I needed a bustle dress for a LARP event set in 1888. My character is the mayor’s scribe (somewhat like a secretary), who is very dedicated to her work, so I thought a bit of a prim, not too expensive, no-nonsense outfit would work well for her.
For this outfit I used the Burda 7880 pattern. I went for a skirt with just one layer of fabric, instead of one or more gathered layers on top of it. I chose a ‘linen look’ fabric instead of something fancy, and I went (very) easy on the lace.
And I am satisfied with the end result. It is a bit of a shame that I had to hold back and couldn’t go completely wild with ruffles and frills, but I feel like it now looks like an outfit belonging to someone employed by someone else. The pinstripe patterned fabric even gives it a bit of a ‘business suit’ vibe!
Yes, this kind of blue striped fabric was used in the 1880s!
I didn’t feel like wearing a corset during the whole event, so I made the costume to fit around my natural waist. Which doesn’t give it the true Victorian silhouette, but does make it more comfortable for me. I expected to look like a battleship, without a corset and with a bustle, but it turned out to be not that bad.
Time spent: 36 hours and 15 minutes
Costs: €48,70 (€30 for fabric, which was only €5 per meter, €10,80 for 24 buttons (of which I have a few left), €4,40 for lace and two spools of thread at €3,50 each. I already had lining lying around.)