Kate's knowledge of various types of crafting & sewing, her love of design, and her work as a professional photographer provide unique insights into LovetoKnow's Costume content.
Whether you're attending a costume party, performing in a play, or simply need a great outfit for Halloween, a wood elf costume is a mystical and imaginative choice. You have plenty of options when it comes to this type of outfit, from making your own costume to buying a pre-made version online. Either way, you'll look fantastic.
Making a Female Version
The signature look of the female wood elf includes a long, flowing skirt or dress in shades of green and brown. Usually, the dress has a medieval style with a dropped waist and flared sleeves. You can use a pattern to create your dress from scratch, and this allows you to make it in your choice of colors and fabrics. You can also make a wire circlet to adorn your hair.
Things You'll Need
Purchased medieval dress pattern, such as Butterick 4571
Green or brown fabric in the yardage recommended by the pattern
Pattern-recommended trims and notions
Sewing machine and thread
Pins
Scissors
Brown leather belt
Gold-colored soft craft wire and glass beads
Pliers and wire cutters
Bobby pins
Pointed elf ears, available at costume stores like Party City
What to Do
Start by choosing fabrics for your dress. Look for natural fibers like wool, cotton or hemp. You'll need something with good drape in order to get the flowing look you want.
Make your dress according to the instructions on the pattern. Avoid adding decorative braid or other embellishments. This should be a simple gown.
To make the circlet, cut three pieces of craft wire to a length that is about one and a half times the circumference of your head. Begin loosely braiding the wire together, adding glass beads every now and then to provide sparkle. As you braid, form the circlet into a curve. Check the size of the circlet by trying it on. When it is the right size, twist the ends of the wire together and trim the ends.
When you're ready to get dressed, put on your gown. Place the leather belt at your hips, and use the bobby pins to secure the circlet to your hair.
Making a Male Version
Traditionally, a male wood elf also wears brown and green. You can construct much of this costume from items you may already own. For a more authentic touch, make a medieval-style tunic for this outfit.
Things You'll Need
High brown leather boots
Green or brown wool or cotton pants
Sewing pattern for a medieval tunic, such as Simplicity 1552
Fabric and notions as suggested by the pattern
Scraps of faux fur and leather to add to your tunic
Sewing machine and thread
Pins, scissors, and other sewing necessities
Brown leather belt
Pointed elf ears
What to Do
Make the tunic according to the pattern instructions. Use rough-textured brown or green fabric to get the appropriate look.
When you've completed the tunic, embellish it with pieces of leather and faux fur. Add these elements to the collar and around the cuffs.
To wear your costume, put on the pants and tuck the cuffs into your leather boots. Add the tunic and cinch the waist with a brown leather belt. Don't forget to put on your pointed ears.
Buying a Costume
If you're short on time or don't feel like breaking out the sewing machine, there are some great ready-made wood elf costumes on the market. Several retailers offer full costumes or a la carte options for both men and women.
MaskWorld.com
MaskWorld.com is a German specialty store that offers beautiful fantasy costumes, and they ship worldwide. They offer everything from detailed leather armor to elaborate full costumes. Prices start at about 80 Euro for a full wood elf costume, but some designs, such as those for elfin royalty, can cost nearly 1,000 Euro.
Aradani Costumes
If you're looking for a specific wood elf costume, such as Arwen from Lord of the Rings, Aradani Costumes is a great resource. They have several female elf costumes that are ready-made, starting at around $30. They also custom make elf costumes to your specifications and sell beautifully detailed elfin ears to complete your look.
Museum Replicas
Offering a range of high quality components to create your ideal elfin look, Museum Replicas is another great resource. Here, you'll find clothing, weapons, and accessories for your costume. You can't purchase a complete outfit here, but you can find all the parts you need to assemble it yourself. Green leather battle armor for a male wood elf starts at around $400.
Fantastical Beauty
Whether you choose to make your own wood elf outfit or purchase a completed costume from a retailer, you'll find that this is a look that turns heads. Enjoy the fantastical beauty of your new look.
