It’s not easy walking up to a woman whose imposing breasts are practically bursting from a peasant top, but Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie is blossoming with buxom maidens most weekends in April and May.

 

And Vixen was no exception. Sitting at a table with otherFriends of the Faire—season pass holders who get extra perks including unlimited Gatorade and water—she (and the girls) stuck out.

 

For Vixen and other “Rennies”—kind of like carnies who don’t work at but enjoy going to and dressing up at Renaissance faires—dressing in Medieval garb, adopting a faire name and persona, entering a clan and adhering to Medieval rules (bowing to Lords and Ladies) isn’t just a hobby, it’s their life.

 

And for a “tourist” –anyone who doesn’t dress up—the faire experience just isn’t the same.

 

So I asked Vixen—a housewife from Cleburne who helps care for her mother-in-law at home during the weekday—how someone might go about dressing for the faire and getting into the spirit. It’s not that I’m afraid of a corset or chain mail or anything, but I do feel a little silly if I dress up. Like indulging in a fantasy world is too childish of me.

 

But my afternoon with Vixen and other Rennies was eye opening. And I’ve pledged to dress up at this year’s Renaissance Festival. Not because I’m weird. But because it is fun! Every weekend you can adopt a different persona and indulge in a little kid-like fantasy land that’s carved into a 35-acre pasture in Waxahachie far, far away from your suburban friends and Uptown life. Where it’s perfectly acceptable to wear a loin cloth and helmet and nosh on a turkey leg all day.  Where calling yourself Queen Mary of Toots isn’t strange.

 

But dressing period isn’t cheap. Decently made outfits can cost hundreds of dollars. Boots and accessories—like crowns and swords—also cost hundreds of dollars.

 

 

1)      Determine the kind of character you want to be. Do you want to indulge in a character that represents the very opposite of who you are? Parole officer by day, saucy wench by weekend. Or do you want a character that personifies who you are? Are you a prissy person? Then wear a princess outfit.

2)      You can rent costumes at Scarborough at Suit Your Fancy. That’s an easy way to get your feet wet without having to spend a lot of money.

3)      Dressing as a peasant—think long broom skirt and peasant top cinched in tight with a wide leather belt—is an inexpensive and easy way to start. You can pair the outfit with simple leather sandals. Rennies give props to people who try and look the part.

4)      Hit your local thrift store for items too. Vixen routinely surfs the shops for long skirts and vests she then modifies for faires.

5)      It’s not uncommon to see a guy in cargo shorts and metal shin guards and sneakers. Mixing and matching in the spirit is acceptable. Most Rennies buy little by little until they complete a full wardrobe. And have enough pieces together to mix and match multiple outfits.

 

 

1)      NO Halloween costumes. It’s cheap and silly. Even Rennies draw the line.

2)      Avoid polyester fabrics. They don’t breathe well and it can get hot at the faire.

3)      Think period but comfortable. You walk a lot. Put arch supports in your leather boots if you have to. The SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism—the people who are really serious about this) might not approve, but blisters on your ankles aren’t fun either.

4)      Stay hydrated. Layers of clothing, leather and metal can become very, very hot in the Texas sun. Yes, there’s beer. But water is important too. Drink it all day long.

5)      If you want a good deal on clothes or items, the last day of the faire is the best time to pick up that sword or corset you’ve been ogling all month long.

 

 

 

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