How to Put Together a French Maid Outfit

For your next costume party or Halloween event, wow the crowd by showing up in a sexy, yet stylish, French maid outfit. The best part is that most, if not all, parts of the outfit can be found at your local thrift store or borrowed, which is especially important for those do-it-yourselfers on a budget. Here are several thrift-store chic ideas for putting together a French maid outfit.

Things You'll Need

• Short black skirt
• Ballerina tutu or wedding crinoline
• Black bustier or corset-style top
• Black high-heeled shoes
• Black fishnet stockings
• White lace headband or white lace scarf
• Black velvet ribbon or black velvet choker
• Black feather duster
• Needle and thread
• Bobby pins

Instructions

1. Purchase a short black skirt, preferably in a silky or velvet material. This type of garment should be easy to find at any thrift store, but if you have trouble locating a short skirt, buy a long skirt that you can hem to your desired length with just a needle and thread.

2. Purchase a short ballerina tutu or discarded wedding crinoline, which are normally located in the dress aisle of most thrift shops. Try on your black skirt over the tutu or crinoline. You want about one to two inches of the netting to peek out from under your skirt. If your tutu or crinoline is too long, you can cut it to your desired length when you get home. If you cannot locate a tutu or crinoline at the thrift store, ask a family member or friend if you can borrow one for your outfit. Just make sure to ask your friend if it is OK to alter the garment.

3. Buy a black bustier or corset-style top, preferably in a silky fabric with laces up the front. Use your imagination when looking for a top, and do not be afraid to look in the lingerie aisle.

4. Pick out a pair of high-heeled black shoes. If black character shoes are available, snatch them up. Then purchase a pair of black fishnet stockings from your local discount store.

5. Purchase a white lace headband or scarf to tie around your head. Most thrift stores carry an abundance of white lace scarves and headbands that will suit your outfit. If you use a scarf, pin the ends of the scarf to your hair so that they are not seen.

6. Tie a simple piece of black velvet ribbon around your neck, or look for a black velvet choker at the thrift shop. Chokers with gaudy brooches also look fabulous with a French maid outfit.

7. Put the finishing touch on your budget-chic French Maid outfit by purchasing an inexpensive black feather duster at your local discount store.