Tamarillo look and feel guide
Overview
Robust, Worn, Gun-slinging, Authentic, Hardy, Wild, Rugged, Practical, Weathered
Tamarillo draws heavily from the American Wild West era. Its colours are more muted compared to other places, with earthy tones, such as yellows, browns, and undyed linens, playing a strong role. However, this is not to say they are without pattern; checks are common, as are finely embroidered waistcoats. Clothing plays a significant part in displaying a person’s status, with those of higher social standing often wearing lighter materials to show that their lives are less rugged.
Most Tamarillions carry a firearm, often openly, as a display of their rights. Wealth may be shown through a watch or a particularly fine hat, but jewellery is rarely worn by many. However, those who do not follow the same conventions as their counterparts often choose to dress in the most expensive and sometimes extravagant attire they can afford, adorning themselves with large jewels.
We also have a Pinterest to give a visual aid to the themes of Tamarillo clothing:
Influences
The wild west and the Australian outback.
Colours
Materials
Heavy cottons, denim – but not too much modern denim, canvas, richer clothes pushing towards silk or maybe silk linings, leather, linen, calico.
Clothing
The most common outfits of Tamarillo are shirts, either collared or collarless, or collared shirts with a bib front, typically in a single plain colour or a small plain check (not tartan). These are usually well-worn and tucked into a pair of sturdy trousers, made from a heavy natural material or, on occasion, denim, held up by a sturdy belt capable of holding gun holsters or by bracers that go over the shoulders.
Hats are a common item of clothing, and bonnets are often paired with skirts. Common styles include wide-brimmed hats such as the Stetson, slouch hats, or harder felt hats like derbies and rancher hats. Over the shirt, a person may wear a waistcoat with either a small collar or at least lapels. This waistcoat may be made from a fabric with a fancy repetitive design or be more plain and humble. For outerwear, a heavy duster-style coat is often the garment of choice. Occasionally, a poncho or a ‘Western’ style suit jacket may be worn instead.
No Tamarillion would be seen without a neck scarf or bolo tie if a collared shirt is worn.
Skirts may either be attached to the body to form a full Victorian-style dress, or are often worn as a separate skirt, corset, and jacket, providing more flexibility for physical tasks.
Jewellery and Accessories
Jewellery is not commonly worn in Tamarillo, as practicality takes precedence over ornamentation. Rings, necklaces, and bracelets can be a hindrance in a rugged environment where manual labour, riding, and gunplay are part of daily life. However, there are exceptions. Some wear simple, sentimental pieces such as a locket, a plain wedding band, or a charm that has been passed down through the family.
For many, the most valued accessories are those that serve a purpose. Belts with sturdy buckles, leather gloves, and well-made boots are more of a statement than any jewel. Pocket watches are a common way to display wealth, particularly among traders, ranchers, and gunslingers who can afford them. A fine hat, whether a wide-brimmed felt hat, a gambler’s hat, or a planter’s hat, can also serve as a status symbol.
Weapons themselves are often considered part of a person’s adornment. A finely crafted firearm, a well-worn gun belt, or an engraved knife can hold as much significance as jewellery does elsewhere. Even those who do not openly carry weapons may have decorative belt buckles, bolo ties, or tooled leather holsters as subtle indicators of wealth or skill.
Less Appropriate
Certain styles of clothing are less fitting for the world of Tamarillo as they clash with the rugged, Wild West aesthetic. For example, denim shirts, while a staple in some contexts, are often seen as too modern and out of place here, especially those with overly faded or pre-worn designs. Similarly, black leather jackets and biker cuts, which are associated with more contemporary subcultures, are not in line with the traditional, weathered clothing of this setting. These pieces evoke a more urban, industrial style rather than the practical, worn-in look that defines Tamarillo.
Steampunk elements, with their futuristic yet Victorian-inspired aesthetic, are also not suitable for this game. While the genre itself can be rich in creativity, the technology, fashion, and overall aesthetic simply do not fit within the gritty, rugged world of the Wild West that Tamarillo draws inspiration from. Please leave the goggles, gears, and brass fittings behind when entering this world.
Further Inspiration
While this guide provides a strong foundation for the look and feel of each region, players are encouraged to explore additional sources for inspiration. Historical references, films, and games can all provide useful insight into period-appropriate clothing and styles.
The following sources can help develop a more authentic and immersive aesthetic:
- Pioneer Clothing: What Women Wore in the Western Frontier – A useful resource for understanding historical clothing styles, fabrics, and layering.
- Tombstone – A classic film showcasing Western fashion, from rugged everyday wear to more refined outfits.
- Deadwood – A gritty depiction of frontier life, featuring a variety of practical and period-appropriate clothing.
- Most Western films – While some take creative liberties, many offer valuable visual references for traditional Western attire.
- Red Dead Redemption – Although a video game, it provides a highly detailed and historically inspired representation of late 19th-century Western fashion.