Would you like to make your next medieval-themed event a grand entrance? If you’re attending a Renaissance fair, dressing up for a costume party, or simply channeling your inner knight or lady, we have 15 Medieval Dress to Impress Outfits Ideas to inspire you. You’ll look and feel like a regal queen in these regal gowns and dashing warrior outfits.
Hardworking Blacksmith
A blacksmith costume is a great way to show your pride for medieval society. Start with a simple, rough-spun tunic and pants, likely blackened by sweat and soot. Heat and sparks can be prevented by wearing an apron made of thick leather.
Make sure you include prop tools like tongs, a hammer, and perhaps some glowing iron. You can simulate forge grime by smudging some dark makeup on your face and arms. Costumes like this are great for anyone who appreciates the craftsmanship and hard work used to build medieval societies.
The following table lists some common blacksmith tools you may choose to include in your costume:
| Tool | Purpose |
| Hammer | Shaping metal |
| Tongs | Holding hot metal |
| Anvil | Surface for hammering |
| Bellows | Fanning the forge fire |
| Quenching bucket | Cooling hot metal |
Study the role that blacksmiths played in medieval society. Horseshoes weren’t the only thing they made – they were essential to developing everything from farming equipment to suits of armour.
Traveling Minstrel
Adding a minstrel costume to your medieval gathering will add a touch of merriment to the proceedings. Don’t forget to dress in colours that are comfortable and allow you to move easily. Pair a tunic with puffy sleeves with leggings or loose pants for a polished look. If you want to add a touch of flair, add a jaunty cap with a feather.
Having the right musical instrument is key to making this costume work. You can choose from a lute, mandolin, or small harp, all of which are period-appropriate choices. A prop instrument works just as well if you are unable to play an instrument. Remember to bring a small bag to collect coins from your “audience”!
Make sure you know a few medieval songs or poems before stepping into character. Whether you are musically inclined or not, reciting a ballad will bring your minstrel to life.
Noble Falconer
Wearing a falconer costume would make a memorable medieval costume. Make a statement with an earthy tunic and leggings. A leather vest or jerkin, as well as sturdy boots, will complete the outfit. Probably the most important accessory here is a thick leather arm gauntlet.
Make a prop falcon and have it perch on your gloved hand if possible. Another option is to carry a falconry hood. During medieval times, falconry was a very popular sport among medieval nobility, and this costume allows you to engage in that activity.
“Falconry was not just a sport in medieval times; it was also a status symbol and a highly sought after skill.” – Historian of medieval sports
Get acquainted with the terminology of falconry and know some bird of prey names to enhance your character.
Dashing Robin Hood
Make your own Robin Hood tale come to life with a Robin Hood-inspired outfit. Make an outfit out of a green tunic paired with brown leather pants or leggings. Make sure this beloved outlaw is well armed with a trusty bow, a hooded cape, and a quiver of arrows.
Robin Hood is known for his little details, so don’t miss them. It is possible to portray someone living in the forest with a feather tucked into the cap, a money pouch at the belt, or maybe some leaves or twigs attached to your clothing. If you want to embody justice and adventure, then this outfit is perfect for you.
Try a few archery poses to really sell your Robin Hood persona. If you’re not an arrow shooter, being able to stand convincingly with a bow will elevate your costume.
Elegant Lady-in-Waiting
Alternatively, you could dress like a lady-in-waiting for a more subtle but equally impressive medieval look. Noble companions to queens and princesses wore more modest gowns that weren’t quite as ornate as those worn by royals. Ensure the dress you select has long, flowing sleeves and a modest neckline.
This costume works well with pastel colors and earth tones. Make your look complete with a delicate headpiece, such as a floral crown or simple circlet. Become a trusted adviser to royalty by wearing a belt with a small pouch and carrying a fan or a book of hours.
Examine medieval hairstyles and find out if braids or intricate updos can be incorporated into your look. When it comes to period costumes, authentic hair can really make or break the overall look of the costume.
Stalwart Crusader
You can transport yourself to the time of the Crusades by wearing a costume that combines religious symbolism with military power. You should start by wearing a white tunic adorned with a red cross. Consider adding chainmail if you wish to appear battle-ready, or keep it simple with just the tunic if you wish to appear more ceremonial.
Make your costume complete with a sword, a cross-bearing shield, and a helmet if you have one. It is possible to add drama to your ensemble by wearing a long red cape. Those interested in learning more about the religious conflicts that occurred in the medieval period will find this costume useful.
As well as being a series of military campaigns, the crusades also represented a clash between cultures and ideologies that shaped medieval Europe. – Historian’s perspective.
When wearing this costume, it’s important to discuss the historical context with respect, since the Crusades are a sensitive topic.
Wise Monk or Nun
Alternatively, you can dress as a monk or nun to create an equally authentic medieval look. A simple, long robe in brown or black is recommended, cinched at the waist with a rope belt. To complete the religious devotional appearance, nuns should wear a hood and a veil.
It’s best to wear minimal accessories with this costume, such as a wooden cross pendant or a set of prayer beads. You may carry an old, large book to represent religious texts or scholarly works. You can wear this costume if you want to portray the intellectual and spiritual sides of medieval life.
Get acquainted with a few Latin phrases or hymns to help you immerse yourself in the role of a medieval religious figure.
Mischievous Court Jester
With a colourful court jester costume, you’ll add a splash of levity to your medieval ensemble. Consider pairing your tunic and pants with vibrant, contrasting colors, such as red and yellow, purple and green, or any combination you find eye-catching. It’s best to have mismatched items!
It would be a mistake not to include the iconic jester’s hat with bells, also called a cockscomb. Make your comical appearance even more enjoyable by accenting your sceptre with a small puppet or a face, and perhaps some face paint. If you’ve ever wanted to be the center of attention and like to entertain, this costume is perfect for you.
Become proficient at juggling tricks or practice some clever wordplay to bring your jester character to life.
Regal Queen
Wear a luxurious ensemble that channels your inner royalty. If you’re looking for a long, flowing gown, select one in a rich fabric like velvet or brocade, adorned with intricate embroidery and jewels. You won’t be able to pull off a regal look without the crown – a delicate tiara or a more substantial headpiece will do.
There is more to a queen’s outfit than just the dress; it represents her power and grace. Make a statement by choosing jewel-toned colours like royal purple, emerald green, or burgundy. Put your royal status on display with a golden belt, long pendant necklace, and ornate rings.
“Crowns serve not just as symbols of power and authority, but also as beacons of responsibility.” – Unknown
For an authentic appearance, research historical queens from the medieval period and incorporate elements of their wardrobes into your costume.
Valiant Knight
An armour-style knight’s outfit is ideal for those who prefer armour to gowns. You can start by wearing a chain mail shirt (or a convincing replica) and layering it with a tunic bearing your chosen heraldic design. Finished the look by adding plate armour to your shoulders, arms, and legs.
It is important to remember that a knight’s appearance reflected his or her honour and position. Colors and symbols that represent virtues such as courage, loyalty, or wisdom could be chosen for your tunic. Remember to pack the essentials: a sword, shield, and perhaps a helmet to add some drama.
Instead of wearing full plate armour, use key pieces like gauntlets and breastplates to give the illusion of being a battle-ready knight without sacrificing mobility.
Enchanting Sorceress
Sorceress costumes allow you to explore the mystical side of medieval life. Make your choice from flowing, asymmetrical robes in dark, mysterious colours such as midnight blue or deep purple. Consider designing your outfit with celestial motifs such as stars, moons, or zodiac symbols.
Add a bit of drama to your look with dramatic makeup and an accessory such as a staff or wand. Maybe you can wear glitter or a temporary tattoo depicting magical runes to add some smoky eyes and dark lips. You can complete your mystical outfit with a pointed hat or circlet featuring a central gemstone.
A magician is someone who believes in themselves. This is all you need to do to accomplish anything. – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Make a spellbook prop with an old leather-bound journal. Put some “magical” writing and diagrams in it to give it a more authentic feel for your sorceress character.
Skilled Archer
No matter what kind of archer you are, you’ll love an archer’s costume, whether you’re inspired by the famed longbowmen of England or the skilled hunters of medieval forests. Begin with an earth-toned tunic and leggings. An additional layer of protection and authenticity can be achieved by wearing a leather vest or jerkin.
In order to complete this costume, of course, you will need a bow and arrows. For additional protection against the bowstring, you can wear arm guards called bracers and fingerless gloves. An experienced medieval marksman would wear a hood or a simple cap to complete his look.
When playing with a real bow (unstrung, of course), learn how to hold and carry it correctly to add authenticity to your costume.
Mysterious Plague Doctor
If you’re looking for something eerie, consider medieval costumes from the plague doctor. Easily recognizable by his long, beaked mask, this figure from later medieval times is a timeless classic. The mask should be worn with a hat with a wide brim, a long jacket, and gloves made of leather or waxed canvas.
You will need multiple pieces of clothing for the plague doctor’s costume, as it is all about protection. Keep a staff or cane with you, as well as a bag of herbs that you consider “medicinal.”. A medieval-style costume is perfect for anyone interested in medieval medicine and history.
Plague doctors wore beak-shaped masks filled with herbal, straw, and spice mixtures to make their masks smell fragrant. Medical historians believe that this purifies the air and prevents disease from spreading.” –
Investigate medieval remedies (the stranger, the better) for discussion in character. Don’t forget to emphasize that these are historical curiosities, not medical advice!
Industrious Scribe or Illuminator
Consider wearing a medieval scribe or illuminator costume to honor the preservation of knowledge. Make your outfit simple by wearing a simple robe or tunic in a subdued color. Organize your writing implements with pouches you can hang from your belt.
Make sure you have a large book or scroll with you, some quills, and an inkwell to use for props. In addition to miniature pots of “paint” and delicate brushes, you might also want to include some for an illuminator. If you admire medieval manuscripts and appreciate the artistry and dedication they took to create them, then this costume is for you.
Learn calligraphy or learn how to illuminate manuscripts. It is always a good idea to demonstrate your “craft” at events to impress fellow medieval enthusiasts.
Cunning Alchemist
Experience the mystical world of medieval science and magic when you wear an alchemist costume. Dress in robes adorned with symbols of the elemental or celestial worlds, such as purple or midnight blue. Your mysterious ingredients can be held in pouches on a belt.
Add colorful powders, liquids, and vials (all safe and non-toxic, of course) to your accessory collection. You may also want to carry a large book of “alchemical secrets” and wear a pendant with a mystical symbol. The medieval alchemy costume allows you to discover how science, philosophy, and mysticism were woven together.
Learn about some famous alchemists from history who made groundbreaking discoveries or developed theories. Your character is enhanced by being able to discuss real historical figures.
No matter which medieval costume you choose, make sure your attention to details and commitment to the character make it truly impressive. Make sure you’ve researched the historical context of your persona, added authentic accessories, and most importantly, had fun embodying someone from this fascinating era.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a Renaissance fair, a themed party, or just engaging in some historical roleplay, these 15 medieval dress to impress outfits ideas will serve you well. There is something uniquely fascinating about each costume that provides a window into the rich and complex Middle Ages society, from the majesty of royalty to the enigmatic world of alchemy.
You’re about to impress in your medieval finery, so don your chosen attire and step back in time. What do you think? Perhaps you’ll discover a new love for historical fashion and roleplaying!
