Romeo and Juliet Costumes

The Renaissance era immediately brings Romeo and Juliet costumes to mind. The passion, romance and palpable energy that gushed from this period in time is reflected in rich, sensual fabrics.

In Shakespeare's magnificent play, Romeo and Juliet were doomed from the start. But that didn't stop them from being devoted to one another, and that devotion is what has made this couple the most well-known and loved couple of all time. If you and your mate will be attending a costume party anytime soon, Romeo and Juliet costumes are a great choice.

How to Make Romeo's Costume
Romeo and Juliet lived in 14^th century Verona, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, during a time when clothing was elegant and speech was eloquent. Known as the Italian Renaissance period, nobility was distinguished by their clothing, which was made out of beautiful velvets and spun satins.

Romeo would have worn tight-fitting breeches that came to just below the knee, with some sort of tights beneath. A long-sleeved poet's ruffled white shirt was covered by a long vest, sewn at the shoulders but left open on the sides where it was tied with gold brocade cords. The sleeves on his shirt would have been wide and billowing.

If Romeo wore something over the shirt that was long-sleeved, it would have been open from the wrist to the shoulder, allowing the shirt to billow out over the gold trim on the garment. He would also have worn a sword at his hip and perhaps a dagger in a sleeve, at his other hip or in his boot. A rounded beret or nobleman's cap with a feathered plume dangling at a jaunty angle would have topped off his outfit.

Cotton fabric can be used to create the vest. The pants can be rolled up and secured with a buttoned tab. Gold brocade can be found in the drapery section of the fabric store.

How to Make Juliet's Costume
Juliet would have been the epitome of femininity. Ladies of the era wore high-waisted empire dresses made of thick, plush velvet, also with billowing sleeves. Dresses had low, scooped necklines, sometimes squared, but never V-cut. If she wore a vest over her dress, the vest would have laced up the front.

Often a heavy velvet robe or overlay was placed over a dress made of spun silk or satin. The overlay would resemble a huge vest, sewn only at the shoulders and spilling all the way down to the floor. The overlay would have been tied on each side of the waist.

Gold brocade and threads were spun throughout a noblewoman's clothing. Juliet probably would have worn a spectacular necklace with matching earrings. Her headpiece might have been a circle that perched on the top of a hood, with veils flowing down on each side or down the back, or she may have worn a conical hat, which was also popular in that era.

Peasant Shirt or Poet's Shirt
This shirt or blouse in Romeo and Juliet costume designs is very similar for both men and women. Choose a shirt with billowing sleeves, gathered at the wrist and also at the neckline. A man's neckline would have been a high scoop, while a woman's neckline would have been more plunging, often with a small bow or ribbon in the middle. To make the neckline, gather the material with elastic thread or use a sheath and insert a piece of elastic into it.

Juliet's Circlet Hat
To create a hat similar to the one Juliet would have worn, purchase a small Styrofoam wreath at a craft store that is about the right size for your head. You want the hat to perch on your head, not necessarily fit.

Purchase about three or four yards of veil or gauzy fabric, depending on how much you want to float behind or use as a tie, in a color that will match the dress you'll be wearing. Cut the fabric into strips that are about 12 inches wide. Wrap the fabric around the Styrofoam until it is completely covered. Use glue or straight pins to keep the fabric in place. Wrap two long ribbons of fabric, at least 12 inches wide and about 2 yards long, around each side of the circlet and then tie them under your chin.