I decided to create a Victorian Walking Ensemble for a local event. The outfit took me about a month to complete and I made everything I was wearing that day but my boots. As usual, I got a lot of laughs as people realized what the pattern on the fabric actually was. I love being able to take historical costuming and add a modern spin onto it, I think it makes costuming more accessible when people can see there are so many variations other than just the “accurate” ones. Some older people, also in costume, were less than supportive and I fed off their disapproving energy like an energy vampire. I love to ruffle the feathers of the costumers who gatekeep on accuracy.
For my outfit, I had previously made a corset, combinations, and bum pad (I repurposed one from an 18th century costume, don’t tell). For the event I had to create a skirt, petticoat, shirt, jacket, and hat. When it came to putting everything together, I saw that the petticoat was longer than the skirt. I decided to wear my outfit anyway, hoping no one would notice (or more likely, no one would care but me). I’m so glad I didn’t let perfectionism take away from wearing my new clothes, cause that would have been the case a few years ago. Not only was that a minor issue, but my hair and make-up weren’t behaving that day either. It didn’t matter, the show must go on as they say.
I felt really jaunty the day I wore this and I can’t wait to find another excuse to do so. I do plan on adding a ruffle to the bottom of the skirt so the petticoat doesn’t peak through anymore. I also need to add some buttons to the jacket, I think it looks nicer when it’s partially closed and the shirt is just barely visible.
