Dressing up in traditional clothing is a fun way to get ready for Oktoberfest. While this is not necessary to attend, doing so adds to the festive atmosphere of the event.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: For Women
Despite recent popular trends, women's clothing for Oktoberfest is relatively conservative in nature. The key feature is the "dirndl", a type of traditional dress with an apron worn over it. Traditional dirndl reaches to the ankles, but other lengths are also available.
Step 1. Put on a peasant-style blouse, called a “trachtenbluse
”Don't choose one with buttons and try to avoid those with decorative designs. Traditional blouses are relatively closed at the neck, but you can also use a low-cut one if you want to be a little daring.
Step 2. Put the dirndl over the blouse
This is a specific dress that consists of a bottom part, i.e. a long skirt, and a sleeveless top similar to a work suit. It is meant to be worn over a blouse. The top of some of these dresses has a bodice shape. Traditional drindls are custom made and are often hand-printed, so they can be expensive.
Step 3. If you can't afford a traditional dirndl, create the same look by wearing a bodice and skirt separately
- Choose an "A" or full circle cotton skirt. Choose a black, red, dark green, brown or light blue one. The skirt can go to the knee with the more traditional option reaching up to the ankles.
- She wears a laced bodice, over her blouse. Authentic bodices are made of velvet or felt. To mimic the look of the traditional dirndl it is best to use a bodice with bands running over the shoulders.
Step 4. Tie an apron or “pinafore” on the skirt
The apron must be the same length as the skirt.
Step 5. If you wear nylon stockings, choose a nude pair to match your skin color
Step 6. Add a pair of white knee-length socks to cover the nylons or to replace them
Step 7. Choose a pair of black or brown loafers, clogs or Mary Jane shoes that are comfortable
Preferably shoes without heels or with a low heel.
Part 2 of 2: For Men
Lederhosen are the most characteristic men's clothing of Oktoberfest.
Step 1. Put on a white or checkered shirt
The shirt can have short or long sleeves but must be able to button up to the collar.
Step 2. Put on a pair of lederhosen
These are typical traditional leather pants and authentic ones can be expensive. If you can't find the real ones, imitate the look of these pants by choosing a pair of brown, black or dark green that come to the knee. Docker-style trousers are the best, plus choose a pair that doesn't have many pockets.
Step 3. Put on suspenders
Authentic lederhosen are sometimes sold with suspenders but if you buy them separately match them with the color of the pants.
Step 4. Add a pair of white, gray, tan, army green or beije socks
The socks must be wide, made of cotton and must reach the knee.
- While many men wear knee-length socks, others prefer to wear them a few inches above the ankle.
- Typically men who wear short lederhosen wear the socks up to the knee, while those who wear long lederhosen leave the socks on the ankles.
Step 5. Put on traditional footwear, such as "Haferlschuh" or "Haferl" shoes
If you don't want to go all out formal, opt for a pair of black or dark brown leather loafers.
Step 6. Put on an alpine hat
It is a specific felt hat with a wide-brimmed pointed top. Usually a headband is wrapped around the base of the hat and a feather is attached to it with a thread. However, this is an optional accessory.
Advice
- The knot on the woman's apron indicates the status of her relationship. If it is tied to the right, it means that it is busy. If the knot is tied on the left it means that it is free.
- Women can wear a tulle skirt underneath the cotton one for more volume.
