Burlesque tips: Building a wardrobe

Costume EssentialsEven the newest performer can create a wide variety of costumes on a limited budget!

First of all, pick a few colors that flatter you and stick to items of those colors to start off with. That way you can mix and match more often. You may want to pick colors that are easier to find: solid colors, black and white- versus sky blue, barbie pink and so on. Of course you can use those harder to find colors in the future but sometimes it can take hours of hunting in stores and online to find the perfect bra, accessories or trims to match those colors and often you could find out it isn't the same shade you had hoped for.

Some basics you should have are:
"Rufflebutts" - as we call them. The basic panties with lots of ruffles on them. Hell, even Target carries them now! These work for just about any occasion and are perfect for venues that require you to have your entire butt cheek covered. Many of them are transparent but you can wear a g-string or solid colored pair of panties under them.

Corset - You can get basic corsets for super cheap on ebay. They won't do much for your figure and you'll have to spend some time reinforcing it so it holds up but if you're on a budget it's a good option. You can also decorate them to make them more stage-worthy. Add some trims to the top and bottom, sew on some appliques and glue sequin trims over the boning. Maybe add a feather boa as a bustle. Beautiful!

Garter Belt - Find a good sturdy one! Alter it if the waist clasp is too hard to work on stage and you plan on taking it off.

Stockings - Stock up on stockings as you never know when one will wander off! I love Sock Dreams - they have a large variety, great prices and a free shipping option! I've noticed that the fencenet stockings hold up way better and last a lot longer then fishnets. I've had one pair of them for nearly a year!

Bras - Of course! Feel free to decorate them with trims, sequins and jewels to make them a little more flashy!

Dresses - Look for sturdy dresses that are easy to get on and off and again, decorate them more if you'd like!