by Susan West

To be quite honest, even adults love dressing up. Being incognito for a few hours can be an exciting escape from the mundane everyday routine. For instance, have you ever attended a Renaissance Fair and observed the people dressed up in medieval and renaissance garb? If you have, you have more than likely browsed through the clothing shops there. Yes, they can be expensive. However, the costumes themselves in all their beauty call for a particular attitude while wearing them.

"Garb" is the official terminology used by Renaissance fans for anyone dressed in costume. Those that attend without costume are called "mundane." If attending your first Renaissance fair, you may be taken aback by the amount of people. These fairs are known to attract loyal visitors year after year. These regular, every day people enjoy taking a few days out of the year and "spicing it up" by donning a favorite Renaissance costume or medieval costume.

The reason that so many people are driven to medieval costumes and renaissance costumes is the time that they reference. We are talking about a moment in history when radical change was taking place. Starting in the Middle Ages, or what we would term medieval, we think of knights and wizards and servant girls, Kings and Queens that, though royal, were not elegant. It was a classical society.

At that, time there was great change in economic, political and cultural areas. Everyone knows that clothing was a reflection of his or her society stations. The Renaissance Era overlaps the late middle ages while there were great changes taking place, in science as well as art. Clothing at this time was fashioned with more elegance and style. Although still signifying their station in society they were granted a bit more flair in renaissance garb.

For example, if you were to wear a wench costume or servant girl, the general attitude that goes along with those costumes medieval or renaissance is still, shall we say scandalous. If you are going more the Maid Marian look, then demure and innocent, while Robin Hood would want a fearless and brave man. Deciding to take on the role of Merlin or other wizard then evokes mystery and power and possibly darkness.

If you ever get a chance to attend either a Renaissance fair or party do it! When else will you have the opportunity to truly be Queen for the day? In fact, why relegate yourself to a general costume? Why not go as Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo? That's the beauty of these fairs; you can be whomever you desire.

Word of warning ladies! Before you strap on that corset remember to take a big, deep breath. This will be your last until the corset comes of. Those Renaissance ladies were not naturally small waisted, oh no. This is how even the more plump ladies were able to achieve the coveted small waist. So make your costume comfortable. After all, the point is to have fun, right?! - 39969

About the Author:

Why wait, go out and buy a renaissance costume or a medieval costume online. Not only Halloween costumes but great items for the fair.