Really, how many costume changes do you make in a day?

[Ann_Vader]

I'm trying to figure out my pre-burn sewing projects for the next few months and it all keeps coming back to...

Really, how many costume changes will I need? Or honestly want to make in a day?

I also am limited by yellow bin space. Out of the 3 I have reserved space for on the container truck, I suspect I will have just 1 that I can dedicate just to costumes. The other two are for shoes, work clothes, bedding, some personal tools, bicycle bits and decor, and toiletries. I'll also be checking a big dufflebag on the plane, but that will probably be things I cannot afford to be without for an extended period of time while they go from DC to NV, like my socks and underwear, outer wear, travel toiletries, clothes to wear on the plane home, essential electronics, etc.

I'll be on the playa 8/23 - 9/4, but I think the first 5 days will more about build week than frolic.

My roommate, who has been to the playa more than once, tells me she never wears everything she brings, even when she plans it out...

[BBadger]

Does changing into warmer clothing for night time count? Otherwise, I rarely change it up more than 2-3 times in the week.

[some seeing eye]

Some friends bring a clothes rack ten feet long along with a selection of footwear, accessories, makeup and a full length mirror. Others fit everything in a backpack.

Suggest layers. Costumes for temperature ranges. Costumes for being in sun. Costumes when it's 40F. Costumes that work when you find yourself going from 40F to 90F because you went into a shelter or dance spot in the evening. Footwear for comfort + costume. You can also have theme costumes - animal, white, etc.

The dust, when it gets into fabric, and it will instantly, is very irritating against skin. So costumes worn more than a few hours might need a clean layer to separate them from the skin for extended or repeated wear, especially at abrasion points.

If space is tight, more accessories! And consider collaborating with friend(s) who are the same size. There is a rumor I have heard there are costume camps on the playa. Frankly, first year, you will be fine whatever you do.

[Chowski]

It depends. I am usually an early riser - around sunrise. For the first hour, I will keep my coat on over whatever I slept in (usually my clothes from the night before), Once it warms a bit, I will shed the coat and usually put on a lighter shirt until it gets HOT, at which point I will shower and dress for the day. Around sunset I might throw on another layer or change into an outfit I really want to wear which is too cold for night but too hot for day. Ultimately I will dress for evening. How many does that make?

The truth is, many of my pieces get recycled throughout the week, I will wear the same short shorts over and over and over, but with different tops. I will wear the same long johns every evening under different night outfits.

It is never for me about having X number of outfits for X number of days, but more about having a comfortable range of clothes in styles, weights and functions that can be shifted around as the occasion demands. But yeah, I have never work everything I've brought.

Last tip: medium-weight clothes are never as useful as you think. Long but lightweight cloaks or heavy but sleeveless vests are uncomfortable at all but the few hours around sunset and sunrise when the air is comfortable. Focus on several light day pieces, one kick-ass nighttime coat, and warm layers.

[Savannah]

I always have something to get into in the morning (like a robe and a slip, or a tank top w/ shelf bra and boxers). I also like sundresses for hanging around in my own camp. But as to actual dress up, I tend to pack approximately one fancy-dress "outfit" a day, and the nightwear (playa coat) often gets repeated.

I bring a lot of clothes (because I want options) I but I honestly wear less than half.

You can't go wrong with lots of socks and underwear, some sundresses or slips, a killer playa coat (warm), layers, some scarves/shemaghs, multiple pairs of comfortable footwear, a bag or two, a hoodie and long johns (or similar) and good goggles (military or snowboarding tend to be good). Don't pick fabrics that shed!

If you are sensitive to how you look, pick the playa coat, footwear, bag and goggles so they coordinate somewhat. Maybe have something special picked out for Burn Night, when a lot of people especially try to Work It. If you wanna be part of an event like a 1920's party, Tutu Tuesday, or a Billion Bunny March, pack your beads or fringe or ears or tulle.

Is this necessary? . . . Absolutely not.

Is it fun? Of course.

[Ratty]

THIS is the final word in clothing advice

Last tip: medium-weight clothes are never as useful as you think. Long but lightweight cloaks or heavy but sleeveless vests are uncomfortable at all but the few hours around sunset and sunrise when the air is comfortable. Focus on several light day pieces, one kick-ass nighttime coat, and warm layers.

Listen to Chowski!

During the day it's hot. You may not want to even put on a necklace. Yes sometimes it's that hot. At night you may want to wear a blanket or go to bed and try to warm up. Yes it's that cold. Plan accordingly.

I don't wear 25% of what I bring but that's OK. I give almost everything away just to fit my bags of garbage in the front seat on the ride back home.

[Ann_Vader]

Thanks for all the tips regarding wardrobe planning!

Makes sense to bring clothing for very hot and very cold temps, but not middle weight stuff like jeans. Thanks! Jeans are bulky!

I have a lot of cold weather technical sports gear that makes a good base layer next to the skin. A base layer under tights and a fleece, and I'm good under my playa coat. Base layers pack tiny - and I have multiple sets.

I made a liner for my playa coat out of polarfleece 300 quilted with thinsulite, which is practically a coat on its own. No, its not going to the playa like that as it makes the coat hang all wrong, and its overkill for anything over 10 degrees F. Which is nice warm day at Frostburn.

My coat goes to the playa with the satin liner, but its still pretty warm.

So it sounds like I'm going to be sewing sparkly lycra short shorts for day wear with vests or sportsbras and sunscreen for burn week. Work week will be shorts and boots and "A" shirts...

playa.jpg

[EGAZ]

WOW! Never thought about having a number of costumes. (IRL I am not a 'fashionista'. Ha!) I figured given the limited room many have for bringing a 'Playa Wardrobe and the 'embrace the dust/dirt' mindset, I was thinking most had one hot, one cold. Hmmm....., Rethinking things now. (Like I need that right now LOL)

Either way, being my first burn and having a number of other items to buy, assemble, create, I will have two costumes this year, hot & cold. Most of the 'things' I need first are shade structure, bike, evap cooler, etc., all of which will last for awhile. So next year will allow for more costumes.

Living in the SW I am very familiar with the temp changes. I run warm to hot anyway so I don't need a winter snow/ski jacket as I will layer up as needed. But winter coats are not very prevalent at GoodWill and used clothing shops. At least not crazy cool full length coats. My night costume will work with most any full length coat so if anyone has an idea let me know. I have a small sewing machine and can do 'some' sewing, but a seamstress I am not.

Here are some examples. Obviously these are too nice & pricey for the playa. Don't need leather. Don't need a hood. I was thinking a heavy/lined trench coat or cloth 'duster' style I could bling up with my limited sewing skills.

Thoughts from the pro costume makers???

[some seeing eye]

Another thing to consider is how to carry costumes which you layer up or layer down. The usual raver tactic is to stow unwanted layers under the stage, by the side, in your bike basket wherever. That is a guaranteed recipe for them going missing despite PLUR. So a sling or pack to keep on-off layers at hand is useful.

[mudpuppy000]

I usually just wear light clothes during the day (shorts, breezy pants, light shirts, whatever) For nighttime I'll throw another layer of light clothes on and top it off with a parka. Old snowboard jackets with hoods work great, especially if it rains.

I usually bring a duffel bag full of outfits but maybe only wear a few of them the whole week. Bring lots of socks and underwear though!

[Savannah]

Bring lots of socks and underwear though!

Oo! And wearable lights.

[Ann_Vader]

I usually just wear light clothes during the day (shorts, breezy pants, light shirts, whatever) For nighttime I'll throw another layer of light clothes on and top it off with a parka. Old snowboard jackets with hoods work great, especially if it rains.

I usually bring a duffel bag full of outfits but maybe only wear a few of them the whole week. Bring lots of socks and underwear though!

I hear 2 or 3 pairs of socks a day...

I suspect my checked bag will be primarily socks and underwear!

[Ann_Vader]

Oo! And wearable lights.

That is the plan! Lights on me, lights on the bike to both see and be seen with, lights on my camelbak...

And a trip to costco for AA batteries for everything!

[EGAZ]

Let me answer some of these for more clarity.

• I'm camping solo in an RV, so bringing anything with me is not an issue.
  
  I'll have a CamelBak-Hawg. Its not made any more but its huge when expanded out. With 3 liter H2O bag. I planned on carrying it with me most of the time. And not leave me, or at most, my direct (a few steps) ------> eyesight....
  
  I have my day outfit figured out. No issues there.
  
  Lots of socks/undies as has been mentioned.

Its the night, full length jacket I am asking for help with.
I'll have either thermal underwear or sport tights. Haven't decided yet.
And pants, but my legs rarely get cold so not worried about that.
Button up shirt and a Tuxedo 'Tailed' jacket. But it will be very light.

Any suggestions on where to find a full length jacket similar to what I have linked above relatively cheaply.
Then ways/ideas to 'Playa' it up. Fake fur is not out of the question, (where does one find fake fur anyway?) nor is a 'pimp daddy look' with all the load colors/bling that initials. Or both..... As Ratty posted "one kick-ass nighttime coat".

I do have lights on the way! Maybe I should move this to Clothing & Playa Wear

[lucky420]

Go to thrift stores and look for women's faux fur coats. If your handy with a sewing machine you can make one although sewing with the fur can be kind of a bitch...

[Chowski]

Oh, and, do not underestimate the cold. Last year we had TWO nights at 32 degrees. That may not sound so bad to walk around in for a bit, but it's totally different to be in 32 degree weather for ten hours at a stretch, with nowhere to go to get warm. Bringing an extra warm layer might be a logistical challenge to pack, but not nearly as tough as trying to stop shaking on a bitter, freezing night with nothing but booty shorts and fairy wings when you're four miles from your camp, your bike has been stolen, and whatever you took wears off. The Black Rock Desert does not mess around.

[Savannah]

Oh, and, do not underestimate the cold. Last year we had TWO nights at 32 degrees. That may not sound so bad to walk around in for a bit, but it's totally different to be in 32 degree weather for ten hours at a stretch, with nowhere to go to get warm. Bringing an extra warm layer might be a logistical challenge to pack, but not nearly as tough as trying to stop shaking on a bitter, freezing night with nothing but booty shorts and fairy wings when you're four miles from your camp, your bike has been stolen, and whatever you took wears off. The Black Rock Desert does not mess around.

So, so true. Temps in the 30's feel colder when you're out in it for long stretches and are sleeping in it as well.

[EGAZ]

Cold temps I know! Grew up in Michigan. Though the blood has thinned out in the last decade or so....

Thanks everyone. Got some shopping to do this weekend!!

[mudpuppy000]

I carry around some arm/leg warmers in my pack if it gets really cold but haven't had to use them yet. Also, if you want one thing to keep you warm, start with your head/face/shoulders. Even a scarf wrapped around your head/face will help a lot.

[Ratty]

And do a tiny bit of research ahead of time. There are camps that keep the home fires burning just so you can warm up. I think lamplighters may be one. Also Gigs Ville usually has the CarBQue going.

[Captain Goddammit]

Here's a couple of well-dressed eplayans, Captain Goddammit and Trilobyte.
We always look about like that, no changes necessary.

[ZigZag]

Here's a couple of well-dressed eplayans, Captain Goddammit and Trilobyte.
We always look about like that, no changes necessary.

Absolutely dashing I dare say!

[EGAZ]

I'll add Dapper..... a couple of Dapper Dudes fo sho.....

[some seeing eye]

Legit sea captain and pirate captain?
(not sure which is which)

[Ann_Vader]

I carry around some arm/leg warmers in my pack if it gets really cold but haven't had to use them yet. Also, if you want one thing to keep you warm, start with your head/face/shoulders. Even a scarf wrapped around your head/face will help a lot.

Apparently you only lose about 7 to 10% of your body heat through your head, At least according to the internets:

http://www.livescience.com/34411-body-h ... -head.html

But I made this hat anyway because I had fur left over from making my coat.

[Ann_Vader]

...But winter coats are not very prevalent at GoodWill and used clothing shops. At least not crazy cool full length coats. My night costume will work with most any full length coat so if anyone has an idea let me know. I have a small sewing machine and can do 'some' sewing, but a seamstress I am not. Thoughts from the pro costume makers???

I am not a pro costume maker, but I do buy stuff at thrift stores and either fix it up (not quite as fancy as Ratty!), or wear it as is. Check your local thrift, you might be surprised what is knocking around, even now.

Also, ebay - I just searched on "mens trench coat" auctions only, lowest price listed first http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R4 ... _Auction=1

You've got plenty of time to buy something and paint and light it or whatever creative stuff you want.

[EGAZ]

True. I have been searching eBay, Etsy, doing general image searches on Google & a lot comes up on Pinterest, (I really hate that site. Had to install an Add-On to get rid of the forced registration.) I plan to go hit the local thrift stores in town. Was going to do it this weekend but I got a few other things done instead.

Those pants look sweet! And Ratty is the seamstress extraordinaire......

[Lonesomebri]

Wear "outfits" that highlight who you are.
Don't wear "costumes" which are to change who you are.

[EGAZ]

My day outfit is more of a highlight, night is more Halloween to be honest. I love Halloween.....

[mudpuppy000]

I carry around some arm/leg warmers in my pack if it gets really cold but haven't had to use them yet. Also, if you want one thing to keep you warm, start with your head/face/shoulders. Even a scarf wrapped around your head/face will help a lot.

Apparently you only lose about 7 to 10% of your body heat through your head, At least according to the internets:

http://www.livescience.com/34411-body-h ... -head.html

But I made this hat anyway because I had fur left over from making my coat.

Can't click that link but I wonder if that includes heat loss from your breath. I know I can get almost uncomfortably warm with something covering my face/head and trapping all that heat.