Time to dress up. Black tie and semi-formal is great... but what should
you wear if you do not have 21st century dress up? Consider wearing 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: blousy 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: blousy 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 or middle-eastern robe. 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.
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. 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. Use
wide belts for bandoleers. Boots.
Dwarf Female: ???? See Male. Add a skirt. Got Klingon? Use the
metal and leather as accessories, not the whole outfit. Boots.
Wizard: Ah, wizard robes or full length tunics, belted, with staff,
hat and beard. Over robe is aba shaped (rectangular middle east wrap). Wear
pants under if tunic is slit.
Human Male: 9th-14th century, long tunics, long sleeved, court wear
for SCA. Though the Sir Thomas Moore look of the mid-15 century would work
too. Layers. Outer surcoat can be sleeveless. Darker colors.
Human Female: ??? 6th-14th century, long sleeved. Get out the old SCA
Viking tabard style aprons or wear a shorter t-tunic over a long skirt or gown.
Belt it.
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 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?
Costume short cuts care of the folks at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LOTR_Costume/.
Come join the discussion.
