Building Your Costume for the Renaissance Faire with Things You Already Have

Hello Lovely Viewers,
I hope this video gives you some inspiration for how you can use some items you already have to create your own renaissance faire costume. Many items in this video were purchased at faires, so they can be a great resource for finding accessories and pieces to add to your kit.
If you're intimidated by the idea of wearing corset/stays, don't be! If they fit you well, they'll be comfortable, but they can be expensive. The ones featured in this video (except for the leather bodice) were made by me. Wearing a vest/waistcoat can also be a great way to add that layer to your outfit by using something you may already have or that can easily obtain from your local thrift store.
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~Projects Featured in this Video~
Green stays (corset): • Making an 18th Century...
Linen Cloak: • La Belle Dame Sans Mer...
Embroidered Pirate Shirt: • 16th Century Underwear...
White Chemise: • Renaissance Faire Cost...
Medieval Hood: • Winter History Boundin...
Other Useful Videos:
A Men's Renaissance Shirt: • Making a Men's Renaiss...
A Short Hooded Cape: • A Simple Hooded Cape D...
How to Survive Your First Renaissance Faire: • 5 Tips for Surviving Y...
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Music
Teller of the Tales by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license

[@OdessaDenby]

If you need more inspiration, I've recently released a new video where I let my viewers choose five Renaissance outfit themes for me to dress to: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJvXkKmdfrF_g9k

[@Wooddweller]

So happy to see a fellow plus size feminine Ren Faire lover with amazing attire ♡´･ᴗ･`♡

[@OdessaDenby]

Aw, glad you stopped by!

[@RapaxGuardian]

My mother is a larger woman, and **loves** how body positive Ren Faires are 😎

[@reginafinan2819]

We don't have Ren-Faires here but I've always kind of wanted to go to one. They look like so much fun.

[@OdessaDenby]

They can be a lot of fun, I hope you get to visit one someday!

[@K__Sanrio]

They are very fun! I haven't went in a while (5 year's) but me and my family are going this year

[@reginafinan2819]

@@K__Sanrio Nice that you're getting to go back to one. I hope it's a really great time.

[@janetfayard672]

I have to travel about an hour and a half into another state, to get to one. So worth the drive because I stay all day. Go...you will enjoy it!

[@reginafinan2819]

@@janetfayard672 I'm in Ireland...so going would involve at least two plane journeys and likely much driving 😅 Hoping to someday line up a trip to see folk with ren fair season 🤞

[@garfieldmethodactor8614]

can i just say, im so happy to find a woman with my body type making videos like this! ive been binge watching all your videos to find inspiration for my own costumes. you look absolutely stunning in all of these looks!

[@OdessaDenby]

Aw, thank you! I hope I was able to provide some inspiration ☺️

[@RapaxGuardian]

I'm sewing my mother's costume for this year's bout at our Ren Faires. This has been very helpful 🥰 She's very fond of the Fair Maiden style, and keeps gravitating towards polyester fabrics without taking into account how hot she will get!!

[@RubyW7944]

Finding cotton and linen clothing is really hard these days, even at the thrift shops.

[@FluffyUnicornMan]

omg I love the mushroom hat 🍄

[@canucknancy4257]

Those are great looks. I love the textures that come from layering and the mushroom hat adds a wonderful bit of whimsy

[@OdessaDenby]

Thank you! I had an intrusive thought one night that I should make a mushroom hat and that's what happened lol I'm finishing up the inside and waterproofing it, planning on raising a little tutorial about it in May!

[@jakubfabisiak9810]

things I already have? Hmm, lessseee here... *pulls out a complete 10th century outfit*

[@chickennuggies825]

I got my mom to finally agree to taking me to a ren fair I am so excited

[@brionymann7654]

I'm off to a medieval festival next month and I'm dressing in a historical fantasy outfit. Just waiting on my corset to arrive!

[@Claire_Loves_Music]

Thanks for the ideas! I MIGHT be going to a Renaissance festival late next month. I plan on going in a simple white chemise under an open purple front lacing overcoat with a basket and flower crown. A light shawl included if it gets a little chilly. I'm not 100% sure if I'm going but ive already bought the chemise and overdress. If I don't go, I'll just wear it all to grocery shop or run errands 😂

[@punkgrl30]

I loved all you costume. and the hood it’s a good look. Love them all

[@joyjenkins2010]

I just searched Renissance Dress DIY on here and your video was the first one that came up. I am so thankful to see another woman with a similar build and location :)

[@tessuntangled3505]

Odessa, thank you!! I just found you. This was very inspiring! I am looking forward to my first ren faire this year and your video has given me lots of ideas on how I can use much for my outfit from home!! Thank you! --Tess

[@corgispotter]

This video is helpful! Going to my first fair this week!!

[@AM-we2vx]

This was very helpful. Thank you so so much!

[@alymae1318]

Great inspiration!

[@alma27ram]

Lovely costumes 👌

[@hazelthestitchwitch]

That leather bodice is 🔥🔥🔥. Great tutorial!

[@OdessaDenby]

I've had it for ages and it's been stored away for far too long, I think!

[@ENZAnKAYLIN]

Great video! I always wondered how to layer clothing and accessories. I really like how you showed how to layer based on which costume style is desired. It helps to put things in perspective. My daughter is interested in being a fairy this year. I would love to see layering and clothing ideas. Thanks for sharing your input. I will definitely check out your hoodie tutorial

[@OdessaDenby]

I hope you and your daughter have a great time! Thanks for stopping by~

[@karibualiyabowie9428]

It’s going to be chilly when I go this weekend and I’ve been concerned about my chest being out. Thank you so much for that scarf idea!!! I have a million scarves and didn’t think of this!

[@Anira_Desu]

Going to my first renfaire in a few months And this video helps a lot! You gave me an image of what I want to look like!

[@amylin5718]

I made my first costume last year, this was helpful for polishing elements to add this time around! Thank you!! ✨

[@OdessaDenby]

Most importantly, have fun and be comfortable!

[@danniuirifitness]

Thank you so much ❤ you were very informational and I absolutely love that leather belt holding your Mason jar. I am keeping my eyes out for one of those. ❤❤❤

[@OdessaDenby]

I used a little strap called a "skirt keep" I just wore it upside down hanging off my belt. You can use the ring side to hold up your skirts to reveal petticoats or pants underneath. Most leather workers at the faire will sell them.

[@MrJefe]

That video was simply wonderful. I have nothing bad to say. No critiques. Great job.

[@yourlocohanji2017]

I sadly missed the one this year in my town do to weather but I’m hyped about being able to go to one next year

[@grettalemabouchou6779]

A pretty dress and flowers in the hair will do it.🎉

[@justlilly7653]

Planning on going to my first Ren fair! So excited to dress up, I've never been to one and I'm not sure what to expect but I'm excited!

[@OdessaDenby]

Have a great time! I did another video about surviving your first Ren faire that might be helpful~

[@justlilly7653]

@@OdessaDenby oh thank you! I'll check it out😁😁

[@TheKsourmoon]

I recognize the New York Ren Faire stand when I see it! Hi! :O I'm going this year again! You caught me in the background in the beginning of this video! God Save the Queen! Going the 9th and the 10th! literally was researching making a shift for this years costume pieces as I came across this video, you make a ton of great points!

[@HamiltonIsLife]

Love this! I’m going next month :)

[@OdessaDenby]

Have fun!

[@terrysmith4831]

Great advice. Many enexpensive costuming parts can be found at thrift stores, used as is or with a little modification. As a long time Revolutionary War reenactor, it appears that your 18th century stays were on backward. With rear exception, like split stays, the lacing should be in the back. I really like your gray button up hood, very nice. Now I'm going to have to make one to add to my costume. Thanks for taking the time to make this vedio. 👍

[@OdessaDenby]

The stays pattern I used by Redthreaded was a 1780s shape and had both front and back lacing options. I stuck with front lacing for simplicity while dressing myself since I have no ladies maid 😞 This style can be worn with a stomacher in the front, which I did make, but rarely use, if I'm honest...

[@krz4chor]

We don't have fen-fairy thing in my country, but we have some things that are really similliar. When I was a kid, my father took part in historycal (middle aged) events, usually, they took 3 days for people to hang out there, but there was only one day, that was open for public to come and see, there were stagings where Knighs would fight with eachother. We have a big event in my country that takes place in Grunwald, where a battle of Grunwald in 1410 happend, and a lot off people take part there. However, my dad stopped coming to things like that (he still comes to grunwald tho), but atleast, instead of this, he got into Warhammer stuff, and a lot of people makes little events inspired by that. My dad last year started organizing things like that too, 2 events under his leading already been made, unfortunatelly, I've been bussy, and I've been only one time of his event, but I'm going there the next year :>

[@OdessaDenby]

In the US, Renaissance faires are more popular and easier to find than proper medieval reenactment events, though chapters of the SCA will often host history camps and such.

[@littlewhitefoxwapiwowkwiji279]

Going to my first ren faire with my mushroom costume soon! Trying to add some.more details to it and im terrified- this is very helpful though!

[@randolphfriend8260]

❤️

[@clawwestfall8799]

I feel like that corsret didn't really fit that first look, but the pirate look and faire maiden with the cape and bottle looked great. And that mushroom hat is amazing!

[@OdessaDenby]

I actually posted a tutorial about that hat a few weeks ago! I will use any excuse to wear that corset, it's the first proper one I made and I love the fabric to pieces. I have not so low-key worn it to the farmers market lol Thanks for watching~

[@Mooglewut]

Was that video clip from the Pennsylvania ren faire? That's the one I go to and I can't believe there'd be something so similar elsewhere!

[@OdessaDenby]

The final clip of, indeed, from the PA faire. The opening clip was NY :)

[@Alien_Returns]

Wait a darn-tootin second... Did I see you at the Renn Faire today in Silverton? I recognize the mushroom hat!

[@OdessaDenby]

Haha, sadly no. I did a bunch of exciting house chores this weekend like mopping the bathroom. I've seen a lot of clever mushroom themed costumes at recent faires though. Maybe someone even used my tutorial to make there own! That's nice to imagine.

[@Seryna]

I love this video. I can not wait to try my hand at making my own chemise. I had a question on where you found your leather corset for your pirate look? I am hesitant to order a corset at my large belly & bust size

[@OdessaDenby]

Hi, someone else asked about this bodice before-- I bought it from a leather maker at the PA ren faire about 15 years ago. I have worn it through many different shape and size changes because there are adjustable lacings on the front and sides and leather does stretch and mold to your body. However, leather also is hard to tailor after the fact unless you have the tools and experience. It can be a bit expensive, so if your body is actively going through a lot of changes, you might want to wait. Otherwise, choose something with about a 2-3 inch lacing gap so that if you reduce a bit, you can tighten the fit. But I've made it my goal to always enjoy life in the body I currently have instead of delaying happiness until I reach some goal. If you can afford it now, you can get it now and if it doesn't fit you later, it will retain a good bit of resale value. If your concern is being able to find something in your size, don't worry, faire vendors tend to have a huge range of sizes and are happy to help you get a fit that makes you feel great. Go to your local and give it a try!

[@wackywallflower]

Thanks for this! This is the first video of yourself I’ve come across, and I’m going to check now, but do you have any resources for the bodices you’ve made? I have trouble finding seeing patterns that would fit me without extensive math haha. Love all the looks by the way! I definitely saw some mushroom hats last year at the faire, and I may make one for myself this year.

[@OdessaDenby]

There are some links in the video description of sewing journals for a couple of the pieces featured, including the green front lacing stays featured in the beginning. I also recently completed a pair of mushroom themed stays here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5zInKx7lrCUeLM&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE (Edited because autocorrect did me dirty)

[@Lyr17]

Would it be possible to go as a princess? I have the perfect crown for it

[@iam_abeetle]

most important notes LOTS of texture LOTS of layers and LOTS of accessories as well as odessa LarpMix also has some cheap tutorials to help with some simple DIY needs

[@honkabadonka]

can you go dressed as a plague doctor type thing? i have a costume of one and have been wanting to wear it out for some time,, would a ren faire be good or do i need something more whimsically

[@OdessaDenby]

You can dress as literally anything as long as it doesn't go against your faire's individual guidelines. Since the pandemic plague doctor stuff has been very popular, so you'll be one of a dozen or more probably. Funny, since the iconic plague doctor look was more of an 18th century development.

[@mariahn5764]

Would it look unfinished if I do just a dress and a stay, similar to your first look? Or should I find a sash or skirt to layer?

[@OdessaDenby]

Do whatever you think looks good and whatever makes you feel happy. If it's really hot you probably don't want too many layers.

[@anothershellcialistturtle8568]

I’m building a Victorian era costume bc I think it’ll look cool

[@KpB2O]

I was at my first ren fair when I was less than a year old, sadly before I got old enough to have cool detailed outfits covid hit :/ (I was still growing so we didn't want to spend money on something I would only be able to wear for a year or two)

[@jabble__]

I was gonna click off because ADHD but then I realized you have a body like mine. FINALLY I can get ACCURATE information instead of trying to convert from skinny.

[@OdessaDenby]

Lol, happy to be of service

[@rubentrujillo8153]

My wife doesn't like wearing dresses. Any suggestions on costume looks? Short woman curvy with 12 or 14 waist.

[@OdessaDenby]

Any look can be adapted to trousers-- I recommend the knee length bloomers they sell at most faires. They are light and comfy and still give a fuller silhouette like a skirt would. Since they end at the knee, she can play with tall boots or colorful knee socks to finish the look.

[@jess_serin]

That leather bodice looks so nice! did you make it or purchase it (and from where)?

[@OdessaDenby]

Purchased about 15 years ago at a leather vendor at the PA Renaissance Faire... I don't know the name of the shop anymore.

[@jess_serin]

@@OdessaDenby oh dang! Thanks for the reply though!

[@justvibes2023]

May I ask, where did you find the loop belt from the pirate costume?

[@OdessaDenby]

Sure! I found it on Etsy from a seller in NY: FrostnEmberCreations

[@iam_abeetle]

i have that exact potion bottle you had hanging from your belt! im wondering what to put in the bottle any idea?

[@OdessaDenby]

Water with a few drops of food coloring or even glitter would be fun 😊

[@iam_abeetle]

@@OdessaDenby tysm!!

[@kishla2827]

Where comfortable shoes at the rensfaire

[@wardogdauwdd3020]

I'm trying to make a merchant adventure character for a ren fair but I can't find anything on merchants clothes

[@OdessaDenby]

You probably want to narrow it down-- a merchant in 1480 Germany will be dressed differently than 1650 Italy. But the merchant class is a little bit of everything. The Medicis were a merchant family-- made extraordinary wealth in the wool business and then went into banking. Not every merchant was as successful though, so it's a wife range of potential economic status within one "class."

[@michellepearman7724]

In Germany, it's all year long people !

[@curegardenfleur]

Where is best place to buy 100% cotton medieval skirts for summer? Do I have to use skirt hikes to not overheat in summer?

[@OdessaDenby]

Skirt hikes are generally more decorative rather than for cooling. People use them to show off a petticoat layer or bloomers/pants under a longer skirt. Cotton and linen are definitely your friends for staying cool. And I recommend bloomers or bike shorts underneath if your thighs touch. There are tons of resources! You could even try making your own with a simple rectangle of fabric gathered into an elastic waist. But modern peasant skirts work too and your local Ren faire will probably sell a lot of options, so you can always pick something when you get there. Etsy and Holy Clothing seem to be really popular online options and hopefully other commenters will share their favorites as well.

[@curegardenfleur]

@@OdessaDenby Ok, thanks so much! Yes, I love etsy! I didn't know if there were some stores that were better than others or if rayon is good for like 90 degree heat or something. I will check out that other store! Thanks!

[@OdessaDenby]

@@curegardenfleur rayon isn't bad, I think pretty much all of Holy Clothing's line is rayon lol. But definitely avoid polyester/acrylic. Synthetic fibers will trap sweat and heat and generally leave you miserable. Linen is the MVP for under layers, so a linen shift/chemise/shirt really helps regulate your temperature.

[@curegardenfleur]

@@OdessaDenby Ok, great! I will check that out then! Yes, I am afraid to wear polyester, after reading articles about how it overheats, and according to you too that is exactly what it does. And it generally feels awful to me, as well. Thanks so much!

[@Nox-dw3nl]

What is the “leather loop/hanger”?

[@OdessaDenby]

Some leather crafters refer to them as "skirt-keeps" because you can loop your overskirt through the rings to hold them up. I wore mine upside down to hold my mug.

[@hellshimarosetooth2566]

How did you come up with your corset?

[@OdessaDenby]

I learned how to make corsets (or, in this case, stays) by starting with some patterns by Redthreaded, I highly suggest you check her out. She also sells finished garments, but they can understandably be expensive. The green one is made from her 1780s pattern. The red one at the end is a simpler one I made just drafted to my measurements.

[@du6167]

I don't own a corset! It feels like if you put a corset over literally anything, it instantly turns into a fantasy/medieval costume. What do I do without a corset?

[@OdessaDenby]

I mentioned it towards the end of the video that a vest/waistcoat can give a similar layering effect. You can buy a simple lace front bodice at any festival or online. The ones I wear in this video are homemade (except the leather one) and they are technically stays, since corsets which are really only a 19th century thing that have a lot more shaping. So if you're feeling ambitious, that's an option too! There are many patterns out there of varying complexity and styles.

[@to.be.honest.n]

My mom said she would go to ren faires with me

[@doinaarapu]

What kind of shoes do you wear with these tho?

[@OdessaDenby]

Shoes can be tricky! I have a pair of tall leather boots purchased from an artisan at the faire well over a decade ago and they are still going strong. They were an investment, but they've held up well. I recommend something comfortable and broken-in that can handle a variety of terrains, depending on your faire's grounds. And, of course, something that fits the aesthetic of your costume as well.

[@doinaarapu]

@@OdessaDenby thanks

[@trygveblacktiger597]

Making fair costumes isnt hard or even exspensive, Atleast one basic one would be a dress shirt with sweat pants and like a cowboy style vest in brown. Shirt and pants can be in different colors tho you can also wear a white shirt. As white cloth was paticularly exspensive to make from materials at that time. Pants can be of what ever color tho brighter ones might work well as people in the medieval period loved colors. And then you can buy some stuff to detail your costume like a hat or something at the fair would suggest a baret style they are useally pretty comfy cheap and fits well with alot of other clothing. Another suggestion is to get a leather pouch or bag when im at fairs i useally keep my money there to be more accurate tho you can just keep it for detail only. Been going to fairs for years now and been working on a more full set based around the 1500s German fashion of the Landsknecht but i know for many this isnt a special interest but ill hope these tips might help somebody out.

[@OdessaDenby]

While your tips are good for a first-timer, I'm curious about one thing: where did you read/hear that white cloth was expensive? Most undergarments, like basic shirts were made from linen. While linen naturally has a gray-ish color, the laundering process for linen included sun bleaching. White linen was the backbone of the medieval wardrobe. Maybe not the level of pure bleached white we know today, but everyone would have had a white-ish shirt or shift to wear. Fabric dyeing was widely used for outer garments with shades of red and yellow being some of the least expensive, so they're great to choose if you're portraying a poor character. The darker and richer the color, the more expensive. Black would have been one of the most expensive colors to dye because it would take a number of dips into more than one dye. Please check out Little Welsh Viking on YT who did a whole video about black dyes if you want to know more. How to be a Tudor by Ruth Goodman is also a great resource, though specifically focusing on 16th century Britain. The documentary about Guedelon Castle in France also provides info about daily life, clothing production, and plant dyes. If you like medieval history, it's very enjoyable overall.

[@trygveblacktiger597]

@@OdessaDenby Heard it from a video of Lindybeige interviewing two folks in Landsknecht gear. And the lady mentioned that white fabric was more exspensive due to the bleching process. I could be wrong so ill just leave a link to the vid here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qorZZZyFbradedU

[@OdessaDenby]

​​@@trygveblacktiger597 thank you for sharing, I'll investigate their sources for sure! I know that as we got into the modern period, laundering became more expensive, so by the early 19th century, white outer clothes were a flex because they were harder to keep clean. In a military situation, I imagine it would have been similar, so perhaps that's how it relates to landsknecht-- decorative white slashes on outer clothing could be hard to keep clean. But white inner clothes were definitely normal. You wouldn't waste dye on clothes that would get washed constantly because plant dyes fade more easily and washing your linens regularly was considered essential for hygiene.

[@peteespinosa2530]

It. Cost. 38 $ here. In. LA. Calif. At. Gate. Ive. Been. Going. To. Faire. Since. The. 80s !!! Seems. To. Be. A. Bit. Of. A. Ripoff ? These. Days !!! Drink ! Eat ! Merry be !!

[@trusian1366]

Where was the husbands outfit?!

[@OdessaDenby]

My husband wasn't a Rennie, so he's new to all this. I have made him a couple of items so far, with more on the way. There are links in the bottom of the description box to two videos his costume items feature in~ 💖