A note about Re-enactor Costuming and Finding your Place

This note was inspired by the following post: http://www.pjstar.com/article/20150917/NEWS/150919401/

I know the struggle to find the right "costume," or period correct "attire. When I first started out, I was a Pirate "Wench" and to be a "period correct Wench" meant scratchy uncomfortable clothing, no makeup and a tight corset. I really didn't feel attractive in my first few attempts to be an "authentic Wench" so I tried to be an authentic Pirate. Well to be "authentic Pirate" means you end up looking like a boy - again not attractive. So I switched crews and gave up on trying to be "authentic" and or "period correct."

I like to think that my current costuming is, "Authentic Hollywood Pirate." Meaning it accurately represents historical garb, but has more flare and interest and no rules. The truth is, Historical re-enactors are growing scarcer because it's not interesting to the masses anymore - much like history. People today like glamor, color, and drama... thanks to motion pictures and media - everything can be made so much more impressive and captivating.

In order for re-enactors to engage an audience today or to share a message or to even teach history one must be more dramatic, more bold and be an exaggerated representation of historical accuracy.

I hope that anyone struggling to find their place in the re-enactment world would try less to fit into a mold created by a time in history or by a group and just dress in a way that they find comfortable and pleasing to them.

My advice would be to work on creating a persona that represents you and what you want to do - the costume will be born from there. I promise you, if your having a good time and feel good about your persona you will get the attention you deserve and the fun will be contagious - and more re-enactors will be born!!