Need to look like Wonder Woman, but not costumey
January 27, 2018 6:56 PM
I'm planning festivities for my love interest's birthday. He is a huge Wonder Woman nerd (all the comics, tv show, movie--everything). I'm trying to put together an outfit that is definitely Wonder Woman-inspired but isn't a costume. It should have sex appeal but still be suitable for a night of nice dinner, watching roller derby, and hanging at a craft cocktail speakeasy. More details await!
I am 5'4" and plus size (20-22). My hair is long, red, and curly, and I wear glasses.
I don't have a lot of good shopping options here, so I'm looking for things I can buy online that will arrive within a week.
Love Interest has let on that he enjoys looking at women in corsets, so I've ordered this. Clothing wise, I still need some sort of bottom, and I'd also like to have a top I can wear over the bustier before making the reveal/when at dinner. I prefer skirts to pants (though pants are okay). I've been trying to find a plus-size blue skirt with stars, but no luck. I have no thoughts so far about what kind of top I'd like--maybe something evocative of her cape?
Shoes are tricky. I have severe plantar fasciitis, so I'm generally limited to running shoes with orthopedic inserts. I quickly get severe pain when wearing shoes that don't offer as much support. I can try putting my inserts in other shoes, but I prefer to minimize my chances of pain. I wear a 7.5 US if that is relevant.
I'm open as far as accessories go, though I'd rather not wear a tiara. (Definitely open to hair accessories and such, just no tiara.) Tights/leggings are fine. It'd be fun to wear bracelets that are evocative of Wonder Woman's cuffs, but I don't just want to buy ones that are part of a costume. Finally, I cannot overstate how much of a Wonder Woman nerd Love Interest is--if you know of an obscure accessory or garment I can incorporate, he will almost certainly get and appreciate the reference.
Finally, I don't want to blow all my money looking like Wonder Woman. (Except of course I do.) I am happy to buy secondhand, and I don't need these items to stand up to lots of wearings.
I appreciate any links or other suggestions folks have. I'm very much looking forward to experiencing Love Interest watching roller derby with Wonder Woman.
I am 5'4" and plus size (20-22). My hair is long, red, and curly, and I wear glasses.
I don't have a lot of good shopping options here, so I'm looking for things I can buy online that will arrive within a week.
Love Interest has let on that he enjoys looking at women in corsets, so I've ordered this. Clothing wise, I still need some sort of bottom, and I'd also like to have a top I can wear over the bustier before making the reveal/when at dinner. I prefer skirts to pants (though pants are okay). I've been trying to find a plus-size blue skirt with stars, but no luck. I have no thoughts so far about what kind of top I'd like--maybe something evocative of her cape?
Shoes are tricky. I have severe plantar fasciitis, so I'm generally limited to running shoes with orthopedic inserts. I quickly get severe pain when wearing shoes that don't offer as much support. I can try putting my inserts in other shoes, but I prefer to minimize my chances of pain. I wear a 7.5 US if that is relevant.
I'm open as far as accessories go, though I'd rather not wear a tiara. (Definitely open to hair accessories and such, just no tiara.) Tights/leggings are fine. It'd be fun to wear bracelets that are evocative of Wonder Woman's cuffs, but I don't just want to buy ones that are part of a costume. Finally, I cannot overstate how much of a Wonder Woman nerd Love Interest is--if you know of an obscure accessory or garment I can incorporate, he will almost certainly get and appreciate the reference.
Finally, I don't want to blow all my money looking like Wonder Woman. (Except of course I do.) I am happy to buy secondhand, and I don't need these items to stand up to lots of wearings.
I appreciate any links or other suggestions folks have. I'm very much looking forward to experiencing Love Interest watching roller derby with Wonder Woman.
Hot Topic has a lot of Wonder Woman related accessories and even a dress. Some are costumey, but some are just really cute like necklaces and earings. Have fun!!
posted by ilovewinter at 7:07 PM on January 27, 2018
posted by ilovewinter at 7:07 PM on January 27, 2018
Have you checked out 'Her Universe?' and Think Geek? YMMV as to how costumey some of it is. But I think some of the Jackets and sneakers are pretty cool looking.
posted by Caravantea at 7:08 PM on January 27, 2018
posted by Caravantea at 7:08 PM on January 27, 2018
If you get a blue skirt and some white stairs, you could use garment tape to attach the stars to your skirt. I'd probably try to find fabric stars but lots of things could work. A few - large neough to be visible - scattered above the hemline would be enough to give the idea.
posted by bunderful at 7:10 PM on January 27, 2018
posted by bunderful at 7:10 PM on January 27, 2018
I think just a blue pencil skirt would look great with that bustier. Wear some gold toned shoes and a red top. Be evocative of Wonder Woman and not a close copy. Maybe add a couple of gold toned leather bracelets?
I have PF too and it’s ruined shoes for me with the exception of Birkenstocks and Vionic shoes. I know Birki makes/made a gladiator sandal in gold because I have it (soooo awesome!).
posted by PorcineWithMe at 7:16 PM on January 27, 2018
I have PF too and it’s ruined shoes for me with the exception of Birkenstocks and Vionic shoes. I know Birki makes/made a gladiator sandal in gold because I have it (soooo awesome!).
posted by PorcineWithMe at 7:16 PM on January 27, 2018
I think it's really sweet that you're doing this for him! Maybe some thick gold bangles to evoke the bracelets, or some faux gold rope bracelets to evoke the Lasso of Truth? A plain blue skirt would probably be plenty, with such a bold corset, but if you wanna go for a big look this floofy blue skirt with white stars could be super cute. Any kind of nice red coat would do, but something with a little gold would more closely evoke the WW cape. Etsy has lots of WW-themed stuff for women that's more classy than what you'd find at Party City, including this leather jacket themed after her armor.
posted by Ursula Hitler at 8:00 PM on January 27, 2018
posted by Ursula Hitler at 8:00 PM on January 27, 2018
Have you ever seen the Lynda Carter WW TV series? As Diana Prince, she wears a lot of business suits/separates and oversized square-framed '70s glasses from the start of the second season*. Her hair is usually up, in a bun or pony tail, and she wears hoop earrings. (Fascinating to me as a kid, how she'd spin into her costume and the hoops would become red buttons!) You could be 'undercover' as WW's alias until the corset reveal, and you may already have workable items in your wardrobe (skirt, button-up blouse or scoop-neck "peasant" shirt, trench coat... check pinterest or google images for DPrince constuming screencaps) -- particularly the comfortable shoes.
*First season is set in WWII, and she's often in military uniform, but if you've got retro '40s-tinged duds already that might work, too. Season 1's eyeglasses have round frames. (Here's how one Diana Prince cosplayer did it, with a uniform.)
posted by Iris Gambol at 8:50 PM on January 27, 2018
*First season is set in WWII, and she's often in military uniform, but if you've got retro '40s-tinged duds already that might work, too. Season 1's eyeglasses have round frames. (Here's how one Diana Prince cosplayer did it, with a uniform.)
posted by Iris Gambol at 8:50 PM on January 27, 2018
Fun!
It's hard to beat a red dress. What about this one from Macy's? It even has a gold accented belt.
If you're comfortable with leggings, wear blue leggings (or jeggings) under the dress, which will also tone down its fanciness to be more appropriate for roller derby. Or you could wear some shorts underneath and pop on some iron-on star patches. Also potentially ridiculously sexy - some temporary star tattoos on your upper thighs. :)
For shoes I see this as the perfect excuse to acquire a pair of comfy kickass red boots. I've coveted these tall Miz Mooz button ups for... too long (and they come in wide calf sizes too) and there's always the butt-kicking classic Doc Martens, which you could lace up with gold laces. When DC does silly wild west AU stuff Wondy generally shows up in a pair of red cowboy boots which, depending on where you are, you might be able to easily find a broken-in pair or borrow some from a friend.
Express has some affordable gold cuff bracelets, you could go very sleek or more textured.
posted by Mizu at 10:19 PM on January 27, 2018
It's hard to beat a red dress. What about this one from Macy's? It even has a gold accented belt.
If you're comfortable with leggings, wear blue leggings (or jeggings) under the dress, which will also tone down its fanciness to be more appropriate for roller derby. Or you could wear some shorts underneath and pop on some iron-on star patches. Also potentially ridiculously sexy - some temporary star tattoos on your upper thighs. :)
For shoes I see this as the perfect excuse to acquire a pair of comfy kickass red boots. I've coveted these tall Miz Mooz button ups for... too long (and they come in wide calf sizes too) and there's always the butt-kicking classic Doc Martens, which you could lace up with gold laces. When DC does silly wild west AU stuff Wondy generally shows up in a pair of red cowboy boots which, depending on where you are, you might be able to easily find a broken-in pair or borrow some from a friend.
Express has some affordable gold cuff bracelets, you could go very sleek or more textured.
posted by Mizu at 10:19 PM on January 27, 2018
Do you knit, or could you commission someone to knit this Wonder Woman wrap?
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 11:27 PM on January 27, 2018
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 11:27 PM on January 27, 2018
I just got these Wonder Woman Ladies' Lace-Up Sneakers from ThinkGeek for Christmas.
I also have PF, and use orthotics.
These shoes are surprisingly sturdy and well-made, and had just enough room for my orthotics. I wore them for the first time all day this past Friday (including an evening out walking city streets), and experienced no unusual pain.
They do run very small. The first pair I received was ordered per their sizing instructions, and had to be exchanged for the next size up. They're a tad narrower than the athletic shoes I typically wear, but not painfully so.
And also seconding the idea above of dressing outwardly as Diane Prince, and staging a WW reveal later. ;-)
posted by SuperSquirrel at 4:38 AM on January 28, 2018
I also have PF, and use orthotics.
These shoes are surprisingly sturdy and well-made, and had just enough room for my orthotics. I wore them for the first time all day this past Friday (including an evening out walking city streets), and experienced no unusual pain.
They do run very small. The first pair I received was ordered per their sizing instructions, and had to be exchanged for the next size up. They're a tad narrower than the athletic shoes I typically wear, but not painfully so.
And also seconding the idea above of dressing outwardly as Diane Prince, and staging a WW reveal later. ;-)
posted by SuperSquirrel at 4:38 AM on January 28, 2018
Here’s a blue skirt with stars that comes in plus sizes. It is maxi length but would be super easy to cut and hem if you’d like a shorter skirt. If you don’t sew, hem tape is super easy to use.
posted by Waiting for Pierce Inverarity at 5:54 AM on January 28, 2018
posted by Waiting for Pierce Inverarity at 5:54 AM on January 28, 2018
Maybe someone else has better google search terms but this is the style I was originally thinking of. https://www.google.com/search?q=stylized+ariel+outfit+fashion+everyday+wear&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS738US738&oq=sty&aqs=chrome.1.69i59l2j69i61j69i59j69i65l2.2915j0j7&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#imgrc=DxNVDxoGZlcnTM:
Perhaps a bold blue pencil skirts, red shirt, gold belt, head band and cuff bracelets would give the feel without being costumey
posted by raccoon409 at 6:30 AM on January 28, 2018
Perhaps a bold blue pencil skirts, red shirt, gold belt, head band and cuff bracelets would give the feel without being costumey
posted by raccoon409 at 6:30 AM on January 28, 2018
I think it's be really cute paired with a blue pencil skirt as mentioned above, and a gold moto jacket.
posted by drlith at 6:43 AM on January 28, 2018
posted by drlith at 6:43 AM on January 28, 2018
For shoes, I have similar feet problems, and pretty much exclusively wear running shoes with my orthopedic insert, but the one other shoe I'm able to wear for a sustained period of time without a lot of pain is my Gizeh sandals from Birkenstock (mentioned already above). They come in a bunch of different colors, and I really like the comfy but supportive footbed. It doesn't provide quite as much stability as a running shoe, but it's the closest I've found. (In the winter I also sometimes shove my insert into doc marten boots but I find the birkenstock's more comfy).
The only downside is that Birkenstock's aren't cheap, although you might be able to find them on sale. But maybe it's worth splurging on this if you end up finding them comfortable to wear on other occasions. They last forever.
posted by litera scripta manet at 8:23 AM on January 28, 2018
The only downside is that Birkenstock's aren't cheap, although you might be able to find them on sale. But maybe it's worth splurging on this if you end up finding them comfortable to wear on other occasions. They last forever.
posted by litera scripta manet at 8:23 AM on January 28, 2018
Cosplayers do this kind of thing sometimes, if you search "disneybound" or "everyday cosplay" with Wonder Woman, a bunch of things pop up. I see a lot of star earrings, and metallic or ropey belts, which seem like nice un-costumey touches that make the reference clear.
posted by tchemgrrl at 8:55 AM on January 28, 2018
posted by tchemgrrl at 8:55 AM on January 28, 2018
These star boots might be OK. And they’re low heeled.
Also, please buy that gold moto jacket. It’s not my size, but it’s amazing.
posted by crankyrogalsky at 8:57 AM on January 28, 2018
Also, please buy that gold moto jacket. It’s not my size, but it’s amazing.
posted by crankyrogalsky at 8:57 AM on January 28, 2018
A pair of gold Chucks would be cute and comfy. Red would be good too.
I hope you post an update once you have your outfit pulled together. I would love to see how it turns out!
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 9:28 AM on January 28, 2018
I hope you post an update once you have your outfit pulled together. I would love to see how it turns out!
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 9:28 AM on January 28, 2018
Here is a piece of hair jewelry that evokes the feel of WW's headband without being over-the-top costume-y. It says "bridal" in the description but being plain gold, it won't read as "bride" when worn with the sort of outfit you are pulling together.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 9:44 AM on January 28, 2018
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 9:44 AM on January 28, 2018
I went on a geek-themed cruise last year and there were many subtly Wonder Woman-y outfits throughout the week!
Some were clearly off-the-shelf like this one from Torrid and this one from Her Universe (both sadly sold out but sharing for potential inspiration). Others just referenced WW's look with varying degrees of subtlety, with blue skirts or pants, a red top, and gold and/or star accents.
Since you've got the corset covered, maybe a solid red shrug or bolero to go over it? Or a red satin wrap? If you want more coverage, I could see this red wrap top from Lane Bryant working nicely over the corset, along with a blue bottom of some sort. What about these blue pants? Or this denim skirt, if that's not too subtle?
If you still have time to order something online, even if you have to go more subtle for your public-facing clothes, maybe you might want something like this for a surprise later in the evening? ;)
posted by rhiannonstone at 12:02 PM on January 28, 2018
Some were clearly off-the-shelf like this one from Torrid and this one from Her Universe (both sadly sold out but sharing for potential inspiration). Others just referenced WW's look with varying degrees of subtlety, with blue skirts or pants, a red top, and gold and/or star accents.
Since you've got the corset covered, maybe a solid red shrug or bolero to go over it? Or a red satin wrap? If you want more coverage, I could see this red wrap top from Lane Bryant working nicely over the corset, along with a blue bottom of some sort. What about these blue pants? Or this denim skirt, if that's not too subtle?
If you still have time to order something online, even if you have to go more subtle for your public-facing clothes, maybe you might want something like this for a surprise later in the evening? ;)
posted by rhiannonstone at 12:02 PM on January 28, 2018
I recommend this purse. It's overtly Wonder Woman, yes, and it's a bit on the small side (although I can fit my wallet, phone, keys & a lipstick in it) and it feels much more "designer" than the price would indicate. I don't use it every day but I love it when I do use it (and people also compliment me on it).
I like others' recommendations of a blue pencil skirt and large gold bangles. I think a red cardigan would look great (or that gold moto jacket). I think Chuck Taylor style shoes would be just fine with this outfit, in the appropriate color.
I was having no luck finding star-print tights in plus sizes that would get to you in time (and we're also kind of at the end of tight season anyway), but there are some star-print leggings that would probably work out OK. At the very least, I think going with colored (red, maybe?) tights or fishnets would be great, or gold metallic tights.
Good luck!
posted by darksong at 6:16 PM on January 28, 2018
I like others' recommendations of a blue pencil skirt and large gold bangles. I think a red cardigan would look great (or that gold moto jacket). I think Chuck Taylor style shoes would be just fine with this outfit, in the appropriate color.
I was having no luck finding star-print tights in plus sizes that would get to you in time (and we're also kind of at the end of tight season anyway), but there are some star-print leggings that would probably work out OK. At the very least, I think going with colored (red, maybe?) tights or fishnets would be great, or gold metallic tights.
Good luck!
posted by darksong at 6:16 PM on January 28, 2018
agreed that a good term to google for inspiration is "closet cosplay" or "everyday cosplay." You want to evoke WW but not be too over the top. It's the kind of thing that another fan will recognize but most people won't.
In general, for WW you want blue bottom (with or without stars, the old costumes have stars and the newer ones don't), red top, gold accents. Older costumes are brighter while the newer ones are more subdued.
You don't mention whether you're planning to wear the corset top as a "lingerie" piece or as a top.
Here are my suggestions, ranging in level of formality.
Could wear it to work or a nice restaurant: navy blue skirt and dark cool red blouse in muted tones, dull/matte finish gold bracelets, red or matte gold flats if you can find some that work with your insoles, possibly a rope-style gold belt or gold rope chain, possibly star-shaped earrings, possibly a gold headband or hair clip, possibly with a star on it.
More casual but should still pass for "normal clothes:" Blue skirt (I'd do knee-length full or A-line), corset, red cardigan (like you'd wear as part of a twinset) over corset worn closed until "reveal," gold bracelets, possibly a gold belt over the cardi at waist. Gold jewelry, with stars if you have or can find any. Plain gold headband. could be worn with the flats, above, or the chucks, below. Also consider wearing a red cami under the corset for more optional coverage.
Very casual: Blue or gold or red leggings, blue short full skirt, your corset, red leather cropped jacket with sleeves pushed up, gold bracelets, chuck taylors in a bigger size to fit your insoles in a suitable color: blue with stars, gold, red, or the actual WW print ones. Blue shoelaces with stars, possibly, especially if you're going with a solid color shoe. Gold headband with a red star in the middle or a gold and red barrette/hairpin type thing. Possibly gold rope belt or do one gold cuff bracelet and one gold rope chain one. You'll want a necklace to fill the décolletage; Alex and Ani has some nice enamel WW logo ones, or you could do a nice-size goldtone rope chain with or without a star pendant.
ETA: the main difference between a WW closet cosplay and a Captain America one is that WW has the gold accent color and Cap has stripes. They both have stars and red and blue design elements. So some stuff that's meant for Cap may also work for WW if you add in some gold accessories. Just a potential avenue to explore. (In general, red and white stripes and white star = Cap, red star and gold accessories, no stripe = WW).
posted by oblique red at 3:36 PM on January 30, 2018
In general, for WW you want blue bottom (with or without stars, the old costumes have stars and the newer ones don't), red top, gold accents. Older costumes are brighter while the newer ones are more subdued.
You don't mention whether you're planning to wear the corset top as a "lingerie" piece or as a top.
Here are my suggestions, ranging in level of formality.
Could wear it to work or a nice restaurant: navy blue skirt and dark cool red blouse in muted tones, dull/matte finish gold bracelets, red or matte gold flats if you can find some that work with your insoles, possibly a rope-style gold belt or gold rope chain, possibly star-shaped earrings, possibly a gold headband or hair clip, possibly with a star on it.
More casual but should still pass for "normal clothes:" Blue skirt (I'd do knee-length full or A-line), corset, red cardigan (like you'd wear as part of a twinset) over corset worn closed until "reveal," gold bracelets, possibly a gold belt over the cardi at waist. Gold jewelry, with stars if you have or can find any. Plain gold headband. could be worn with the flats, above, or the chucks, below. Also consider wearing a red cami under the corset for more optional coverage.
Very casual: Blue or gold or red leggings, blue short full skirt, your corset, red leather cropped jacket with sleeves pushed up, gold bracelets, chuck taylors in a bigger size to fit your insoles in a suitable color: blue with stars, gold, red, or the actual WW print ones. Blue shoelaces with stars, possibly, especially if you're going with a solid color shoe. Gold headband with a red star in the middle or a gold and red barrette/hairpin type thing. Possibly gold rope belt or do one gold cuff bracelet and one gold rope chain one. You'll want a necklace to fill the décolletage; Alex and Ani has some nice enamel WW logo ones, or you could do a nice-size goldtone rope chain with or without a star pendant.
ETA: the main difference between a WW closet cosplay and a Captain America one is that WW has the gold accent color and Cap has stripes. They both have stars and red and blue design elements. So some stuff that's meant for Cap may also work for WW if you add in some gold accessories. Just a potential avenue to explore. (In general, red and white stripes and white star = Cap, red star and gold accessories, no stripe = WW).
posted by oblique red at 3:36 PM on January 30, 2018
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by sardonyx at 7:06 PM on January 27, 2018