Celebrating My 28th German Octoberfest in Montana

 

Co-authored by Sophia Tyler and Alexa Martha Butler

Did you know Alexa Martha the designer from Alexa Martha Designs is celebrating her  28th German Style Oktoberfest in Montana in 2024 with her family?

Alexa Martha says:" Being German from birth and having been raised around German Traditions after 28 years of living in Montana, I think its time I tell you all about the German Octoberfest. What I miss most is the hot GLUEHWEIN, hot wine with with cinnamon, and gloves. Nothing is better when it is cold and snowy."

Have you considered which jewelry to wear with the Bavarian clothing for the globally recognized German Oktoberfest? In Montana we celebrate Octoberfest as well, even with authentic Bayern German Bier. Traditional German costumes called Dirndls and are embellished with various jewelry, from the classic Charivari chain and Edelweiss necklace to modern pretzel charms and beer stein and bowtie jewelry. Every trendy piece of jewelry connects your Lederhosen and Dirndl to Bavarian traditions. 

For me, the connection between the jewelry and Bavarian culture is deeply personal. Growing up in Düsseldorf and later moving to the Black Forest, where the famous cuckoo clocks are crafted, I often went to Munich to jewelry exhibitions with my Father  and was surrounded by Bavarian traditions, including the intricate jewelry that complements dirndls and Lederhosen. These cultural symbols became even more meaningful when I met my husband in 1990, and our shared love for these traditions followed us to Montana when we immigrated in 1996 with our 14-month-old son. As we celebrate 28 years in the U.S. this year, Oktoberfest jewelry—like the Charivari chain, Edelweiss necklace, and modern pretzel charms—not only reminds me of my roots but also brings back fond memories, such as our visit to Munich for the Monsters of Rock Concert on August 24th, 1991.

Popular Jewelry for Women: What to Wear With Dirndl

Dirndl is incomplete without authentic Bavarian-style jewelry. Traditionally, German women wear decorated jewelry that not only adds glamor to the Oktoberfest attire but also promotes the Alpine-rich artistry. Here are some jewelry options you can wear with your Oktoberfest outfit for a more traditional look.

 

Traditional Bavarian Jewelry for Dirndls to Add a Personal Touch

Traditional Bavarian jewelry have engraved motifs like edelweiss flowers, hearts, and stags. From classic necklaces with Alpine symbols to earrings with pretzel designs, every piece is perfect for an authentic Oktoberfest look. They are made from silver or gold to enhance their elegance. Many necklaces also include elements like pearls or gemstones to add a touch of luxury.

Crystal Metal Necklaces

Metal necklaces are special in Bavarian culture as they symbolize purity. These necklaces often use copper, silver, or pewter. The medallion or the centerpiece of these necklaces features floral, teardrop, sculpted mint gemstones, or memorial emblems that connect you to Bavarian culture. The special German necklaces are popular among Wiesn lovers. If you want compliments, use the Edelweiss necklace to style your Dirndl at this Oktoberfest.

Sparkling Crystal Earrings

Metal earrings are fun to wear and celebrate German traditions. They are usually made from silver, copper, or gold. The designs range from simple dangle shapes to more elaborate double helix versions, making them a playful addition to your outfit. The glamorous earrings not only elevate your traditional style but also speak for your unique fashion sense. This design connects you to Oktoberfest.

Stud earrings are a stylish option that complements your Dirndl without overdoing it. The famous stud designs include floral petals, heart-shaped gems, or pearl designs, often chosen in colors that match the Dirndl to enhance the traditional Bavarian style.

Gleaming Bracelets

A stylish bracelet is the next good thing you can add to your Dirndl. The costume demands a vintage outlook, which only authentic leather bracelets can achieve. Beer stein and heart charms are other common choices for Oktoberfest bracelets. Made from sturdy materials like stainless steel or silver, these stylish bracelets personalize your look with their sparkling appearance.

Luxurious Rings

Rings are the most popular jewelry among women of all ages. You cannot ignore the charm of dazzling sterling silver rings when you are wearing a Dirndl. From stackable and wire-wrapped rings to crystal buttons and multi-band rings, you can decorate your look at Oktoberfest. These stunning rings personalize your look for every event and make you stand out among others.

Contemporary Jewelry Options for Dirndls

Modern jewelry for Dirndls at Oktoberfest blends traditional Bavarian themes with today's styles. These jewelry choices help wearers maintain a connection to Bavarian culture while expressing personal style at Oktoberfest. Here are some popular choices:

1. Simple Metal Pieces: Minimalist jewelry made of stainless steel or silver is a favorite for those seeking a modern look. These pieces often feature clean lines and decorated designs.
2. Colorful Beads: Jewelry with bright beads or glass elements creates a casual Dirndl style. GenZ loves to customize their costumes with bright, colorful beads to meet modern fashion trends. 
3. Layered Necklaces: Many choose to layer necklaces of different lengths with meaningful charms. This style keeps the traditional feel while adding a modern twist.

Oktoberfest Jewelry to Wear with Women's Lederhosen

While Lederhosen is traditionally seen as men's wear, women's Lederhosen has become a stylish choice at Oktoberfest. Here's what you can wear to decorate this outfit.

Leather Bracelets

These bracelets are crafted from pure leather, matching the color of the Lederhosen. Leather bracelets reflect your hobbies and cultural heritage. To keep in the spirit of Oktoberfest, you can choose Bavarian cultural charms like pretzels and beer mugs.

 

Long Chain Necklaces

A long chain necklace adds extra charm to your Lederhosen. You can choose a simple chain with a pendant, something with multiple layers, or Bavarian-inspired pendants.

 

 Chunky Cuffs And Bangles

If you are not a bracelet lover, you can go for glamorous rhinestone or hammered bangles to add extra charm to your look. You can add a “MOM” stamped copper cuff on your wrists if you are a mom. The luxurious cuffs and bangles are popular choices for Oktoberfest.

Watch Chains

A watch chain adds a functional and fashionable element to your outfit. You can decoratively use watch chains to mimic the traditional Charivari chains often seen with men’s Lederhosen.

Oktoberfest Jewelry for Men: Accessorizing the Lederhosen

The German men style their Lederhosen with special ornaments. Here are some traditional jewelry options men can wear with Lederhosen at Oktoberfest.

Charivari for a Vintage Touch

The Charivari is a traditional accessory worn on the front flap of Lederhosen. It has charms such as coins and animal teeth that symbolize the wearer's connection to Bavarian traditions. Made of solid silver or silver-plated chain, it is decorated with gemstones, coins, medals, horns, and small body parts from a variety of animals. Traditionally, hunters also add deer teeth and horn pieces to show off their hunting background. 

Wristwatches with Leather Bands

A wristwatch with a leather band in an earthy tone is the perfect accessory man can wear with Lederhosen. The watch bands are embellished with hand-embroidered embroidery, such as stag horns or floral breading. The watch should match the leather of the outfit to create a premium feel.

Hat Pins for a Bavarian Touch

Men can decorate their Tyrolean hats with souvenir pins, showing respect for Bavarian traditions. A perfect hat pin on a fedora tells others about your hobbies, interests, or even where you stand on a social cause that has become part of the zeitgeist. Hat pins with a vintage appearance can be made from silver, zinc alloy, silver filigree, pewter, brass, and Tibetan silver. These pins include feathers, small edelweiss flowers, a Dachshund dog, a hunter, a Bavarian stag and rifles,  a Bayern crest, or German beer. 

5 DIY Jewelry Ideas for Oktoberfest

Creating your jewelry for Oktoberfest adds a personal touch to your attire. Here are some simple DIY ideas:

1. Lebkuchen Heart Necklaces: Make necklaces shaped like Lebkuchen hearts. Use felt or bake tiny clay hearts. Decorate them with simple designs.
2. Pretzel Earrings: Make pretzel shapes from polymer clay, bake them, and paint them golden brown. Attach hooks to make earrings.
3. Edelweiss and Beer Stein Charms: Create charms of edelweiss flowers and beer steins. Use these to craft bracelets or necklaces. You can use metal blanks and enamel paints.
4. Felt Flower Pins: Cut felt into shapes of Bavarian flowers, like edelweiss, to make decorative pins. You can pin them on your hat or jacket.
5. Bavarian Ribbon Chokers: Make chokers with blue and white checkered ribbons representing the Bavarian flag. Add charms or beads to enhance the look.

Deciding on Which Jewelry to Wear at Oktoberfest?

Whether you choose traditional or modern German pieces, your jewelry completes your outfit. Traditional options not only complete your look but also connect you to the rich cultural history of Oktoberfest. From the well-known Edelweiss necklaces to playful pretzel earrings and symbolic Charivari chains, each piece holds a story of heritage and celebration. So, pick your jewelry according to your Lederhosen or Dirndl to stay connected to Oktoberfest’s traditional essence!

 

This profoundly enlightening blog post is co-authored by Sophia Tyler and myself. Sophia presented me with the concept of exploring the Traditional German Octoberfest - Jewelry and beyond.