Masks. Costumes. Giveaways. Throw in a dance performance, drink deals and a fantastic location and you get Her Campus’s Burlesque Night! What better excuse to get dressed up and have fun than charity?
This year ALL the proceeds are going to She’s The First, a not-for-profit organization that sponsors the education of girls in developing countries. This means you have the chance to enjoy yourself before midterm season truly begins and gain good karma!
The two biggest questions you probably have, besides when and where this event is happening, are: what is burlesque and what should I wear?
Burlesque is a form of entertainment that was meant to poke fun at society, plays and operas of the time with its exaggerated and extravagant nature. It was very popular in the 1840s through to the 1960s and most performances featured musical numbers as well as comedy. Burlesque also gained a reputation for being overly sexual, especially its stripteases, however burlesque is all about embracing your body and your sexuality. It was prominent in a time period where it was believed women’s bodies should be covered up, so burlesque was fun and somewhat empowering to those who defied the societal rules preventing them from doing just that.
This does not mean your outfit has to be racy. Show as much or as little skin as you feel comfortable with (within reason – please no nudity). That being said, here are a few outfit ideas ranging from casual costumes to full on burlesque:
1. 1920s Flapper
This outfit choice does not show too much skin and is completely in line with the theme. Think Great Gatsby: fringe, boas, feathers, long pearl necklaces and the like. For the guys, this means dapper suits like those of Leo DiCaprio.
2. Cabaret
Another option is cabaret chic. This involves black with a hint of color, gold or red, as far as color themes go. Wear a halter-top or a vest, shorts, knee/thigh-high stockings or tights. Don’t forget the hat – preferably a bowler or a fedora.
3. Full-on Burlesque
Bring out the bustiers and put on those fishnets. Burlesque is all things form fitting and accentuating. This is where Victoria’s Secret, La Vie en Rose and La Senza come into play. Experiment with colors and levels of sexiness by wearing a bustier with jeans rather than a bustier and shorts or a skirt.
Remember you can wear one of the three or go for any variation you want because it’s your outfit.
Burlesque Night will be on February 20, 2015 at Karina Lounge on Crescent St. Tickets are $10 before the 20th and $15 on the day of the event. Expect a fun night of dancing, mingling and opportunities to win prizes such as a $100 Aritzia gift card.
See you there!
Sources:
http://www.musicals101.com/burlesque.htm
Images obtained from:
http://cdni.condenast.co.uk/1920×1280/s_v/the-great-gatsby-vogue-4-17apr13-pr-b.jpg
http://www.cinema.indiana.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/cabaret1.jpg
http://www.classycouture.com.au/images/fuchsia%20burlesque%20costume-w.jpg
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lgg8njKARg1qbag56.gif
http://img2-2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/100818/FMP/BURLESQUE_400.jpg