The middle- to upper-class woman's costume must contain at least three layers of fabric, typically wool, which is heavy and thus requires great effort on a woman's part. For costuming purposes, use two lighter underskirts made of linen or cotton. The outer skirt should be made from wool or velvet. An undershirt made from linen or cotton goes underneath a bodice and typically matches the skirt and sports intricate embroidery. The more embellishments, the wealthier the woman. Simple, low-heeled shoes and a large pointed hat complete the look. Add jewelry, even a tiara, to heighten the status of the costume.
The noble man's costume consists of a one-piece dress, typically made from velvet, and embroidered with intricate patterns. The dress, or tunic, is a darker color and sports long, wide sleeves that gather at the wrist. A black or brown belt made from leather goes around the waist. Stockings or tights of similar color go on the legs, and simple, very low-heeled boots or shoes go on the feet. The look is topped off by a larger, floppy hat the same color as the tunic. Embellishments add to the nobility and wealth of the costume.
Medieval peasants wore much cheaper fabrics, equivalent to burlap and sometimes rough cotton. Men and women alike wore large, long-sleeved shirts on top. Their long skirts had one or no layers beneath them. A simple leather belt tied the woman's look together. Women also sometimes wore a veil and wimple on their heads to shield their hair from the sun. A wimple is a rope or tie which secures the veil on the woman's head. The man's costume includes breeches which fall to the middle of the calf muscle, and tuck into taller brown or black boots. These shoes shouldn't have any kind of heel on them. The men can also wear a simple brown or black hat on their heads, which fits tightly around the head and stretches out. The top of the hat is flat.
Knight costumes consist of a lightweight linen or cotton undershirt, topped with a shirt made from chain mail. Chain mail is made from interwoven circles of metal or iron. Thick breeches go on the legs, and are tucked into taller, typically black, boots. These boots have no heels. A tunic tops the chain mail and falls over the breeches to the middle of the thigh. The tunic always carried the coat of arms for the knight on the front. Wrist and forearm guards fit over each forearm, almost reaching the elbow. The guards were typically made from iron or metal. You can fasten a cape around the neck if you like, though it should be simple and match the breeches. A broadsword completes the knight's look.
The queen costume consists of two or three layers of lightweight underskirts beneath a large, intricately embroidered and bejeweled dress. The dress is made of velvet, and should have long, wide sleeves. Every edge of fabric is tinged with gold or silver. Shoes are bejeweled as well, and have a low heel. To finish the look, place a crown with a veil of silk or muslin trailing behind it. The king's costume consists of an undershirt and breeches, topped with an enormous and long robe. This robe is the main piece for the costume, made of velvet and sweeping the floor. The sleeves should be long and very wide. A large bejeweled collar fastens around the neck. Again, every edge of the fabric should be tinged with gold or silver. Shoes with a slight heel work well. A crown and scepter completes this royal look.