Festival costumes
When we are dancing at socials, balls, and at class, we are dancing for our enjoyment. When we are performing, we are dancing for the enjoyment of the audience. Doing a professional performance requires flawless footwork, precision of movement, and teamwork as well as the ability to convey the joy of dancing. Appropriate costumes add visual appeal and provides context and atmosphere for our performance. A level of uniformity in costume makes the group appear an ensemble, not just a haphazard group of people who are dancing. These guidelines are designed to give the branch a more professional and unified look through our costumes.
Please note that the following costume descriptions apply only to branch performances, and not to socials, balls, or classes.
There are three types of costumes used by the Twin Cities Branch: Renaissance, National, and Formal. Some performances dictate what sort of costume to use. The Renaissance Festival of course demands that performers dress in Renaissance costume. Other performances may specify the sort of dress as well. At these performances having the correct costume, or being able to borrow it, may be as important as being able to do the dances. Sometimes the costume decision will be solely up to the Facilitator of the Day (FOD). The FOD may also modify the dress as needed for specific performances, for example requesting T-shirts, or polo shirts for a relaxed demonstration. Longer performances may include costume changes.
A dancer is not required to have all three of the costumes in order to perform. The majority of performances require either the Renaissance or the National costumes. Since the first performance for most people is the Renaissance Festival, it is suggested to acquire the items for this outfit first. As a way to plan which costumes to acquire, here is a list of some of the performances the branch regularly does along with the costume usually used. Note that these are guidelines only, as the final decision about costume for most performances is up to the FOD.
| Renaissance Festival | Renaissance costume |
| Macalester Scottish Country Fair | National or Renaissance |
| Scottish Ramble | National costume |
| Edinborough Park | Renaissance, National, or Formal costume |
| Brooklyn Park Historical Farm | Renaissance costume |
| Festival of Nations | Formal or National costume |
RENAISSANCE COSTUME GUIDELINES
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| Basic man's and woman's Renaissance Festival costumes |
Fabric Ideas
During the Renaissance there were many fabrics available from all over the known world. Most were too costly for anyone but the wealthiest person. Fabrics suitable for merchants, peasants and the lower classes were made from wool, linen, or a combination of the two. Silks were costly. For our purposes a small amount of silk trim such as a ribbon decorating a bodice or doublet, or tied in the hair would look nice and be acceptable. Cotton was very expensive during the Renaissance era as it came from the middle East either by overland caravan or by sea. Shirts and chemises were made from linen, rough weave for the poor and finer weaves for those who could afford it. In creating Renaissance costume, cotton with a home spun or rough look makes a good linen substitute. Outer clothes such as doublets, bodices, and skirts would have been made out of heavier linen, wool, or a blend of the two. When choosing fabric it is safer to stay with a plain-woven fabric with no decoration to it (if you like a particular fabric but are unsure of its suitability check with the Master of the Wardrobe). Patterned fabric was popular and worn by those who could afford it. Suitable fabrics include damask which has a pattern woven in the same color as the background. Brocade which has a pattern woven in multiple colors, was also popular but was very costly (tapestry is a form of brocade). Patterns for the Renaissance need to be large stylized floral or natural motifs, often times having an Arabic feel. Small patterns such as paisley (which didn't come in to use until the early 1800s) and any small spot pattern, regardless of the motif, need to be avoided. Fabrics were often embellished with surface decoration in the form of slashing, pinking, or embroidery. Any of these would be appropriate for Renaissance costume. Printed fabrics are not appropriate for the Renaissance.
Tartan During the Renaissance
During the Renaissance and earlier times, tartan had no association to clans, districts or specific people. Tartan was simply a cloth that was practical for the Highlands. It was tightly woven in a twill weave which is one of the stronger weaves, which would help to keep the wind off. The lanolin in the wool was water repellent, and the pattern of checks and over checks helped to act as camouflage when hunting. The yarn was spun and dyed at home using local plants for color. The yarns were most often woven in the village into cloth. When the tartan cloth was finished one of the easiest ways to use the fabric was as a mantle that was wrapped or draped on the person. The next logical step was to formalize the mantle into the great kilt or the arisaid.
Colors
The dyes available during the Renaissance era were quieter than today. The dyes came from natural materials and would fade or mute with washing and exposure to sun and weather. You don't have to think dull, just softer. Some of the popular colors that a village might have available include the following. Greens in the forest, pine, and emerald ranges work well. Reds in the garnet and wine, brick and terracotta are good. In the blues the dark bright blues, such as royal blue, were hard to produce so it may be best to stay with lighter tones. Wode was a popular dye that was readily available to most. It produces a very dark blue, but it is not bright, it is close to the color of new blue jeans. You can't go wrong with browns or yellows, but stay away from the saturated yellows.
Although black was the most fashionable color for the period, a true deep black was one of the hardest (and most expensive) to produce. A muddy black is more correct than a deep black or blue-black. Since most black garments would not be affordable to peasants, and since we want to be eye-catching to the audience, we suggest a minimal use of black.
Also, please note: The Minnesota Renaissance Festival reserves the use of the color purple to royalty.
Women's Renaissance Festival Costume Guidelines
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| An alternative woman's Renaissance Festival costume with apron and a different style bodice |
Petticoat (Skirt)
In the Renaissance a skirt was called a petticoat or kirtle. The petticoat should be made in the Renaissance fashion. The sections can be either gored or straight but there should be some fullness at the waist in the form of pleats or gathers. Fabrics should be or should look like wool or linen in plain weave or Renaissance style damask or other suitable fabric. Edges can be trimmed with ribbon or braid.
Length of the petticoat should be to the anklebone (any longer and it is hard to dance and hides the dancer's feet). Several petticoats may be worn at one time. These do not have to be the same color, in fact petticoats in different colors can look very nice. It also looks nice for the top petticoat to be pulled up to reveal the under one. The top petticoat may be open up the front as well to show the under petticoat. It is very proper for a petticoat to have a pocket.
We prefer that a solid color fabric be used for the petticoat (i.e. not tartan).
Bodice
The Renaissance bodice is a tight fitting garment that laces or hooks up the front. It can have sleeves or be sleeveless, or sleeves can be laced on. The shoulder edge is often finished off with epaulets or wings. The neckline is usually low in either a square or rounded shape. A high-necked doublet style with sleeves would be quite appropriate as well. The color does not have to match the color of any of the petticoats. Ideally all seams of the bodice should be covered with braid. Tassets, or tabs at the waist look very nice and are appropriate.
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| Woman's arisaid from front and back |
Headwear A Renaissance hat, a coif, or a combination of these would be very appropriate. Note: Large hats may be removed while we are actually dancing.
Hair
A young unmarried woman would leave her hair down. Married women and women of a respectable age would wear their hair pinned up and under the coif. This can also hide modern, short hair as well.
Jewelry
Most Scottish women of all classes wore a brooch; either the circular annular shape (annular means unbroken ring or circle) or the 'C' shaped penannular (penannular means almost annular, or almost a circle). Such a brooch was typically regarded as a prized possession. Depending on the wealth and status of the owner the brooches were made from iron, bronze, brass, silver, or gold. They ranged from very plain to very ornate. Other jewelry should be in keeping with the time and the class portrayed.
Footwear
Many peasants in Scotland went bare foot. This may be appropriate for the time period but Renaissance Festival rules (and common sense about safety) prohibit going bare foot. You must wear shoes. Renaissance-appropriate footwear, however, is not necessarily ideal for country dancing. Low dance boots ("jazz boots") are a good alternative, as are ghillies that have insoles in them or an extra layer of leather on the outside sole to make them more comfortable. Please remember that you will be dancing outside, often on rough and uneven, and occasionally slippery ground. Your safety is most important.
Men's Renaissance Festival Costume Guidelines
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| Man donning the great kilt |
Shirt
The shirt most often used is the Renaissance/Scottish style, which is often referred to as a Jacobite shirt. The shirt should be in a natural cotton or linen type fabric. The shirt can be white, off white, saffron, or other soft colors to harmonize with the great kilt.
Headwear
A hat or bonnet in a Renaissance fashion is strongly encouraged.
Hair
Short hair was very fashionable for most of Europe in the later Renaissance. In Scotland long hair was popular. The first section of hair was often braided.
Sporran
The sporran should be of the pouch sort, but most sporrans are acceptable.
Footwear
Renaissance-appropriate footwear is not necessarily ideal for country dancing. A lot of men in the group use tall lace up moccasin boots (remove fringe). An alternative would be an old pair of ghillies that have insoles in them or an extra layer of leather on the outside sole to make them more comfortable. Please remember that you will be dancing outside, often on rough and uneven, and occasionally slippery ground. Your safety is most important.
Doublet or Jerkin
An optional garment for a man would be a doublet or jerkin. A doublet is a sleeved garment, with the sleeves either being sewn on or laced. It usually has a high collar. A jerkin is mostly the same but with out sleeves. They are made from leather or fabric. The entire garment can be decorated with slashes, braid or left plain.
Jewelry
See the section of jewelry under women. Men should not wear a kilt pin, as it is from the Victorian era.
Accessories for Both Men and Women
Belt
A leather belt with a plain but heavy-duty buckle is a useful and appropriate accessory for both men and women. In addition to holding the great kilt or arisaid in place, the wearer can attach drinking mugs, money pouches, and other useful items.
Cloak
When the weather turns cold or rainy a cloak is nice to have. Most cloaks were large half circles of fabric, often in wool in any of appropriate weave including plaid. Follow the same guidelines in the selection of color and trim as mentioned earlier. The cloak can be fastened with decorative clasps, ties, or a large brooches.
Carry All
Modern items such as water bottles, sunscreen, bottles of aspirin etc. need to be out of sight at the fair. You will want a basket with a cloth cover or bag that has a rustic look to carry all of the modern items we need.
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| Man's and woman's national costumes |
Women's National Costume Guidelines
Skirt
A full skirt gathered or pleated to the waistband. Fabric can be cotton, wool or blend (not taffeta or any frabric with a shiny finish). The pattern should be tartan, but does not have to be a recognized tartan. The skirt can be made from two widths of 45-inch wide fabric sewn edge to edge. Alternately the skirt can be cut in gores to reduce some bulk at the waist. Do not cut it as a circle, as the checks and over checks should remain parallel to the ground. Length of skirt is to be mid calf.
Petticoat
A petticoat to be worn under the skirt is highly recommended. This should be cut like the skirt, but not as full and an inch or two shorter. It should be plain white cotton. A little white lace at the hem is optional.
Blouse
The blouse for the National is white or off-white cotton or cotton blend fabric. The blouse should have a relatively low, round neck, which may be gathered with elastic or a ribbon, and full, elbow-length sleeves. There should be no lace, such as a jabot, on the blouse.
Bodice
The bodice is made of velvet or velveteen and laces up the front. It should be a solid color that harmonizes with the skirt, but no pastels or light colors. The bottom is finished off with either petal tabs or petal extensions of the bodice itself. The neckline can be either rounded or square.
Plaid (pronounced like "played")
The plaid is a square made from the same fabric as the skirt, about a yard to a yard and half square and fringed out on all sides. One side is attached to the waistband of the skirt and a corner is worn pinned on the shoulder with a brooch.
Jewelry
A Scottish style brooch to hold the plaid in place on the shoulder is a must. A clip or barrette can be used for the hair. Personal jewelry should be kept to a minimum.
Hair
The hair can be left long or put up but it should be kept off the face.
Men's National Costume Guidelines
Kilt
The regulation tailored kilt (i.e. the "small" kilt) in a recognized tartan is worn for the national costume.
Hose and Flashes
Standard kilt hose are worn in off white or a color to harmonize with the kilt. No argyles or dicing are to be worn with the national costume. Garters with flashes are needed to keep the hose from sliding down. The flashes can be tartan matching the kilt or a color that harmonizes with the hose and kilt.
Sporran
The Sporran finishes off the look and should be worn. A leather sporran with or without tassels is used with the national costume. A fur sporran or one with a metal cantle is acceptable. A full mask fur sporran should not be use with the national. The strap for the sporran can be either chain or leather.
Belt
A wide leather belt with an appropriate Scottish or Celtic style buckle should be used.
Shirt and Tie
A white dress shirt with long sleeves is worn with the national. The long tie should be a solid color that harmonizes with the kilt.
Headwear
No bonnet should be worn when dancing. Long hair needs to be kept off the face.
Jewelry
A tiepin or clip should be used to keep the tie in place while dancing. A kilt pin is optional but does finish off the look of the kilt. A sgian dubh in the hose is very nice also. Personal jewelry should be kept to a minimum.
Working statement
The costume is intended to convey dignity, elegance, and timelessness, with some historical touches. The qualities of the strathspey step are the inspiration.
Women's Formal Costume Guidelines
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| Woman's formal costume |
Skirt
The skirt should be white or off-white color in a soft elegant fabric that flows nicely and has a good twirl factor to it. This garment is cut in several gores so it lies flat around the waist and is full at the hem. It may be a good idea for the waistband to be rather tall; this will help keep it in place under the gown. The underskirt should be to the anklebone.
As an alternative to a skirt, dancers may wear a simple white dress (short-sleeved or sleeveless) under the over-gown. The skirt of the dress should follow the same specifications as outlined above.
Sash
A sash finishes the look of the Formal costume. It is made from the same fabric as the skirt of the gown. The sash is 11 inches wide and 90 inches long. The two short ends are fringed out for two to three inches. The long sides need to be hemmed. The sash is worn on the shoulder and secured with a brooch. A rosette of the same fabric looks very nice under the brooch
Petticoat
The gown looks good when it stands away from the dancer at the hem. A petticoat with one or two deep ruffles at the hem will hold the skirt out. The petticoat can be made out of any fabric you wish but it should be white. A cotton or cotton blend would be the most comfortable and easiest to clean. It is suggested that the petticoat be cut in gores. It should be about two inches shorter than the skirt. Lace decorating the hem is optional.
Hose
White or off-white sheer hose are recommended. Since the skirt is long, knee-high hose are acceptable if the dancer prefers.
Jewelry
A Scottish style brooch is worn to keep the sash in place. With the lower neckline, a necklace would look very nice and finish off the gown.
Hair
Can be worn the same as for the national costume.
Men's Formal Costume Guidelines
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| Man's formal costume |
Kilt
The regulation tailored kilt (i.e. the "small kilt") in a recognized tartan is worn for the formal costume.
Shirt and Cravat
The shirt is reminiscent of older style shirts. A standard white, cotton, tuxedo shirt with a banded or wing color may be used, but the preferred style is cut with fuller sleeves. This should not be confused with the Jacobite style used for the Renaissance dress. In place of a tie, a white cotton cravat is used. An alternative style of shirt is the sort worn with the evening doublet. This has lace at the wrist and the cravat is replaced with a lace jabot.
Vest
The vest is black in a silk or silk-like material, in a matte finish. Suitable fabrics are silk taffeta, or silk doupioni. The back of the vest is cut in the same fabric as the front. The vest is cut with a higher more old-fashioned neckline. Silver Scottish type buttons should be used but any silver button with a Celtic look will do.
Hose and Flashes
The hose should be off-white kilt hose. Flashes in a solid color to harmonize with the kilt or in tartan to match the kilt should be worn.
Sporran and Belt
These can be the same as for the national costume. The sporran can be of fur, or any other of the evening-type sporrans.
Jewelry
A pin for the cravat is optional, but if used it should be in a Scottish style and not too large. Any of the formal jewelry items used in full Scottish dress are appropriate. A fancy sgian dubh would not be out of place.
Headwear
No bonnet or other head covering should be used.
Hair
Long hair needs to be kept off the face.
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© 1999-2007 Royal Scottish Country Dance Society - Twin Cities
Branch Last updated 21 September 2007 | Branch Webmaster: Lara Friedman~Shedlov lfriedmanshedlov [at] gmail.com |
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