Creating a first impression with your first person impression.
Creating a first impression with your first person impression.
Most re-enactors find ourselves filled with dread at the ominous words “First Person
Impression”. Our stomachs develop butterflies and we find ourselves hot and flushed. Usually
we choose to blame these symptoms on the uncomfortable heat at re-enactments and we push
thoughts of extensive research and acting for the public to the back of our minds.
First Person Impression does not have to be this scary. With my column on etiquette I am
looking at how to create a period appropriate impression (but not overly specific), through the
use of period behaviour and manners.
In this column we will look at how fashion can also influence how the public perceives
you. What you choose to wear is the easiest way to tell spectators who you are without saying a
word.
I call it “Making a first impression with your first person impression.”
To get our feet wet, we will begin our journey into the fascinating world of civilian
fashion during the Civil War with the basics. Over subsequent articles we will look at more
specific aspects of fashions such as social standing, age appropriate and specific outfits for
various times of day or activities.
When first starting out in the hobby of Civil War Re-enacting or any re-enacting period
for that matter it is important to KEEP IT SIMPLE. You don’t have to be an expert at your first
event. No one expects you to be. In fact even the most seasoned re-enactor is always learning
and always growing in this hobby. The one thing I have always appreciated about re-enactors is
that we all have the same yet totally different interests.
Sound confusing? Think about it. We all joined this hobby because we have an interest in
history; in this case we are drawn to the conflict between the Northern and Southern states in the
early 1860's. However each of us joined for different reasons. Some joined because they love
learning more about military life, others because they are fascinated by how these men survived
with such rudimentary medical knowledge, and others because their spouse is the history nut
and they’re just along for the drive. (Sometimes a very long drive.)
For me the fascination with history always circles around fashion. I love the minute
details of how dresses were constructed and could go on for hours about how to pleat a skirt.
(We’ll save that for later.)
Now because not every one is as obsessed with period fashion as some of us, what to
wear often isn’t a priority. However it is a necessary evil.
Seeing what we are wearing is the one visual thing the public is going to take with them,
even if they never talk to a single re-enactor. It’s all about telling your story without saying a
word.
Now keep in mind, when getting started or just coming out to be part of the family, you
do not have to be President Lincoln or Rose Greenhow at your first event. As you learn and grow
in the hobby, your impression will change as will your clothing choices.
Here are some tips to get started:
1. Always be aware that this is a hobby. Wear what you have and make changes as you can
afford. Be sure to explain to those that ask if you are accurate or not.
Creating a first impression with your first person impression.
Most re-enactors find ourselves filled with dread at the ominous words “First Person
Impression”. Our stomachs develop butterflies and we find ourselves hot and flushed. Usually
we choose to blame these symptoms on the uncomfortable heat at re-enactments and we push
thoughts of extensive research and acting for the public to the back of our minds.
First Person Impression does not have to be this scary. With my column on etiquette I am
looking at how to create a period appropriate impression (but not overly specific), through the
use of period behaviour and manners.
In this column we will look at how fashion can also influence how the public perceives
you. What you choose to wear is the easiest way to tell spectators who you are without saying a
word.
I call it “Making a first impression with your first person impression.”
To get our feet wet, we will begin our journey into the fascinating world of civilian
fashion during the Civil War with the basics. Over subsequent articles we will look at more
specific aspects of fashions such as social standing, age appropriate and specific outfits for
various times of day or activities.
When first starting out in the hobby of Civil War Re-enacting or any re-enacting period
for that matter it is important to KEEP IT SIMPLE. You don’t have to be an expert at your first
event. No one expects you to be. In fact even the most seasoned re-enactor is always learning
and always growing in this hobby. The one thing I have always appreciated about re-enactors is
that we all have the same yet totally different interests.
Sound confusing? Think about it. We all joined this hobby because we have an interest in
history; in this case we are drawn to the conflict between the Northern and Southern states in the
early 1860's. However each of us joined for different reasons. Some joined because they love
learning more about military life, others because they are fascinated by how these men survived
with such rudimentary medical knowledge, and others because their spouse is the history nut
and they’re just along for the drive. (Sometimes a very long drive.)
For me the fascination with history always circles around fashion. I love the minute
details of how dresses were constructed and could go on for hours about how to pleat a skirt.
(We’ll save that for later.)
Now because not every one is as obsessed with period fashion as some of us, what to
wear often isn’t a priority. However it is a necessary evil.
Seeing what we are wearing is the one visual thing the public is going to take with them,
even if they never talk to a single re-enactor. It’s all about telling your story without saying a
word.
Now keep in mind, when getting started or just coming out to be part of the family, you
do not have to be President Lincoln or Rose Greenhow at your first event. As you learn and grow
in the hobby, your impression will change as will your clothing choices.
Here are some tips to get started:
1. Always be aware that this is a hobby. Wear what you have and make changes as you can
afford. Be sure to explain to those that ask if you are accurate or not.
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