Women spend their whole year planning what they’re going to wear to the festival. They wear authentic Bavarian and Austrian clothes. These clothes are very long, usually made of wool and dirndl dresses are cut nearly to the ground. The dirndl is not just an ordinary dress but part of a set which includes matching apron, headpiece and often shoes and socks too. Let us explore more about dirndl dress accessories and dirndl itself in detail.Â
Women Oktoberfest Outfit
The traditional outfit worn by women consists of a Bavarian dirndl. This outfit could vary in length but would usually be worn above the ankle. Today dirndls are sold in varying lengths, although most are above the knee and some have short skirts that barely extend below the buttocks. In addition to the basic skirt and bodice, you will almost always see a white blouse underneath with an apron on top.
Have a look at the complete Oktoberfest accessories for women, including dirndl.
- Traditional dirndls
Dressing for Oktoberfest in Munich is a tradition for many, and for women, that means wearing a dirndl. Dirndls come in one- or two-piece designs with the bodice and skirt fastened together by ties around your waist. The material should be loose enough to allow for movement and be comfortable on warm days.
Dirndls are traditional outfits worn by Bavarian women, but they were actually first created in Austria as peasant garb. Dirndls were fairly rare in Munich at the first modern Oktoberfest in 1810 because most wealthy women wore hoop dresses with tiny umbrellas during that time period. With the passage of time, German dirndl dress has become modern.
- Dirndl dress length
There are a few different lengths of dirndl dresses to choose from for Oktoberfest, but the most traditional option is a long dirndl that goes below your knees. The middle length dirndl will fall anywhere from your shin to just below your knee; the short dirndl will stop a couple of inches above your knee. Petticoats or underskirts can be added for more volume if you like.
- Blouse
Classic dirndl blouses are normally white and are designed to cover your shoulders. The shape of your décolletage (upper chest) influences how much skin you want to show, so there are many options available like heart, diamond, oval or full coverage. Oktoberfest blouses with short sleeves, puffy shoulders, and popped collars are popular.
- Apron and bow placement
Authentic dirndl dresses come with a matching apron, which is tied on different sides according to status. Since traditional dirndls were once everyday outfits, the apron was added to keep the dress clean and free of wear. Today, Oktoberfest aprons are made of either satin or cotton, depending on your preference for style and texture.
The placement of your dirndl bow is important because it communicates information about your relationship status:
- Bow tied on the right – taken or married
- Bow tied on the left – single
- Bow tied at front – a child or virgin
- Bow tied at the back – widow or waitress
- Shoes for Oktoberfest
The most common shoes at Oktoberfest are ballerina flats or Mary Janes, which are flat with a strap across the foot. These shoes are leather with a comfortable rubber sole, cleated heels and toes for making noise while dancing, and easy to pack if you’re traveling.
Sturdy leather ankle boots are a popular choice for women to wear at Oktoberfest. These seductive boots are very similar to the dirndl pumps, but they have a lace-up top going 2-5 inches above your ankle and may include a side zipper for easy access.
You should avoid open-toed shoes at Oktoberfest, as there are a number of beer glasses broken each year, and the floors can get messy.
- Purse and bags
You’re not allowed to bring a large bag into the beer tents at Oktoberfest, so you should keep your purse small. It’s not very practical to drink massive 1-liter glasses of beer while always holding a clutch, so it’s probably better to carry a small bag instead.
When buying a crossbody purse to fit your Oktoberfest outfit, you can find many styles and fabrics. We have some elegant leather purses, as well as some made from lederhosen fabric or shaped like gingerbread hearts.
- Accessories and Jewelry
The most common accessory for Oktoberfest outfits is a choker or ribbon necklace to match your dirndl. Popular decorations include pewter edelweiss flowers, deer (for Bavaria), lions, pretzels, and beer steins.
Bracelets usually match your bavarian dirndl dress, and can be made of ribbon, leather, or metal. You can even use a short scarf to tie around your neck and then move it onto one of your wrists as you change up your look.
If you are a fashion-conscious girl then you shouldn’t be worried about the upcoming Oktoberfest party. Just visit Dirndl Online Shop and get the accessories of your choice at a reasonable price.
Read also: How to clean a dirndl dress?