#shoutout to the Lads at CT faire absolutely losing their mind at the joust

[knightwithakay]

I feel like you're the best person to ask this, there's a ren faire close to me in 2 weeks and I have no costume. Any low effort dress up ideas that would help me blend in? I really dont wanna just show up in jeans or shorts

cracks knuckles

low effort ren faire costumes! my general tips: the renaissance (and renfairs in particular) is more colorful than you think, and layers and accessories can do a lot to transform a very simple outfit.

pants: think natural fibers where you can, but as a rule we're going to stay away from denim or modern patterns. jogger-style sweatpants can be great, and leggings are basically period! a fun way to change the silhouette of baggier pants is to tuck them into the tops of boots, or if you don't have boots, wrapping some cloth around your calves for a similar effect.

shirts: we mainly want to try and stay away from button-downs here; sleeveless t-shirts can mimic the cut of a tunic, especially layered over something else, and of course the peasant-style shirts that go in and out of fashion all the time are great to repurpose here. wide, baggy sleeves cuffed at the wrists are more historical, but any kind of large sleeve reads in a renfaire context (which is often more fantasy than anything!)

accessories: depending on your weather situation, a cape/cloak is a super easy upgrade and can often be made just by draping a blanket or some creative pinning. you can also layer with a vest, or chop off the top chunk of a hooded sweatshirt to make a hooded mantle. a straw hat, a flower crown, or even a pirate hat if you've got one in the closet are all good hat options! belts are great, both for making a costume more authentic and for holding more accessories; find a long leather belt, google "how to tie a ring belt" and you can use that method even on a standard modern belt. things to hang from your belt: a mug, a small bag for your phone and wallet, a pocket watch, some ribbon, some tiny bottles. this is the part to have fun with for sure!

you mentioned jeans/shorts specifically, so I won't dive into dress specifics, but many of the same rules apply--layering skirts over an existing dress creates a fun colorful silhouette, and a belt gives you pockets even when you don't have pants.

suffice to say I can go on for a while, but I hope this helps! :) renfaires are so much fun, and also I hope that you know it's very much ok to not have a crazy elaborate costume-- as long as you seem willing and engaged with the stuff going on, cast members will happily engage, and some of the folks at faire I remember most fondly showed up in jeans and jerseys.