Time to dress up. Black tie and semi-formal is great, that is what most
of the folks will be wearing. But, what should you wear if you do not have
21st century dress up attire? Consider the party wear of Middle-earth. If you are
a re-enactor of almost any era... there is a way that, with a little imagination
and accessorizing, you can blend in and celebrate Lord of the Rings on Oscar Night.
What follows are some very broad suggestions. (Don't worry if you don't understand
all the terms... If it's in your closet, you will recognize it.)
Hobbit Males: late 17th-19th century, middle class wear. Think country gentleman.
Blousey old fashion shirt with vest and/or jacket. Shorten your pants and get some
suspenders. Wear sandals or other neutral colored shoes.
Hobbit Females: mid 15th-17 century middle class wear: blousey shirt, not too low,
multiple skirts hemmed short, Ren-Faire bodice or at least a bibbed apron, can tuck
a triangular kerchief at the neck. Wear sandals or other neutral colored shoes.
Elf Male: Fancy: Plain, rich full length tunics, high necked, better w/o trim -
9th-12th century, open robe over it. Consider a quiet patterned narrow sleeved kimono,
middle-eastern robes or some satin bathrobes. Layers, belted with wide scarf or
obi (inside layer only). Hunters: Suede t-tunics over long sleeve high necked mundane
shirts or an old Nehru jacket. Slightly fitted pants. Boots.
Elf Female: 10th - 14th century fitted gowns, preferably with flared sleeves. A
fairy princess, princess seamed full length dress. (Old bridesmaid dresses with
soft frills). Also consider modern beaded gowns, fitted - with a scooped
neck. Add some chiffon sleeves, narow at the top, very wide at the bottom.
Light colored shoes, including 19th century boots.
Dwarf Male: T-tunics with wide trim no longer than mid calf or Henry the VIII doublets
and "skirt". Wear with long pants (and armor). If you have a short overcoat add
it. Wide belt on the outside. Bold belt buckle. Got Klingon? Use the metal and leather
as accessories, not the whole outfit. Use wide belts for bandoleers. Boots.
Dwarf Female: See Male Dwarf . Gimli himself says that the women look a lot like
the men??? It's up to you whether you choose the "Klingon" option of skirts
and even longer wilder hair or look just like the guys and add a beard.
Wizard: Ah, wizard robes or full length tunics, belted, with staff, hat and beard.
Over robe is aba shaped (rectangular middle east wrap) or Ruana (a Peruvian
wrap). Wear pants under if tunic is slit.
Human Male: 9th-14th century, long tunics, long sleeved, court wear for SCA, Viking
and Celtic. Though the Sir Thomas Moore look of the mid-15 century would work
too. Layers. Outer surcoat can be sleeveless. Darker colors. Rohan uses a
lot of browns.
Human Female: ??? 6th-14th century, long sleeved. Get out a mundane sleeveless jumper
or wear a shorter t-tunic over a long skirt or gown. Belt it. Also consider
using a corselet. You could also use a kirtle with a sideless surcoat or cotehardie.
We see them all.
Weapons Policy:
People of Middle-earth, remember you are attending a party in the far future
land of 21st century Hollywood. The natives are currently very sensitive to armament.
Please leave all sharp steel things at home, or anything that might be mistaken
for such by the local guardians of the "Kingdom of Oscar". This IS a party, not
a battle conference.
In plain English, this is not a night to come armed (or with anything that even
looks like a weapon) when the police are going to be on highest security alert and
the party is well within the security perimeter. Leave the knives, axes, arrows
and swords at home, whether they be props, plastic or real. Your costume will
still look great!
Special Notices:
- If you are coming in 21st century wear, please remember this is a formal/semi-formal
event. If you have a tux or can rent one, wear it. If you have an evening dress,
wear it.
- Shoes required, even for hobbits. Exemption for PJ only.
- Spandex does not exist in Middle Earth, only an Orc would be caught wearing
spandex, and we hunt Orcs... leave it for the modern clothes.
- All crowns, cloaks and rings are optional.
More questions? Come on over to LOTR Costume and we'll try to help ya.
Come join the discussion.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LOTR_Costume/.