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How to Dress a Girl Like a Medieval Character

When a school play, costumed book report or local medieval fair requires you to dress the part of a medieval maiden, avoid stereotypes and put together a costume with authenticity. The Middle Ages extended from 900 to approximately 1500 and included many fashions for both peasant and noble girls. Children dressed just like the adults did in medieval times. Poor families wore plain clothing while wealthier families wore richer fabrics with more embellishments and accessories. Create a costume that best represents what medieval character you want to portray.

Things You'll Need

  • Floor-length dresses or skirts
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Various simple blouses and shirts
  • Pieces of material, different colors, sizes and textures
  • Scissors
  • Belts or sashes
  • Simple slippers
  • Trimming, such as faux gems, beads, lace and faux fur
  • Poster board
  • Staples
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Instructions

  1. Peasant

    • 1

      Put on a floor-length dress with long sleeves, preferably in solid black, white, yellow, red or brown. Wear a floor-length skirt and long-sleeved shirt in the same colors if you don't have a dress.

    • 2

      Make a tunic to wear over the underclothing in a contrasting color. Find a piece of material, such as a tablecloth, sheet or old curtain. Cut it to 3-feet-by-4 feet. Then, cut a 7-inch circle out of the center of the fabric for your head. Or find an extra-large solid-colored T-shirt or blouse, and cut out the neck and sleeves.

    • 3

      Put the tunic over your head and cinch it at your hips with a leather or rope belt. Trim the sleeves of the tunic as needed so they end anywhere from your shoulder to the middle of your upper arm.

    • 4

      Wear a wimple on your head. Cut a piece of lightweight material about 2 feet square. Place it over your hair and fasten it with a thin strip of fabric tied across your forehead. The wimple should cover your ears and neck when worn.

    • 5

      Choose thin leather slip-on shoes to complete the medieval peasant girl outfit. Go barefoot for a truly authentic peasant look, as many peasants did not wear shoes in warmer months.

    • 6

      Accessorize with a woolen cape that reaches down to your knees. Attach it around your neck with a simple metal brooch.

    Nobility

    • 7

      Choose a floor-length underskirt, preferably in yellow or white. Wear a matching long-sleeved shirt to complete the underclothing for a noble girl.

    • 8

      Cut a slit in the front of another floor-length skirt in a contrasting color. Trim the bottom of the skirt with lace, beads, sequins or sew-on faux gems. Wear the overskirt so that when it separates in the center, the underskirt shows through.

    • 9

      Cut the neck and sleeves out of a brightly colored oversized blouse or shirt to make a bliaud, or overtunic. Trim the edges of the sleeves with lace, ribbon, faux gems or faux fur for an authentic medieval look. Put the tunic on, and belt it at the hips with a wide, decorative sash or belt.

    • 10

      Add a mantel by pinning a long, flowing piece of material to one or both shoulders with a brooch. Embellish the edges with lace, faux fur or beads.

    • 11

      Make a tall, conical hat by forming stiff poster board into a cone. Staple it together, then trim it so it fits on your head. Decorate it with glitter, faux gems and lace. Attach a silky piece of fabric to the point of the cone. Keep it on your head using pins and a strip of ribbon tied beneath your chin.

    • 12

      Wear thin slip-on shoes, beaded slippers or soft leather boots to complete the look of a wealthy girl from the Middle Ages.

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