Need Halloween Costume Advice

[LadyWentworth]

OK. I have NOT had to think about this sort of thing in 16 years! I have recently become part of this dance group (reenactors - 18th century style). I just found out today that the next time we meet we will be having a costume party for Halloween. So, my question is simply this:

What should my costume be?

I actually like to make my own costumes (I do for reenacting, at least). When I was a kid all of the costumes were homemade (I think that is a lot more fun). Then again I am lacking a little in money right now. It might be cheaper to just buy one.

Anyway, I have an Elizabeth I dress pattern I could try to make, and go as the queen, but I don't know if I have enough time to make it. I keep thinking about her, though. I have a couple of "period" dresses that I have made, but they were never really meant to be used as costumes. I am leaning more towards Medieval or Renaissance. I also have some "character" ideas in mind, but I really only want to dress as one that most of the people would know (some are quite a bit older than I am). Those ideas are all taken from movie characters.

Any suggestions would be of a great help! Thank you!! :)

[Niamh]

I once did reenactments! they were so much fun! Why not go as a norman maiden or a viking lady? (and no silly hats!)
viking (http://www.cdli.ca/CITE/v_dress.htm)
Norman (http://www.garbtheworld.com/items/g0063.shtml)
these where the type of costumes i wore. The viking one is really east to do.:)

[amalia1985]

Try an "elfie" style costume, perhaps.
Okay, I admit, I love elfs!!!

[LadyWentworth]

I once did reenactments! they were so much fun!

So, you reenacted as a viking and norman? Or did you reenact as something else?

My thing is the American Civil War. I know this lady in the dance troupe that wants me to get started in the world of American Revolutionary War reenactors (that is the period of the dance troupe - so they all do it!). I don't know if I will just yet. After all, I have to borrow her dress for an upcoming performance. All of my clothes are Civil War era (1860's). I don't care to suddenly make dresses from the 1770's.

Anyway, the viking does sound interesting. It is different, too. Actually, I thought about an elf, too! :)

I was also going along the lines of the female pirate thing (at least I can wear pants then :) ), or a saloon girl/barmaid from the "Old West". I better come up with this decision soon!

I could wear one of my Civil War gowns to this Revolutionary War group of people, but imagine the trouble that the dress will cause! After all, we are doing English country dancing (a.k.a. Jane Austen style). I would be knocking everyone down with my huge skirt! Though that might be kind of fun in a wicked sort of way. :D

[applepie]

If you are looking for something cheaper you could go as a Greek goddess. If you do the toga type outfit/gown that sort of wraps around you can normally get off pretty cheap. It will still look like you spent a bunch of money and time if you accessorize right, but you don't. Good luck to you.

[Virgil]

You can throw a sheet over yourself and go as a ghost. :D :lol:

[Niamh]

I did Viking and Norman reenactments. They were fun.

All you need for a viking costume is an undergarment like a long tunic shirt that goes to your ankles and what looks lke an over the head double sided apron thats linkd at the sides a couple of brooches to be worn on the front of outer garment at end of shoulder straps, sandles, and a bonnet type hat that is tight on the head ans ties under your chin. (think of nitted baby hats and you'll know what i mean!)

[LadyWentworth]

You can throw a sheet over yourself and go as a ghost. :D :lol:

That would be something easy AND affordable! :D

You know, I considered the Greek goddess, too!

Actually, I think I have finally made a decision. I think I will go as a gypsy. I have a bunch of clothing/accessories from my bellydance days. So, I think I will go ahead and put together something from that! :)

[RobinHood3000]

Pick one of Inara's outfits - they're all so very pretty. ^_^

[Bakiryu]

That would be something easy AND affordable! :D

You know, I considered the Greek goddess, too!

Actually, I think I have finally made a decision. I think I will go as a gypsy. I have a bunch of clothing/accessories from my bellydance days. So, I think I will go ahead and put together something from that! :)

That's a great idea. (Actually that's what I was going to say) Dressing like a gypsies is timeless. :D

[Virgil]

That would be something easy AND affordable! :D

You know, I considered the Greek goddess, too!

Actually, I think I have finally made a decision. I think I will go as a gypsy. I have a bunch of clothing/accessories from my bellydance days. So, I think I will go ahead and put together something from that! :)

Have fun. I almost talked you into a ghost. :D

[LadyWentworth]

Yeah, I would've done the ghost thing! I would've had NO problem showing up looking like I just stepped out of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"! Those kids knew what they were doing when they threw a sheet over themselves, and then covered that with a mask! Nothing simpler than that! It still got the job done of being a costume! :)



Pick one of Inara's outfits - they're all so very pretty. ^_^

I have a picture, actually, of an outfit that is similar to what I plan on wearing (except mine is black), but I am having trouble getting it added onto my post! :mad:

[bibliophile190]

Dress as an English peasant, just put on some sackcloth. Easy and cheap.;)

[higley]

I'm still with Virg on the ghost thing. Nobody actually does it anymore! Tho' a gypsy is cool as well. What about combining them? Dress like a gypsy and then throw a sheet over your head. :D

Halloween combo costumes are the best. It's not just Sherlock Holmes--but swashbuckling pirate Sherlock, who is both a zombie and a ghost.

[Niamh]

the gypsy is a good idea. Its what i always end up dressing as. Have pics somewhere but no way of putting them on to the computer.(although i went abit adventurous at the last fancy dress i went to, and went as Anne Eliot!:) )

[LadyWentworth]

the gypsy is a good idea. Its what i always end up dressing as. Have pics somewhere but no way of putting them on to the computer.(although i went abit adventurous at the last fancy dress i went to, and went as Anne Eliot!:) )

You know what? I thought about an Anne Elliot (after all, she is my favorite) inspired costume! If nothing else, I have the outfit! It would work extremely well with the dancing that I am doing! Then I thought why would I bother? I didn't figure anyone would really know who I was. Then I wanted to get into doing something that is really out there. As a gypsy, and with the pieces that I own, I will stand out!! :)


I'm still with Virg on the ghost thing. Nobody actually does it anymore! Tho' a gypsy is cool as well. What about combining them? Dress like a gypsy and then throw a sheet over your head. :D

Halloween combo costumes are the best. It's not just Sherlock Holmes--but swashbuckling pirate Sherlock, who is both a zombie and a ghost.

Yeah, I just posted that I wanted to stand out! If I did put something together like you mentioned, I think they'd think I was crazy! That would actually be quite fun! :)