Before you let your imagination run rampant, let us suggest that your first step into the Renaissance world be a simple, reasonably inexpensive one. Peasantry. Peasants came in many varieties. Washer woman, sailor, pirate, merchant, monger (the village crazy people), cook, seamstress, brewer, puritan (religious zealot), bar maid, farmer, blacksmith, minstrel and jester all fell into this category. Peasants were the highly visible, working class backbone of the renaissance period and their dress, accessories and public personae strongly reflected their occupation and station in life. When choosing a character for Faire you can go with your type: Examples. If a woman is a quiet observer she would do well in the role of a merchant's wife or seamstress--If she is bold and outgoing, she'd better be suited to the role of a minstrel or bar maid. A man who lifts weights would prove a convincing blacksmith and a brash impulsive man would do well as a pirate. Or, you can chose to live through a fantasy character of your choosing.

MEN… A typical man’s outfit of the period would include boots, breeches (pants), a shirt, jerkin (vest), and a hat. Shirts were long sleeved and full bodied with drawstring, high collar, drop collar, or no collar. Have fun guys-Give the wenches a treat. Create a cod piece and wear it with confidence.If you're on budget, guys can wear a free fitting shirt with a vest and loose fitting solid color pants cut off just below the knee. Always keep your legs covered with knee high stockings, knee high boots or moccasins (no fringe). Leather sandals are always a viable alternative. Accessorize with tools of your trade.

WOMEN - A typical woman's outfit would be over and under skirts of different colors, a full, flowing shirt, a bodice and inside shim. Do not substitute a chemise for a second shin or apron. Chemises should be long sleeved and full bodied. Drawstring, high collared, drop collared and no collar shims are all acceptable. Skirts must be full and below the ankle. Trick: Wear two skirts the same length and tuck one up into the waist. If you're on a budget wear a loose fitting gauzy dress in natural color, an embroidered or lacy vest, leather sandals and a floral garland in your hair. Other footwear: Birkenstocks, Mayjanes, or Kung Fu slippers.

Choose colors that are earth tones such as shades of: browns, golds, rusts. Avoid bright reds, fluorescent and other bright colors or pastel shades. These are modern colors. Fabrics should be rough natural such as wool, woven cotton, raw silk, flax, leather and linen. Wearing different textures together creates a good look. DO NOT use prints, velour, sheers, gingham, seersucker, or 100% polyester.

CHILDREN Until the age of three wear long shifts and a muslin cloth cap (biggins). Older children dress as smaller versions of the adults.

HATS: "Everyone" wears a hat. Hats should have a 16th century look to them such as muffin caps, biggins or straw hats.

Make a statement with your accessories. Carry a tankard and a pouch. Once you decide who you are, make your character visually interesting by carrying the tools of your trade. A cobbler might have a small hammer and awe in his belt. A seamstress could carry a pouch filled with cloth and yarn.