Gearing up for Oktoberfest? Read on for our top tips to style a traditional Bavarian outfit
Oktoberfest is an epic German beer festival and whether you go traditional or trendy, a costume is compulsory. Outfits range from simple to extravagant, but the 'must haves' are a dirndl for the ladies and lederhosen for the men.
If it’s crept up and the outfits a last-minute affair, or you're on a budget, don’t fret. You probably have some DIY options in your wardrobe already. If not, Blossom Costumes has a phenomenal range of Oktoberfest gear and fast delivery.
The Bavarian basics
There’s a lot to love about Oktoberfest but dressing up is definitely half the fun. The classic German Beer Maid look (or dirndl), for the ladies consists of:
- • a dress or skirt
- • a bodice/vest
- • an apron
For a traditional Bavarian men's look. the staples are:
- • a white or plaid shirt
- • lederhosen leather shorts with suspenders
- • knee high socks or Loferl
The German Beer Maid Costume - DIY
Getting creative with your existing wardrobe for a DIY job can give a unique touch to your outfit. We’ve detailed some suggestions below and then featured some from our own range in case you prefer to purchase one ready-made.
Shirt: The white top is classically short puffed sleeves and off the shoulder. A cropped blouse or top with lace accents would also work. If you don’t have something similar and you can sew a hem, you could use a loose white shirt and make some quick alterations.
Vest: The vest (or bodice) is typically laced up at the front to go over the white top (or dress). It’s figure hugging like a corset and shapely.
Skirt or Dress: For the skirt, you could try a red or checked circle skirt gathered at the waist. Or if you go for a dress, choose something colourful with some flair, that’s snug around the sides. The dress traditionally goes just below the knees. You want it to have some volume, so a white petty coat can help.
Apron: To make an apron, cut a piece of white fabric into a rectangle shape and hem the sides. Some white ribbon for the waist band can easily be attached. Remember it’s tradition that if the apron is tied on the left hand side it means you’re single, or on the right it means you’re taken!
Accessories & Shoes: Some knee-high white socks, Mary Jane black shoes and styling your hair in plats or braids will also perfect the look.
DIY Oktoberfest Costumes For Men
The typical outfit for the blokes is fitted shorts, suspenders, a white or plaid shirt and rolled up sleeves. If you already have these in the wardrobe consider styling it up with some Accessories.
Shorts: Lederhosen means ‘leather breeches’, or shorts, are typically shorts length or ¾ leg length. They may also be a suede material. If you’re wondering if suspenders will look good the answer is yes.
Shirt: A white shirt is a more traditional look, while red or blue checkered shirts are also common. Button up shirts are a must for a smarter look, rather than a t-shirt.
Accessories & Shoes: Men can accessorise with a classic alpine or felt hat, some traditional knee high socks or Loferls and some sturdy Bavarian shoes. Remember, it’s a beer festival so don't go too fancy as there'll be dancing and steins galore.
Blossom Costumes Oktoberfest range
If DIY isn’t your forte, Blossom Costumes has an extensive array of Oktoberfest fancy dress costumes and accessories.
The Green Bavarian Beer Oktoberfest Women’s Costume is a favourite which includes a white top, a dress and an apron. We have a range of sizes from small to XXXL and they all look fabulous.
The Brown Alpine Girl Costume is another best seller that’s both sweet and sassy. The off the shoulder white top comes with a gorgeously detailed dress and tulle skirt for extra volume.
For men, the Bavarian Lederhosen Oktoberfest Men’s Costume, is a popular choice, which includes chestnut brown lederhosen, ¾ sleeve shirt, hat and knee high socks. This outfit is available in medium, large and X-L.
The Traditional Deluxe Rutger Bavarian Costume is another stylish men's look, complete with a blue and white button up shirt and knee length, Royal blue, Lederhosen Dungaree shorts.
Turning around a last-minute Oktoberfest outfit is easy with our free express shipping on orders over $30. If you order by 1pm (business day) we have same day dispatch, so you’ll be ready to hit the beer tent in no time.
We also offer Afterpay for our competitively priced outfits, so you can sport your dirndl or lederhosen today and pay tomorrow. Visit Blossom Costumes online store now for our fabulous variety of German Costumes.