Burlesque outfits & fancy dress to flatter the feminine figure have become popular in recent years thanks to such stars as Dita Von Teese and the look harkens back to the epic style of the 1940s pin up model. The look is sophisticated, feminine and provocative with just a hint of sexuality. Female celebrities have embraced the old world chic of this style, which can be sported for any occasion.

In truth the look pre-dates this era, harkening back to the Victorian era, when middle class stage performers decided to upstage the upper class who derived enjoyment from opera and dance performances. In conservative society the sight of a stockinged ankle was cause for scandal, so the defiant act of appearing on stage in lingerie and stockings was a defiant act in the face of then modern society.

Burlesque outfits are most characterized by the use of such clothing items as corsetry and plenty of lace. This one item is used to define the feminine figure above all other accessories. Other staples in the savvy shoppers wardrobe include full length satin gloves, stiletto heels, preferably sporting a peep toe and naturally, seamed stockings complete with garter belt and suspenders. The modern day pencil skirt is another popular addition to completing the look.

The look is always immaculate and pristine. There are never frayed hems, creases or stains evident in a Burlesque fans wardrobe. Pencil skirts are also a popular addition to the wardrobe, often in bold pin-striping or in dramatic polka dots. Fans of this look also invest in feather boas, couture hats, tutus and hand held fans. Luxurious materials like satin, silk and cashmere are popular choices.

Aside from simply wearing provocative fancy dress outfits on stage, the early Victorian performers took the whole concept a step further. To parody the dance performances favored by the upper class socialite, the Burlesque performers took to developing a striptease as part of their dance routine on stage.

To a society scandalized by a glimpse of stocking, you can well imagine the impact that lingerie and sexy seamed stockings must have had on the audience of the day. Due to the popularity of pantyhose the stocking manufacturers did away with the large, complicated machinery traditionally used for stocking manufacture.

This led to the stocking manufacturers destroying the unwieldy machinery originally used for stocking manufacture, meaning that the exact art of seamed stocking making was lost. Popular demand has led to a reintroduction of seamed stockings but there are many die hard fans who seek out original vintage items only.

Outfits are specifically tailored to enhance the feminine figure, accentuating curves and drawing attention to the slender cinched in waist and curvaceous bust line. Bullet bras, garter belts, suspenders and classic hats are all must have accessories to portray the look correctly. Bold color and patterns are often intermixed for a dramatic effect.

Today the popularity of fancy dress theme parties that utilize Burlesque outfits & fancy dress items to celebrate memorable events is definitely on the increase. Every era has had a slight influence upon the look, but none more so than the pin up models of the 1950s who left an indelible stamp upon this style of dress.

Learn more about the history of burlesque lingerie now in our review of all you should know about how and where to get exquisite adult fancy dress costumes .

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