What To Wear To A Burlesque Show

Recently I put a call out for reader questions and today I’m answering the first one.  It’s from Mumabulous and she writes,

I am going to a burlesque show (just to watch) next week and ironically don’t know what to wear.

Now upon investigating this question a little further (ie: reading the Mumabulous blog) I discovered that she’s not going to any old burlesque show.  Uh ah.  Mumabs is heading off to watch the Dita Von Teese burlesque show!

I don’t know about you, but that sounds slightly fancier than the time Guns and I saw Holly Madison *ahem* perform in her own burlesque style show in Vegas several years ago.  Let’s just say this old prude can now cross seeing a naked playboy bunny sitting on a swing while pretending to be Little Bo Peep off her bucket list. 

But back to answering the original question.  

Five Suggestions For What To Wear To A Burlesque Show

The only thing I can remember about what I was wearing to the show I went to was the awkward look on my face as I endured an hour and a half of Holly’s ‘acting’ so I did a bit of research.

A burlesque show is a fun event and examples of what to wear include:

1. Corset & Pencil Skirt Combo

The art of burlesque originated from Victorian times when the steel boned corset was at the height of fashion. Burlesque show goers can often be seen wearing beautiful corsets, paired with a pencil skirt or fitted pair of pants. 

However if corsets aren’t your thing, simply swap it for a classic fitted shirt and you’re good to go.

2. Frills, Flounces and Feathers

Another strong influence in burlesque clothing styles is the fun and flirty old-fashioned showgirl look with lots of frills, flounces and feathers! A corset suits this style too and is the perfect thing to wear with stockings, frilly retro shorts and feather bustles.

If that’s a bit much for you, frills and feathers can easily be added to an outfit using accessories (more detail on this below)

3. Vintage Style Dresses

If you’d rather not grab as much attention as the showgirls then why not try a 40’s or 50’s style dress?  For a glam look think pin-up girl and for a slightly more casual look think rockabilly (polka dot dress, cropped cardi, killer heels) and you’re on the right track.

For more gorgeous vintage style dresses check out Review Clothing (sizes 6-16) and City Chic (sizes 14-24)

4. Accessories

If you’re not comfortable going all out with the whole burlesque theme thing, wear something you feel comfortable in (say a simple black dress or pants and a shirt/jacket combo like this one) and add some accessories.  Think a feather boa, a mini hat, fascinator or feather headband, evening gloves or retro style jewels. 

5. Whatever You Want!

If dressing up to a theme isn’t your thing, grab a champers and sit with me. If you don’t have a feather boa in your wardrobe, throw on a little black dress, a pair of heels, some sparkly earrings and a swipe of red lippy.

Grab your handbag and get ready to have some fun!  After all, that’s what a night out should be all about, right?

Have you been to a burlesque show?  What did you wear?