Dressing up in traditional clothing isn’t required to attend Oktoberfest costume, but it does add to the festive mood and almost everyone will be dressed up! Women should wear or mimic the look of a traditional dirndl dress, which is worn with a white blouse and white apron. Men typically wear lederhosen, which is knee-length pants with suspenders attached. Once you get these essential pieces in place, you can add other clothing and accessories to enhance your look.

Choosing Women’s Clothing

Wear a white peasant-style blouse. Traditional blouses are relatively high-cut, but low-cut peasant blouses are also popular at Oktoberfest. Don’t choose anything with buttons, and try to avoid blouses with decorative designs. You may be able to buy something like this in a department store, but it can be tough to find something plain enough (without buttons and designs)[1]

  • If you don’t have any luck, try searching online or at a costume shop.
  • If you’re shopping online, do so in advance and confirm the return policy before making a purchase.
Wear a long dress with a sleeveless top over the blouse. A traditional dirndl is a specific type of dress with a full skirt and a low, sleeveless top, similar to what you would find on overalls. It is worn over the white blouse. Traditional dirndls extend to the ankles, but shorter lengths are available. Many have a bodice-like design on the top, which is traditional, but some do not.

  • Traditional dirndl dresses can be quite expensive. You can find far less expensive options at costume shops or online.
  • Always purchase in advance and confirm the return policy when shopping online!
Mimic the dirndl look with a separate skirt and bodice. If traditional and costume options are out of your budget, you can put together something very similar using your current wardrobe. Pick out a knee-length to floor-length cotton A-line or circle skirt. Go with black, red, dark green, brown, or sky blue. Wear a laced-up bodice over your blouse. Authentic bodices are made of velvet or felt, but work with what you can find.

  • The most traditional skirt option is mid-calf or floor-length. 
  • If you can find a bodice with thick straps that go over your shoulders, that would mimic the look of a traditional dirndl best.