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Gathered Organza Overskirt: The Pauper Dress

 

The overskirt plays a vital role in pulling all the skirt layers together and bringing forward the Barbie magic this costume needed. Made from sparkly pink organza, I gathered three yards of fabric down to my waist measurement and finished it with my custom waistband—the same adjustable waistband used across all the skirts in this project to ensure a perfect fit every time.

organza overskirt front tied
organza overskirt left back side
organza overskirt front waistband
organza overskirt front
organza overskirt back waistband
organza overskirt left side

Skirts Over Corsets

All those skirt layers mean a lot of fabric, and that much fabric can get heavy fast. Historically, this weight was supported by a corset or a pair of stays, which helped spread the pressure across the torso instead of 

letting it rest uncomfortably on the waist. I kept that same logic in mind while building this costume, mirroring the traditional layering methods a historical gown like this would have relied on in its era.