Making the Base Layers for My Taco Belle Cosplay Costume DIY | Ballgown Hoop Skirt

Getting Started On My Taco Belle Costume Base

I'm so excited to start working on my Taco Belle costume for the upcoming cosplay convention! As a huge Disney fan, I've always admired the beautiful golden ballgown that Belle wears in the classic film Beauty and the Beast. For my cosplay costume, I'll be putting a fun twist on her iconic look by turning her into Taco Belle!

To start, I need to make the base of the costume - the corset and hoop skirt. I don't have much experience with corsetry or sewing elaborate gowns, so this will definitely be a challenge - but a fun one!

Picking the Right Fabrics

The first step is choosing the right fabrics. For the corset, I'll need something sturdy that has structure. After doing some research online, I've decided to go with a heavy-duty polyester blend in a warm golden yellow to match Belle's dress. The hoop skirt underneath will be made out of a lighter polyester chiffon in the same shade.

Taking Measurements

Since the corset needs to fit snugly, I'll need to take very precise measurements of my waist, torso length, and hips. I'll use these measurements to draft a custom pattern just for my body type. Getting the proportions right is crucial for making the corset fully support and shape the ballgown.

Drafting the Corset Pattern

Using my measurements, I'll draft the pattern pieces for the corset - the fronts, sides, and back panels. The edges of the panels will be tabbed so boning can be inserted to provide structure. I'll also draft a lining layer to make the inside smooth and prevent the boning from poking through. Once I have my paper pattern pieces, it's time to cut them out of the fashion fabric and lining!

Sewing the Corset

Now comes the fun part - actually sewing it all together! I'll assemble the outer and lining fabrics separately, then join them together along the tops and bottoms, leaving an opening for turning right side out. After some strategic clipping, trimming, and pressing, I can flip the corset through the opening and topstitch it closed.

Next up is inserting the boning. I'll use plastic spiral steel boning for flexibility and support. The boning channels get sewn into each vertical seam, providing structure. Once it's all secured, I can add grommets and lacing to finish it off.

Creating the Hoop Skirt

The base layer is done - now for the fluffy hoop skirt to go over it! I'll cut large circular pieces from the chiffon fabric. Those get gathered and attached to a waistband that buttons or zips closed. Finally, flexible hoops made of steel or plastic go into casings around the bottom edge of each layer.

The hoops support the volume of the skirt and create that classic ballgown silhouette. By playing around with the sizes of the hoops and layers, I can create just the volume and shape I want. So excited to see it come together!

Bringing the Base Layers Together

Once I have the corset and hoop skirt finished, it's time to join them together to form the complete base. I'll wear the corset around my waist, then attach the hoop skirt to the bottom edge. Now I have the perfect tandem to create a voluminous ballgown shape.

The sturdy corset smooths and shapes my figure while cinching my waist. The hoop skirt billows out dramatically from the hips, held up by the hoops. Together, they create the recognizable bell-like silhouette of Belle's iconic gown.

Perfecting the Fit

The last step is to do some fit adjustments so the base layers fit me perfectly. I may need to take in parts of the corset, let out the hoop skirt in places, or tweak the shape of the hoops. It takes some trial and error to get it just right!

Once I have nailed down the fit, my Taco Belle costume base is complete! I'm so proud of myself for tackling such an intricate sewing project. Now I can start decorating it with the gorgeous gold overlay, tacos, and other embellishments to bring my Taco Belle cosplay vision to life!

FAQs

What fabrics should I use to make the corset?

For the corset, use a sturdy fabric with structure like a heavy-duty polyester blend. You want something that will hold its shape and support the boning channels.

What is the best boning material for a corset?

Plastic spiral steel boning is flexible and provides great support and structure. Plastic bones won't rust like metal either.

How many hoop skirts layers should I use?

The number of hoop skirt layers depends on the volume you want. Typically 3-5 layers works well. Play around with different hoop sizes and layers to get the silhouette you want.

What is the best way to get the corset and hoop skirt to fit perfectly?

Make fit adjustments like taking in the corset or letting out the hoop skirt as needed. Try on the full ensemble and tweak the shapes and sizes until you achieve the perfect fit.

Can I wear a corset by itself without a hoop skirt?

Absolutely! A corset on its own creates a lovely historical Victorian silhouette. Just pair it with a ruffled skirt for a pretty period look.