O' zapft is! - My Oktoberfest look

The German festival "Oktoberfest" is in full swing and this is the best time to finally show you my dirndl. Dirndls are the traditional dresses worn for Oktoberfest. They are also the traditional costumes worn in Bavaria and Austria in general. As I have some family living in Bavaria, having a dirndl is a good thing to wear on several occasions. This doesn't get enough wear though to justify buying a very expensive one at one of the specialized stores and therefore I have been searching for one at thrift stores. It took me a while to find all the pieces, but I am finally happy with all the pieces and wanted to share it here. My tip when you are looking for seasonal items or special things like this, which you won't wear as often: don't always buy the expensive pieces at the official stores, even though the pieces there are well made, special and top of the class. It is not always worth that much money. A good dirndl can cost you hundreds of euros. If you are not living in the region and wearing traditional costumes on a regular basis, so you will be wearing it only a couple of times a year, it might be a waste of your money. If you have the time to look for the right pieces, please consider thrift and second hand shops. There are also stores that specialize in second hand costumes, but German thrift shops do have a section for them especially prior to Oktoberfest.

So, what I found at the thrift shop: A wonderful dirndl in black with black, white and red stripes and a red apron with the strap on the correct side to tie it correctly as a girl in a relationship. For more information on how to tie your apron correctly, please check out this page. I also bought an underskirt in black with a lace trimming. This is optional, but is such a cute detail when it shows underneath the skirt hem. My dirndl blouse is new, but I bought it at a second hand store as well. They sometimes sell leftovers from store closures and this one was from one of those. My traditional cardigan is whool and handmade by Mr.B's mom. She is fantastic with the knitting needles and made that cardigan for me when I found this dirndl and matched the little floral details to the apron color. I do have to say that the dirndl is very modest. Often, they are very low cut showing lots of cleavage, but I am glad that mine is not as open in the front. Hope you have similar experiences with thrift shops. I was so lucky with my look and all together (including the whool for the cardigan) this look cost me about 50€. Thats totally acceptable. 

What I wore

Dirndl & apron: thrifted, probably handmade

Blouse: Stockerpoint

Shift underskirt: thrifted, 

Shoes: Deichmann

Tights: Esda

Jacket: handmade

Ring, Bag & Necklace: Heirloom