15 Burlesque Outfit Ideas That’ll Make You Feel Like a Total Bombshell
Hey there, you fabulous creatures! Can we chat about burlesque for a hot second? I know what you’re thinking – “Isn’t that just fancy stripping?” Well, buckle up, buttercup, because I’m about to blow your fishnet-clad mind with some seriously sizzling burlesque outfit ideas that’ll have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about this art form.
As someone who’s spent way too much time (and money) experimenting with different burlesque looks, I can tell you that it’s all about embracing your inner diva and feeling like an absolute goddess. Whether you’re a burlesque newbie or a seasoned performer, I’ve got you covered with some killer outfit ideas. So, let’s shimmy into these 15 looks that’ll have you feeling like a vintage vixen faster than you can say “tassel twirl!”
Table of Contents
1. The Classic Showgirl
Let’s kick things off with a timeless look that never goes out of style:
Start with a corset – we’re talking serious waist-cinching action here. Go for a bold color like red or emerald green.
Pair it with a matching g-string or high-waisted briefs. Remember, in burlesque, it’s all about the tease!
Now, let’s add some sparkle. A rhinestone-encrusted bra or pasties are a must.
Don’t forget the fishnet stockings and a garter belt. It’s not burlesque without ’em!
For shoes, the higher the heel, the better. Sparkly stilettos or platform heels are perfect.
Top it off with long, elbow-length gloves and a feather boa. Because why not?
Accessories are key – think big, dramatic false eyelashes, a feather headpiece, and tons of glittery jewelry.
This outfit is perfect for classic burlesque routines, making a grand entrance, or just feeling like a total bombshell while doing your laundry. (Hey, no judgment here!)
2. The Pin-Up Perfection
Let’s channel our inner Bettie Page:
Start with a high-waisted pencil skirt. Polka dots or leopard print are classic pin-up choices.
Pair it with a crop top or a tied-up button-down shirt. Show off that midriff, girl!
Layer on a pair of seamed stockings. The seam down the back is crucial for that vintage look.
For shoes, think retro. Mary Janes or peep-toe heels work great.
Add some pin-up hair accessories like a bandana or hair flowers.
Don’t forget the red lipstick and winged eyeliner. It’s not pin-up without them!
This look is perfect for a more modest burlesque routine or for when you want to feel like a vintage vixen in your everyday life. It’s like wearing your grandma’s clothes, but make it sexy!
3. The Flapper Fabulous
Let’s throw it back to the Roaring Twenties:
Start with a fringed flapper dress. The more fringe, the better – we want maximum shimmy effect!
Layer on multiple strands of long pearl necklaces. Channel your inner Great Gatsby.
Add some fishnet stockings and a garter with a flask. (It was Prohibition, after all!)
For shoes, T-strap heels or Mary Janes keep the 20s vibe strong.
Don’t forget the accessories – a feather headband, long cigarette holder, and maybe even a fake beauty mark.
This outfit is perfect for a Charleston-inspired routine or anytime you want to feel like you’ve stepped out of a speakeasy. Warning: may cause spontaneous jazz hands.
4. The Burlesque Bride
Who says white has to be boring?
Start with a white corset. Lace details add a bridal touch.
Pair it with a short, frilly skirt or tutu. We’re going for “sexy bride,” not “walking down the aisle.”
Add some white stockings and a garter belt. Blue garters count as your “something blue!”
For shoes, white stilettos or ankle boots work great.
Don’t forget the veil! A short, flirty one keeps things playful.
Accessories like long white gloves, a fake bouquet, and maybe even some “bride-to-be” sash add to the theme.
This look is perfect for bachelorette parties, wedding-themed shows, or just feeling like the blushing bride you’ve always wanted to be (minus the whole marriage part).
5. The Steampunk Siren
Let’s get a little bit Victorian, a little bit sci-fi:
Start with a brown or black corset. Look for one with brass details or gears for that steampunk vibe.
Pair it with a short, ruffled skirt or high-waisted shorts. Bonus points if they’re made of leather or have clock faces printed on them.
Layer on some striped or lace-topped stockings.
For shoes, ankle boots with lots of buckles are a must.
Accessories make the outfit here – think goggles, a top hat with gears glued on, and lots of brass jewelry.
Don’t forget a prop like a ray gun or a brass telescope to really sell the look.
This outfit is perfect for sci-fi conventions, steampunk-themed shows, or just feeling like you’ve stepped out of a time machine. It’s like if H.G. Wells wrote erotica!
6. The Mermaid Maven
Let’s dive under the sea:
Start with a shimmery, scale-patterned bodysuit or corset. Blues and greens are classic mermaid colors.
Add a long, flowy skirt with a high slit to mimic a mermaid tail. Bonus points if it’s covered in sequins!
For shoes, clear or glittery heels give that “walking on water” effect.
Accessories are key here – think seashell bras, starfish hair clips, and lots of pearly jewelry.
Don’t forget some glittery body paint or stick-on scales for that extra aquatic touch.
This look is perfect for beach-themed shows, pool parties, or anytime you want to feel like the catch of the day. Just be careful around seafood restaurants – you might end up on the menu!
7. The Circus Cutie
Step right up and see the greatest show on earth:
Start with a red and white striped corset or leotard. We’re going full circus tent here.
Add some high-waisted shorts or a tutu in a complementary color.
Layer on some fishnet or striped stockings.
For shoes, go for platform heels or even clown shoes if you’re feeling brave.
Accessories make the outfit – think a tiny top hat, a toy whip, and maybe even some juggling balls.
Don’t forget the dramatic clown makeup – but make it sexy!
This outfit is perfect for carnival-themed shows, circus parties, or just clowning around in your bedroom. Warning: may attract actual clowns. Proceed with caution.
8. The Femme Fatale
Let’s channel our inner film noir vixen:
Start with a sleek, black slip dress or a long, slinky gown with a high slit.
Layer on a black lace robe or kimono for that “just rolled out of bed but still fabulous” look.
For shoes, classic black stilettos are a must.
Accessories should be minimal but impactful – think a long cigarette holder, a string of pearls, and maybe a fake gun in a thigh holster.
The hair and makeup make this look – think Victory rolls and a bold red lip.
This outfit is perfect for detective-themed shows, film noir parties, or just feeling like you could seduce and destroy a man with a single glance. Use your powers wisely, darling.
9. The Saloon Girl
Let’s head to the Wild West:
Start with a corset in a rich color like burgundy or emerald green.
Add a high-low skirt or a bustle skirt for that classic saloon girl silhouette.
Layer on some fishnet stockings and a garter belt.
For shoes, cowboy boots with a heel keep things authentic.
Accessories are key – think a feather boa, a toy pistol, and maybe even a deck of cards.
Don’t forget the classic saloon girl hairstyle – big, bouncy curls piled high on your head.
This outfit is perfect for Western-themed shows, country bars, or just feeling like the sassiest gal in the old West. Yeehaw, partner!
10. The Burlesque Ballerina
Let’s pirouette into this one:
Start with a corset-style leotard. Pink is classic, but any pastel color works.
Add a short, fluffy tutu. The poofier, the better!
Layer on some ballet tights or thigh-high stockings.
For shoes, you could go with ballet slippers, but why not spice it up with some “toe-shoe” inspired heels?
Accessories like a tiara, a ballet wrap sweater, and maybe even some fairy wings add whimsy.
Don’t forget the classic ballet bun – but maybe add some glitter hairspray for extra sparkle.
This outfit is perfect for dance-themed shows, ballerina parties, or just pirouetting around your living room. Warning: may cause spontaneous grand jetés.
11. The Gothic Goddess
Let’s embrace our dark side:
Start with a black corset. Lace, leather, or velvet all work great.
Add a long, flowing skirt with a high slit or some high-waisted shorts.
Layer on some ripped fishnet stockings for that extra edge.
For shoes, platform boots or spiky heels keep things dark and dangerous.
Accessories should be dramatic – think a spiked collar, long black gloves, and maybe even some fake vampire fangs.
The makeup is crucial here – think dark smoky eyes, black lipstick, and maybe even some fake blood for effect.
This outfit is perfect for Halloween shows, goth clubs, or just feeling like the mistress of the night. Warning: may attract actual vampires. Keep garlic handy.
12. The Retro Space Babe
Let’s blast off to a galaxy far, far away:
Start with a metallic bodysuit or mini dress. Silver or gold are classic space age colors.
Add some shiny, high-waisted hot pants for that 60s sci-fi vibe.
Layer on some metallic or sheer stockings.
For shoes, go for metallic go-go boots or clear platform heels.
Accessories make the outfit – think a space helmet, ray gun, and maybe even some alien antennas.
Don’t forget the makeup – think bold, graphic eyeliner and maybe even some stick-on face jewels.
This outfit is perfect for sci-fi themed shows, space parties, or just feeling like the sexiest alien in the universe. Beam me up, hottie!
13. The Burlesque Pirate
Ahoy, sexy mateys!
Start with a striped or solid corset. Red, black, or white all work great for a pirate theme.
Add some high-waisted shorts or a short, tattered skirt.
Layer on some striped stockings or fishnet thigh-highs.
For shoes, go for boots with buckles or strappy sandals.
Accessories are key – think an eye patch, a toy parrot, and lots of chunky gold jewelry.
Don’t forget the classic pirate hat and maybe even a toy sword.
This outfit is perfect for nautical-themed shows, pirate parties, or just feeling like the sexiest swashbuckler on the seven seas. Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!
14. The Fairy Tale Fantasy
Let’s live happily ever after:
Start with a corset in a pastel color. Think Cinderella blue or Snow White red.
Add a short, poofy skirt or tutu for that fairy tale princess vibe.
Layer on some lace-topped stockings or glittery tights.
For shoes, “glass slipper” inspired clear heels or sparkly pumps work great.
Accessories should be whimsical – think a tiara, a magic wand, and maybe even some fairy wings.
Don’t forget the glitter! Lots of body glitter and shimmery makeup complete the look.
This outfit is perfect for fantasy-themed shows, costume parties, or just feeling like the fairy tale princess you’ve always wanted to be. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo, baby!
15. The Burlesque Ringmaster
Let’s wrap up our circus with a bang:
Start with a red tailcoat or cropped jacket. Bonus points for gold trim!
Pair it with high-waisted shorts or a leotard.
Add some fishnet stockings or thigh-high boots.
Don’t forget the classic ringmaster top hat!
Accessories like a toy whip, white gloves, and maybe even a fake mustache add to the theme.
This outfit is perfect for circus-themed shows, carnival parties, or just feeling like the boss of your own personal three-ring circus.
And there you have it, my burlesque beauties! Fifteen fabulous ways to embrace your inner showgirl. Remember, these are just guidelines – the most important thing in burlesque is to wear what makes you feel confident, sexy, and empowered.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideas, add your own personal flair, or completely ignore everything I just said and do your own thing. Burlesque is all about self-expression, after all!
The beauty of burlesque is that it celebrates all body types, ages, and styles. It’s about feeling sexy in your own skin and owning your sexuality. Whether you’re performing on stage or just playing dress-up in your bedroom, these outfits are sure to make you feel like a total bombshell.
Remember, confidence is your sexiest accessory. So whatever outfit you choose, wear it with pride and a big, saucy wink. You’ve got this, you sexy thing!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some rhinestones to glue on… well, everywhere. A girl can never be too sparkly, right? Happy shimmying, everyone!
