How to Design the Best Coordinated Costume Looks for the Texas Renaissance Festival or a Fantasy Inspired Halloween.

Wearing a costume brings an entirely new level of immersion in the experience. I have been privileged to attend on a few occasions, but I have never had the opportunity to do so in anything other than jeans. That changes this year.

The Renaissance Festival goes by a few names, such as Ren Fair, Texas Ren Fest, Renaissance Fest, and so forth. This lens will explore the different themed costumes Mr. Vix and I are considering this year. They are our personal favorites, but by no means an inclusive list of good costume theme choices.

It should be noted that you can rent costumes upon arrival. They have a large selection available, but, they can get potentially pricey, and there can be sizing and color limitations. There are costumes for sale ranging from the affordable to more than my house payment.

The Texas Ren Fest was born in 1975. It is an annual event held in Todd's Mission, Texas, out by Plantersville. Color me so there this year.

Image credit; by TudorDressing found at Amazon.

The first time I got to go was in the late 80's. My brand new husband, at the time, took me thinking I might enjoy it as I have a thing for fantasy. I was in awe. It was like stepping into the pages of some of my favorite fairy tale stories from childhood, without the chaperons.

The venue was in the sticks. The forest setting combined with the costume colors, accents, architecture, just everything to create a fantasy filled land of imaginary perfection, that's highly interactive.

I was lucky enough to get to go to the Ren Fair twice more. Both times I took groups of students. We had the best time. I have to say, going with students was fun, but exhausting. I'm going this year with my husband, again, some 20 plus years later. I can't wait. I feel like a kid at Christmas. This time, we are doing it right.

Let's explore some of my favorite themes for the best in Texas Renaissance Festival costume looks. To pull off any look, the secret is in the details. Let's check it out.

Image credit; Franco American Novelty Company

Medieval Guinevere Dress found at Amazon. Just click the pictures.

Hear ye, hear ye...

Lords and ladies, gather ye all round,

bards and fairies, town criers abound.

The Renaissance Festival is finally about to begin.

Lads, take hold of ye wenches, and drag them on in.

Theme costumes for couples:

• Medieval royalty, Lords and Ladies.
• Sorceress and Wizard.
• Fairy and Pan.

Kings and queens, lords and ladies.

This is the type of fairy tale dress look I dreamed of as a little girl, and to be totally honest, still do.

The look reminds me of the images invoked by such beloved series as "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis, "The Chronicles of Valdamar" by Mercedes Lackey, and "The Wheel of Time" by Robert Jordan.

It makes me think of long sleeves flared at the bottom atop long, draping skirts, and pointy hats with trailing chiffon. The look runs the gambit from innocent gowns to regal tapestries of velvet, cording, and lace dancing together to create a fashion work of art.

Image credit; by Creative Education of Canada available at Amazon.

Royalty, queens, and ladies all fare,

gather ye round in the public square.

Dance maidens, drink and make merry.

Lads, when drunk, they're easier to carry!

Clip it to you, if you want to keep it.

Make sure all of your accessories are attached to your person. It can get crowded in the mid ways and shows. Further, you will want to do lots of shopping. It's difficult to carry your mead, turkey leg, and anything else all at the same time.

The adult beverages flow, especially at night and on days not designated as school days. Be careful. They make the drinks very strong. Beer lovers will enjoy a monstrous selection. I don't do beer, but Mr. Vix says their selections are top notch.

Stick to a few colors. I like silver because it goes with everything, and it can be used with real world fashion. The first bag, while not silver, is a neutral color that will blend well with many other fashion ensembles.

Remember, when building your coordinated theme look, to go for accessory pieces that will live long and active lives in your wardrobe after your fun filled event. When this is simply not possible, try to think of other ways you can use the item.

For example, the dagger below is not something I'm going to be strolling about town carrying. Vix has no desire to go to jail. I could however, easily incorporate it into my office décor as a letter opener. I have dragon book ends in there already, so good match.

2014 Masquerade Ball-

2014 promises to be the best year yet and that is really saying something. Straight out of a fairy tale comes the idea for the masquerade ball. What girl doesn't dream of such? Here's a chance to live it out in grand style.

Image credit; Costumelicious found at Amazon.

Watch hundreds of real people in costume at the Ren Fair parade.

This look is a lot of fun. It's powerful and sexy with an edge. It's definitely not a look for the shy or faint of heart. Further fun afforded through this particular choice is the excuse for the carrying of the magic dust.

Magic dust you say? There's no such thing as magic dust. The woman has gone mad.

Ha ha! Nay, fellow traveler. It is the most powerful of enchantments.

Magic dust is also just body glitter placed in a small vial, and hung about the neck from a cord. Sh.

Many faeries, sorceresses, wizards, and the like sprinkle it liberally on willing participants throughout the day... and blow it on the unwilling in the form of a curse!

Image credit; by California Costumes found at Amazon.

Sorcery, blood magic, dark as night,

the wizarding world can be a fright.

Are you up for the shadows, spell casting in the fray?

I hope so, dear. For if not, you won't survive this day.

Note how the pendant on the necklace below is actually a perfume vial. It would be the perfect container for your magic dust.

I'm thinking the purse would be great with the bracelet. I want to wrap the chain strap around my wrist right over and through the bracelet to keep it attached, and give me freedom of movement, if not hanging from a sash.

What girl doesn't want to get to be a fairy?

The fairy looks is possibly the one with the most range.

Fairies come in all sizes and shapes. They are both good and bad, the essence of innocence, or they can be wickedly clever and seductive. And, best of all, they come with wings!

I can't tell you how many sets of spectacular, home fashioned wings I have seen. Students in the art club went gaga for the fairy theme the year I went with that group. Their creations were truly outstanding. I have never made a set myself.

Food for future crafting project.

Think fun in the sun, sparkle, shine, glitter and glam with this one.

Image credit; by Lilly and the Bee Novelties found on Amazon.

Trivia -

Pan is a name from the Greek tales of half goat half man creatures named satyrs.

Satyrs were known for being the most randy of devils. They carried wood flutes and are rumored to have loved wine, women and song, like most men.

There isn't one. Just pay attention to the accessories.

Accessories really do make or break any outfit, including costumes. The hard part isn't bringing it all together. The hard part is deciding on a theme!

Come one, come now, come forward ye all.

Hear the seduction of the Renaissance's call.

To be a queen, a fairy, or a tavern wench,

it is the details that really make it a cinch.

Come one, come all, lords and ladies, come in.

The Texas Renaissance Fest is about to begin.

Barbarians all, fairies, nymphs and sprites

head to the beer garden to do it up right!

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All writings contained herein are my own original work. Please do not copy whole or in part.