| Step back 400 years to a time of romance. | | | | adults. |
| Shakespeare is in the prime of his career and Sir | | | | The Renaissance Era costumes are extremely |
| Francis Drake has spanned the Globe. The New | | | | popular with adults during the Halloween season. |
| World is a vast frontier. The Dark Ages are done. | | | | What better way to turn heads than to walk into |
| You're transported back to a magical world of | | | | a costume party as a historic couple of nobility |
| medieval knights, dragons and jesters. You're | | | | from the Elizabethan times. And their not just for |
| transported back to the historical age of the | | | | Halloween anymore; many school plays and |
| Renaissance Era (1450-1600). | | | | theater performances are also looking for that |
| Clothing during the Renaissance Era always | | | | perfect Renaissance look and finding them at |
| reflected the social status of the person wearing | | | | costume stores online. However, right now is the |
| it. There would be no doubt as to who was of | | | | perfect time to pick up a Renaissance costume |
| nobility. Clothing was a direct indication of wealth | | | | whether it be a Nobleman, a Maiden Princess, a |
| and the cost of the clothing was related to the | | | | pheasant, or a Renaissance Monk because the |
| color and type of fabric. Sounds a lot like the | | | | Renaissance Faires are popping up all over the |
| world today, huh? Velvet, brocades, corduroy and | | | | country for the summer months. |
| satin were considered fine weaves and were | | | | If you get a chance, you have to go to a |
| very costly. The noble women dressed gracefully | | | | Renaissance Faire. Last year I went with some |
| with a sense of romance and elegance. Their | | | | friends to the Renaissance Faire in our area. It |
| gowns were voluminous, empire waists with skirts | | | | was amazing to see the different costumes and |
| heavily pleated and supported underneath by | | | | customs they had. You really do step back in |
| hoopskirts. Sleeves were puffed and necklines | | | | time! There were all kinds of stages set up for |
| were adorned with high-standing collars with | | | | scheduled shows. Some of their performances |
| delicate lace. The women also began showing their | | | | included dancers, musicians, jugglers, and singers. |
| hair again. Instead of covering their heads, they | | | | Between the stages the streets are lined with |
| adorned their coiffures with shimmering veils and | | | | little shops where independent artists and vendors |
| dazzling jewels. Men's fashions became square in | | | | sell their beautiful handmade goods. There were |
| cut and elaborately trimmed. Their breeches were | | | | food booths, as well as game and ride areas. We |
| lengthened and shirts were decorated with lace | | | | got to see two knights jousting and some really |
| edges and frills at the neck and sleeves. Shoes | | | | funny jesters walking about. All the actors wear |
| were square toed and wide brim hats were used | | | | the most amazing period costumes and speak |
| to complete the look. Until about age three, | | | | using the vocabulary and accents of the time. It's |
| children wore a tight-fitting cap and a shift. | | | | really neat to listen to and there's something for |
| Children older than three dressed identical to the | | | | every age! |