You are excited having been given an invite to a Renaissance-themed party which some friends are staging. Your mind is racing as to what to wear. Do you go conventionally dressed or do you go for something that will have your friends talking?
Never afraid to be adventurous, you decide to try out a look that you have fancied for some time, having the advantage of possessing some quality antique items from a bygone period. Your antique jewellery is guaranteed to be a conversation piece.
Here are a few key things that you can do to achieve the look of a lady from the Renaissance period.
The Jewellery
Your collection of antique jewellery, some of which come from antique shops and also from online antique dealers such as https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/. Some of those jewellery pieces go back to the Renaissance period in the 14th century, when jewellery was worn as a sign of social status. It was at this time when it became more common to wear more than one or two finger rings, so you can display both of yours to make the effect realistic.
Back in that period, it was believed that just like carrying holy relics, inscriptions of saints and cabbalistic formulas, wearing these jewellery pieces allegedly cured diseases and snakebites, expelled witchcraft, prevented drunkenness and intoxication, and protected the wearer from fraud.
The Dress
Start by choosing clothing that is appropriate for the time period. This typically includes dresses made from rich fabrics like velvet, satin and silk, with varying necklines and hemlines depending on the level of formality of the occasion. Women wore gowns with a tight-fitting bodice; a fuller skirt would hang down to the ankles.
You can dress grandly, as only the higher ranks of society such as aristocrats and lords were allowed to wear fine jewellery. When the lower neckline became fashionable, it allowed some breathing space and the possibility for more lavish necklaces to be on the show. Commoners were forbidden to put on anything containing excess amounts of gold and silver, or precious stones and pearls. There were also laws in place as to which class could wear which items of clothing.
The Hair
You should also take care to dress your hair in styles that were popular during this time, such as elaborate updos or long, curled tresses. In keeping with Christian custom, married women would wear veils over their hair. The hair was often parted in the centre and was often in long braids.
Additionally, you can complete your Renaissance look with accessories like wigs and fans, which were commonly used as everyday necessities among women from this period. Maybe a visit to a museum reflecting the period can inspire ideas.
Incorporating The Renaissance Fashion Into Your Modern Style
If you choose to just showcase the Renaissance look with a bit of modern flair, there are a few key styles and elements that always seem to work well. You would want to choose modern outfits that complement your Renaissance-era jewellery instead. First, basic dresses in solid colours are always a great choice. These types of garments look elegant and timeless, and work equally well for daytime or evening occasions. Another beloved option is the classic shift dress, which comes in a variety of colours and patterns, from bold florals to understated stripes.
Additionally, flowing skirts and blouses are another excellent option that can really help to show off your jewellery pieces. And finally, don’t forget about accessories! Scarves and shawls add visual interest while also helping to block the wind when you’re outside – perfect for those chilly autumn days at the fair! So whether you prefer bold prints or simple neutrals, there are plenty of outfit ideas that are guaranteed to complement your gorgeous Renaissance jewellery perfectly.
Whichever route you choose, with these tips in mind, you will be able to easily achieve the intricate and elegant style of a Renaissance lady!
