| If you're dressing for a Renaissance Faire or historical | | | | the belt. Hose that reached to the knee would be |
| re-enactment, you don't have to spend a fortune on an | | | | worn under the leggings. A peasant's shoes would be |
| authentic costume. Instead of attempting to replicate | | | | simple leather slip-ons with pointed toes. A soft cloth or |
| the expensive garments of medieval nobility, peasant | | | | leather cap or brimmed hat can be added to the |
| costumes are a less expensive option. You can put | | | | costume. |
| together the pieces of a this type costume yourself or | | | | Women's peasant costumes also include a |
| purchase an inexpensive ready-to-wear costume. | | | | long-sleeved tunic or blouse. A long full skirt and tight |
| While elaborate styles and luxury fabrics were used in | | | | sleeveless corset were worn over the blouse. The |
| the clothing of nobles and the upper classes, the | | | | corset laced up the front. An apron, usually white, was |
| average working person in medieval times wore | | | | worn over the front of the skirt and a white kerchief |
| simple clothing made of coarse fabric. Many peasants | | | | covered the hair. Like men, peasant women wore |
| had only one set of clothing and it was more than likely | | | | hose that extended to the knee and pointed leather |
| to show some wear and tear. Peasant costumes | | | | slip-on shoes. |
| should be made of natural fabrics with a coarse | | | | Many women's peasant costumes take some liberties |
| texture. Synthetic fabrics with a shiny surface will not | | | | with historical accuracy and feature a shorter skirt and |
| look as authentic as simple cotton, wool or linen. | | | | off-the-shoulder short sleeve blouses. This is all done in |
| If you're dressing as a peasant from the early | | | | the spirit of fun and creates a much more attractive |
| medieval period, you should limit your garment colors to | | | | look. Just because you're dressed like a peasant |
| earth tones since peasants used only natural dyes | | | | doesn't mean you have to look frumpy! |
| from plants. In the later Renaissance period, even | | | | Peasant costumes are a great choice for Halloween |
| peasants had access to imported dyes and wore | | | | parties. In addition to being less expensive, one of the |
| bright colors such as red, blue and yellow. Avoid very | | | | main advantages of a peasant costume is that they're |
| bright neon colors like fuchsia in your peasant costume. | | | | comfortable. Your movement won't be restricted and |
| Also avoid purple, which was reserved for royalty. | | | | you won't have to worry about taking care of a fancy |
| Typical men's peasant costumes consist of a loose | | | | costume. Plus, if gets soiled or torn, it will only look that |
| long-sleeved tunic worn over cloth leggings. The tunic | | | | much more authentic. |
| would be belted and might have a pouch attached to | | | | |