3 Tips to Improve Your LARP Outfit.
So you recently decided to join a LARP (Live Action Role Play) and you need something to make your outfit show that you’re not a newbie? To begin with, welcome to the family and we’re so excited you decided to join us, regardless of which one you joined! Secondly, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a basic, simple outfit for your character but if you still want to make it something new or more detailed, you came to the right place. My good friend, Sonja of Sonja’s Adventures, has created a simple beginner’s list for you to follow to advance your character to the next level!
Let’s start with something everyone can easily recognize and work with. Layers. You got your hands on a beginner’s outfit of a tunic, some trousers, and a cloak. Good for you! If they are a solid color, or have large areas of a solid color, let’s work on breaking that up so that it adds some depth and detail to your character. If you have a very simple character and you don’t need to add a lot to your outfit, simple tear or cut into some of the fabric and sew it back up with some different color string; or use some patches with patterns or different color scheme. This can break the monotony of a field of one color. If you have joined a certain unit, tribe, clan, etc., you can add something from them to your outfit. This can be anything from a sigil, painted or embroidered, a scrap of identifying cloth, or even a token of some sort to be sewn into the cloth. One thing you can try is to add some fur, real or faux, to your cloak and possibly even add some fur trimming to your tunic. This can really help to put your character into the time frame in which they exist. And for those that are of the royal blood, Sonja has something for you too! If your character is royalty or wealthy and your outfit doesn’t demand a lot of nuisances, you may try to add some nice embroidery, fine stitching, and pretty colors to really show that you come from deep coffers and fine dining. But whatever you decide for your character, just make sure to add some layers and change it up a bit.
Now that you’ve added some layers to your outfit, you might be asking yourself how you might add some further detail to your outfit. Well, Sonja has answered the call once more. And for details, it’s more often than not the little things that count! Sonja’s clan, Bracar Keltoi, likes to add necklaces to their outfits each time they attend an event and this necklaces vary from chains, sea shells, jewels, and even bone. This adds another layer for their character and even a small way to show what their character is about without even asking them. This is an amazing practice shared by thousands across different LARPs, worldwide! You can also add small trinkets or tassels to your belt, as this writer enjoys to do. Often, this will create some happy jingling and tinkling as you move around that can constantly remind you of the happy times you have had and even start conversations with new friends. One major way to add detail is to decorate your face and hair. If your hair is long enough, men and women, you can put it into the wild hairstyle of a barbarian, the refined look of a princess, or however your character would wear it in their own world. This also means you can weave things into your hair such as jewels, bones, shells, and other small trinkets. This is the same for those manly beards you have. Channel your inner warrior and braid your beard, dye it a fearsome color, or weave trinkets into the hair to make your face stand out even more. And your beautiful face is a canvas. So if you like and your character might have it, add some war paint for an intimidation factor, utilize make up to add a wicked scar from some far off battlefield, or just the right amount of make up to make your favorites features dazzle everyone you meet. When it comes to the details, just remember these things. What would your character need to survive in their world, what would they have on them at all times, and what can you use to tell your character’s story without ever saying a word?
Now that we have added some layers and included some simple, yet highly effective details into our outfit, let’s talk about showing that our character exists in a different time and place. The best way you can do this, according to Sonja, is to add some dirt and wear to your character’s outfit. All long dresses and cloaks will trail along the ground and collect dirt, mud, and stains over time and your outfit should reflect that. If you are a warrior, let your armor and clothing show that you have survived the fiercest battles with some blood stains, soot, and general wear such as scuffs, fraying edges of cloth, and even evidence of clothing being resewn and repaired. If you have leather armor, show that it has been battle tested with some light to medium damage. Intentionally damaging a piece and then repairing it can add an element that shows your character is resourceful and well travelled. Essentially, one of the best ways to perfect your LARP outfit is to really show that it is well worn, used, and that is the final element to fully immerse your character into its world.
Congratulations! Now your LARP character has everything he or she needs to really take the next step in evolving. Regardless of who or what your character is, these steps can help in changing into something greater. At the same time as you adventure from event to event, you will make new friends, you will gain family members, your character will change and grow, and your heart will become as blessed as your character’s outfit. So, go; craft away, enjoy your next event, and may your heart always seek the horizon!
