Because the period we recreate is so long and diverse, you will want to decide what type of garb to wear after you determine the basics of your persona. There are some simple patterns for generic "medieval" garb included in this Guide. Your local group also has Gold Key garb for you to borrow until you have your own garb. Here are a few simple guidelines:
Garb Basics
Textiles - Natural (cotton, linen, wool) woven (not knit) fabrics. Avoid drapery satins, brocades and nylon velvet. Avoid elaborate dresses that look modern (prom or bridesmaid dresses), even though they may look "old-fashioned."
Colors - Muted colors or earth tones. Avoid patterns for now.
Accessories - pouches, belts, pins and other jewelry can be purchased from merchants if you do not wish to make them yourself.
Try to avoid wearing things that look obviously modern. Certainly you may wear your glasses, but watches can be put into a pouch and boots look better than sneakers
Sumptuary Laws
In the SCA, "sumptuary laws" serve as guidelines regarding the wearing of certain kinds of apparel. Usually, these items symbolize something about the wearer, like a title or office. Most of the guidelines about these items are derived from medieval laws, although we have far fewer such laws than they did. You should avoid wearing the things described below. By doing so, you can avoid misunderstandings and hard feelings.
Belts - Belts can be made from cloth, leather, metal or rope. The color of the belt, however, may signify the rank, title or affiliation of the wearer. until you have been granted these titles or privileges you should avoid wearing belts of the following colors.
White - knight
Red - squire
Yellow - protege
Green - apprentice
Spurs - Spurs are reserved for members of the Order of Chivalry (knights and masters at arms) in Calontir and in many other kingdoms. In some kingdoms, gold spurs are reserved for the Chivalry and silver spurs are for their squires.
Chains - Unadorned, gold chains (usually heavy looking) are reserved for Knights of Calontir. Anyone can wear simple chains with things hanging from them.
Baldrics - A baldric is a sash worn diagonally across the body, from the shoulder to the hip. These signify a wide variety of ranks and offices. The simplest solution is to avoid wearing one.
Crown, Coronets and Circlets - In Calontir, you may wear a leather or cloth circlet, or a 1/2 inch wide metal circlet with no projections above or below it and no decorations. Crowns, coronets and tiaras are reserved for the nobility.
