Scott & Deb's Place

Accesorizing Your Garb

Tunics and drawstring pants can seem a bit plain but one doesn't have to have a Laurel in Italian Renaissance costuming to have nice looking garb. There are lots of little things you can add to your outfit to add realism and flavor. Some items you can make while others you can buy. With proper planning each item you wear can tell others when and where you lived and possibly your profession. Here's a list of suggestions to spoof up that old t-tunic.

Trim - Trim is used through most of our period by almost every culture. From simple tablet weaving to brocades with gold, trim styles and where they are applied can say a lot about where you're from.

Belts - Belts include plain leather, tooled leather, woven bands, and fancy cords.

Bags - Drawstrings are the simplest and can be made from any piece of scrap fabric. Trade scraps with a friend if you want a varied look. Wear 3 or 4 if you want to look wealthy. Leather bags can also be hung from a belt.

Hat - From simple felt caps to the fanciest peak, hats are a quick way to identify the time and place of your persona.

Cloaks and Coats - Cloaks and coats are an easy piece of garb to add to your outfit. Shapes, styles, and fabrics changed a lot over our time. Not only do they help with time placement they can keep you warm during the cold Pennsic nights.

Pins - Now that you have a cloak you'll need a pin to keep it on. From simple to elaborate, make a statement of wealth with a fastener.

Jewelry - The most obvious way to show status is with jewelry. Even men can get in on this with chains or religious symbols.

Weapons - Even a poor persona might have a simple dagger for cutting and digging. Soldiers and knights would carry the weapon of their trade. If you really want to clear the roads wear two or three. Just remember to disarm before entering a court.

Backpack - Depending on your culture and profession a backpack may be in order. From reed baskets to leather rucksacks there are plenty of ways to extend one's carrying capacity. Many identify one as a tradesman or farmer of their time.

Shoes - Sandals, turn-shoes, boots, clogs, or barefoot. While often overlooked due to expense shoes can make a big difference when done.

Gloves - Depending on persona these can be the dirty leather gloves of a blacksmith or the dainty dress gloves of a late period Lady. Like backpacks, these are occasional wear and might not be worn all the time.

Armor - While you wouldn't want to wear it all day, armor quickly identifies you as a warrior of your time. This is a chance for those whose period armor wouldn't be list legal to wear it just for show.

The list above is by no means exhaustive but hopefully will get you thinking of what other things your persona might wear.