Overskirts and Bustling

A decorative overskirt is an easy way to give an outfit a more Victorian look to it. Sometimes people will refer to Victorian overskirts as bustle skirts, although technically a bustle is the form underneath a skirt that fills the skirt out in the back, creating the illusion of having a gigantic derriere.

A variety of ladies sowing off their ample...bustles.

There are countless styles available. Some are specifically sewn into shape from plain fabric, but you can also make a convincing overskirt from an already constructed skirt, the fuller the better. These are merely a few suggestions out of my own costuming closet.

You will need some kind of model of which to put the overskirt. This can be a dress form, a friend, or even yourself. If you're planning on wearing a bustle pad underneath, it is helpful to wear that as well so you know how the skirt will drape over it.

Click on the text link to learn how to create a specific overskirt. click on the image to learn more about that outfit in general.

Simple Overskirt - This was my first and simplest overskirt, requiring almost no stitching and which can be easily hand-stitched rather than using a machine. It starts with an already built skirt purchased at Goodwill.	Bustled Overskirt - Bustled in the back while shaping the front to reveal more of the underskirt. This skirt can also be worn without an underskirt as a short steampunk skirt. It starts with an already built skirt purchased at Goodwill.
Ballgown Overskirt - Bustling drape not connected to a skirt. It is created with a 3 yard length of fabric purchased at a fabric store.