual shaping and holding in, because this will lessen the strain on your outer bodice, which is often more decorative (and more expensive) than the underbodice. As far as the outerbodice is concerned (whether you opt for the underbodice or not), make sure that your bodice has STEEL boning, as if will last longer. You can find bodices online (especially at eBay), but it really is best to buy one at a faire (or at least in person) so that you can inspect it yourself and have the bodice’s seamstress show you how to properly lace yourself into it.
- Footwear is important for two reasons; it must be accurate, and it must be comfortable. I don’t suggest going barefoot; faire grounds are usually made of dirt, stones, and lots
of stuff you don’t want your foot in, on, or embedded with. Your best safest bet is a pair of leather or faux-leather boots in either a slouched or cuffed fashion with less than a one-inch heel. Yes, stilettos are sexy, but you’re likely to be walking on uneven ground all day, and unless you like broken ankles, play it safe and smart. You want comfort AND style. I bought my thigh-high, cuffable, low-heeled leather boots from a renaissance vendor…they were $150, but they’ve lasted two faire seasons and have little more than scuffs, and are crazy comfortable. If you’re not digging boots, go with leather or cloth ballet flats. Anything not obviously modern. - Trinkets, treasures, effects…whatever you call them, accessories are key when putting together your garb. Starting from top to bottom…hats. Jack Sparrow’s obsession with his hat was not a solitary event; pirates do have a certain obsession with their hats. A pirate hat is a crowning glory, and it says a lot about the pirate’s personality. My own hat has at least two feathers in it, a leather rose from a friend, and often another embellishment or two depending on my mood. Next is belts. I love belts. You’ll love belts. Why? Because they keep you from carrying around the many, many things a pirate needs, like mugs, weapons, etc. I wear at least a belt and a rope around my waist and hips to hang my pouch, drinking vessel, flogger, etc. As far as weapons go, you need to check with the faire you’re going to attend to find out what their weapons policy is. That being said, keep your sword peace-tied.
- As far as the rest of your accessories go….it’s all up to you! Layer on tons of gold and silver-toned jewelry; the gaudier, the better! Avoid plastic and any modern designs. Once again, thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army are fantastic for this. A fun part of choosing jewelry and accessories is making up stories about the pieces. I have a ring I claim I stole from a French queen, a chain of black pearls I claim to have received as a “payment for my services” from a certain pirate captain, etc. It’s all up to your imagination!
(By xgenesisx, eHow Member)
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