Oktoberfest: Dress to impress

When visiting Europe in 2026, we were in Munich just as Oktoberfest was wrapping up. As we walked around Marienplatz, I was amazed at the amount of shops that specialized in Oktoberfest gear. Sure, you could purchase a dirndl on Amazon….but if you are going to Munich you need to it right! I did not look at the price tags on these dresses, but I can only imagine. Party goers can spend as little as $65 – $100 on a dirndl, or as much as $300 – $800. As they are often considered a costume, they are sometimes available for rent. A traditional dirndl consists of these key components: bodice, blouse, skirt, and apron. While today these are worn for celebrations such as Oktoberfest, they have been around for centuries.