Dressing in traditional attire is a fantastic way to get ready for Oktoberfest. While it’s not mandatory to wear it to the festival, it certainly adds to the festive atmosphere.
For Women
Step 1. Wear a traditional blouse called a "trachtbluse".
Put on a traditional blouse known as a "trachtbluse." Avoid blouses with buttons and steer clear of decorative patterns. Traditional blouses typically have a modest neckline, though some have deeper cuts if you’re feeling bolder.
Step 2. Wear a "dirndl" over the blouse.
Put on a "dirndl" over your blouse. This type of dress features a full skirt and a fitted, sleeveless bodice designed to be worn over the blouse. Many are styled like a corset, though some are not. Traditional dirndls are often embroidered and made from hand-printed fabrics, which can make them quite expensive.
Step 3. If you can't afford a traditional dirndl, create a similar look with a separate skirt and bodice.
- Choose between an A-line cotton skirt or a circular skirt in black, red, dark green, brown, or blue. The skirt should fall between knee length and floor length, with floor length being the most traditional.
- Wear a fitted bodice over the blouse. Authentic bodices are made from velvet or felt. If you can find a bodice with thick shoulder straps, it will resemble the traditional dirndl style more closely.
Step 4. Tie an apron or "Schürze" over your skirt.
Tie an apron or "Schürze" over your skirt. The apron should match the length of the skirt.
Step 5. If you decide to wear stockings, choose a nude color that matches your skin tone.
Step 6. Add a pair of white knee-highs, tights, or socks over or instead of them.
Step 7. Choose a comfortable pair of shoes, clogs, or Mary Jane style flats in black or dark brown.
Select a comfortable pair of shoes, clogs, or Mary Jane flats in black or dark brown. Low-heeled shoes are preferable to high heels.
For Men
Step 1. Wear a simple white or light-checkered shirt.
Put on a simple white or light-checkered shirt. The shirt can have long or short sleeves but should button all the way down.
Step 2. Throw on a pair of "lederhosen".
Put on a pair of "lederhosen." These are traditional leather shorts that can be quite pricey for authentic ones. If you can’t find the real deal, create a similar look with brown, black, or dark green shorts that reach just above the knee. Dockers style works best, and the shorts should not have too many pockets.
Step 3. Wear some suspenders.
Wear suspenders. Authentic lederhosen may come with suspenders, but if you buy them separately, try to find a pair that matches your shorts.
Step 4. Add a pair of white, gray, light brown, green hunting, or oatmeal-colored socks.
Add a pair of white, gray, light brown, green hunting, or oatmeal-colored socks. The socks should be slightly slouched, made of cotton, and knee-length.
- While many men wear their socks pulled up to the knee, some prefer to slouch them down to about 5 cm above the ankle.
- Generally, men in lederhosen that are just above the knee wear their socks pulled up, while those in lederhosen below the knee tend to wear their socks slouched down.
Step 5. Wear traditional footwear, such as "Haferlschuh" or "Haferl" shoes.
Wear traditional footwear like "Haferlschuh" or "Haferl" shoes. If you can’t find authentic shoes, opt for a pair of black or dark brown leather loafers.
Step 6. Don an Alpine hat.
Wear an Alpine hat. This is a distinct style of felt hat with a pointed top and wide brim. A band is usually tied around the base of the hat with a decorative feather added as an accessory.
