We failed to notice the Renaissance by a couple hundred years, guys no longer wear tights, and women dress up in slightly less than a voluminous skirt, bodice, petticoat, bonnet and apron. Still, that's what Halloween costume parties are organized for! There are wide varieties of Renaissance-themed choices of costumes to choose from if you are feeling particularity Elizabethan. The Renaissance Halloween costume extents from 15th to 17th centuries, when plague in the previous century severely weakened the feudal system, the Crusades brought in new ideas, and the beginnings of an urban middle class has also emerged. Clothing was marked by both colors and flair comparing to the medieval period, as dyes and fabrics became more speckled, accessible and cheaper as well.

Rapidly, fashion has become a status symbol with both men and women in the ruling class that are annoying to outdo each other with complicated styles as well as colors. Purple was reserved for royalty, but darker colors were often tattered to show off jewelry and embroidery in a much better way. Even peasants could elevate their clothing, which frightened the affability so much that laws were passed restricting what colors they could show off. The lower class responded by stitching two fabrics together and "slashing" their outer clothing furiously, cutting geometric shapes and enlightening the banned, brighter colors below. This grew into sophisticated cuts and designs, along with colors hanging out in a showy display.

Men's fashions of the period embraces of the square look and padded breaches and hose. As days passed by and when the barrel look came into fashion, the middle of the vest was padded. Men had all the fun at first, baring their legs along with tweed hosiery, and finally with embellished silk stockings. Women's fashion changed just as fast as possible, with elaborate gowns as well as dresses the style, with puffed sleeves, pleated skirts, flared underskirts and the hooped skirt. More often the front was a slit to show a contrasting, fashionable color underneath. Royal dresses have a high collar that could be worn with lace and ruffles and a white chemise with a lacy bodice was common is available for commoners. Here are some ideas for costumes that can be easily found online:

• Royal Lady: You can very well wear a long, comfortable, elegant gown with lace and trim, flared or puffy sleeves, and a crown and there is nonentity to worry about the five layers of dress and the collar ruffles.
• Haughty Nobleman: A white puffy shirt together with a tumbling neckline can be tied or left untied, a rich vest with buttons and sharp collar, loose pants and high boots.
• Tavern Wench: With the great rise of the merchant class came the increase of rowdy taverns near the docks!
• Country Maiden: A nobleman can be persuaded with a stylish, gathered skirt, a low-cut peasant chemise, and a lacy, tight bodice that's dying to be untied!
• Renaissance Gypsy: This gypsy consists of wild, free, dark and gorgeous, wear a bare-shoulder, low-cut dress with lace and a tight corset.
• Renaissance Knight: Few number of soldiers but more romantic courtiers, you rescue fair maidens in shiny chain mail armor, a bright tunic, boot covers and, of course, your trusty sword!

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