Every one of us has our favorite period for armour. Some find the multifluted, dragonwinged, sallet and bevor armour of the German Gothic Period to be the perfect suit (16th Century) while others prefer the "transitional period" where Maille and Plate were both used (14th Century). Whatever your preference, there is always room for attention to detail.
In either a tournament or show, you want to present your personna to the fullest. There is something to be said for the old statement, "If you look good, you feel good!"
Some simple suggestions are often times the best and cheapest. A Rondel is a small circular slightly dished piece of armour that dangles in front of your armpit. You can attach it by cord or leather to your spaulders or pauldrens. I know we have all seen them on armour and said, "What is that and what is its purpose?" The Rondel was designed to deflect the point of many weapons away from your fairly unprotected armpit area. Since we joust with shield there would be no need, other than decoration, to use one on the left side. When the Rondel is placed right, it will not interfere with the couching of the lance and works well (besides the fact that it looks very period!). This little piece of armour spanned several hundred years, and appeared in several shapes and sizes.
The Helm Crest, whether simple as a circlet of ivy or oak leaves that your lady made, or as complex as a brass ring of knotwork that is welded to your helm, will probably be one of the first things a person remembers about you on the field, so choose wisely, my friend! "Aren't you the guy with the pink tassels on your helm?" This is not what you want to hear at every tournament.
There are many things you can do to personalize your armour, i.e., Faulds, Tassets, blackening, painting your lance, or spending more time on your surcoat (if you wear one). And let's not forget all the things that can be done to your staging area, or encampment as it was referred to. Just to get you thinking, there are banners, flags, and period arming tents to consider.
One last thought to remember: shiny stainless steel armour is nice but blinding your opponent is not chivalrous!
Steven Choquette