What to Wear With an X-Kilt at the Faire?

[Tarheel]

Other folks here will give you fine advice on the particulars of the attire. I offer this. Put together a ensemble that you will be comfortable living in for two days (in case you have so much fun you don't leave.) That means focusing on durability and being repairable.

Other faire goers I know pick a persona that fits who they are. Soap makers take their goods and materials to make soap with them, musicians take instruments, etc. Think of the professions of the period. Are you a tinker, candle stick maker, baker, Indian chief? The idea is also to have fun with other like minded folks, why not be the person you are in present day that is visiting a past era.

[mneimeyer]

Other faire goers I know pick a persona that fits who they are. Soap makers take their goods and materials to make soap with them, musicians take instruments, etc. Think of the professions of the period. Are you a tinker, candle stick maker, baker, Indian chief?

I'm a web developer who reads a lot. (Why do you think I ended up at a website for advice! ;) )

But in all seriousness, I've given a lot of thought to persona, and thinking back to the times I tried acting/theater in High School and College, quite honestly, I'm just not good at it.

Which means whatever persona I assume is going to be 95% "just me".

why not be the person you are in present day that is visiting a past era.

Any time I've seen anything like that done (at Cons or similar) it always comes across as over the top(?) with lots of wide eyed, jazz handed, "good golly gosh where are we" play acting. (Said with love for the Good-Golly-Goshers... it just isn't me)

The closest I get to a "real" renaissance persona would be book maker or printer or something related but I'm not sure how to "represent" that in costume. A sporan full of little books (preferably hand made) is all I can think of. Otherwise, in my head, I get stuck carrying heavy reams of paper around. Maybe... ink stained hands... but that seems vague.

I'd welcome any thoughts though.

Matt