How to Make a Pirate Wench Costume

Historically, piracy was never exclusively the realm of men. Female pirates like Anne Bonny and Mary Read terrorized the Spanish Main just like their male counterparts did, and the success of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films--featuring Keira Knightley and Naomi Harris as prominent female pirates--raise the profile even further. So why should the boys have all the fun at the costume party? Here's how to put together a pirate wench costume using clothes found at the local thrift store.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Skirt
• Corset (optional)
• Colored scarf
• White blouse
• Black or brown leather boots
• Hose
• Tri-corner hat
• Bandana
• Accessories (optional)
• Plastic pirate weapon (optional)

1. Choose a simple white blouse, something loose and billowy without a lot of frills for the base of your pirate wench costume. Add a corset, in an appropriately flashy color like red.

2. Decide between pants and a skirt. Pirate wenches typically wear skirts, but you can wear pants if it suits you. The pants should either be extremely tight or loose and billowy. The skirt should come up to your knees or perhaps a little higher. Black makes the best color, but you can wear a striped skirt or pants if you can find them. Make sure the color coordinates with your corset.

3. Find a good pair of boots. Calf-high black or brown leather is ideal, but you can go shorter or taller if you wish. Female pirates can be flashier than their male counterparts, so don't be afraid to add gold buckles. Panty hose--especially fishnet hose--make a great addition to the boots. If boots aren't available, wear a pair of black or brown loafers.

4. Find a good hat---ideally, a black tri-corner hat, but you can improvise by tying a bandana around your head. Bandanas should be one color if possible and match the colors of the rest of the outfit. Avoid modern designs.

5. Accessorize with spangly jewelry with a gold or silver finish. Buy an eye-patch from any costume shop. If you aren't wearing a corset, wrap a black or red scarf around your waist to act as a sash. Complete the pirate wench look with a weapon: a sword, a dagger or a flintlock pistol tucked into your sash.

Tips & Warnings

• Pirate wenches led tough lives, so don't worry if your outfit is a little scuffed. Torn skirts and rips in the hems fit in well with the look. Period clothing is generally preferable to modern clothing. If you can find a skirt or a blouse cut in a Victorian or Elizabethan style, go with them over any 20th century alternatives.

• Real weapons can be dangerous, so use safe plastic ones with your costume. They're available in most costume shops.