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The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Costumes, Corsets and dressing up
Costume creation
Anyone that has attended the Rocky Horror Picture Show before will know that dressing up is a big part of the event. While of course not mandatory, wearing a Rocky Horror show costume is something lots of people love to do. Whether you’re attending for the first time, or you’ve always wanted to dress up, we have lots of ideas to get in the spirit of the Rocky Horror Picture show…
Characters and Costumes
Dr. Frank-N-Furter
As the main character of the 1975 cult classic, Dr Frank-N-Furter is a self-proclaimed ‘sweet transvestite from transexual translyvania’. As one of the most popular characters to dress up as, Dr. Frank-N-Furter has two looks - his blood stained lab coat, and his alter ego in corsets, stockings and heels.
Generally, the more highly sought after look is the Rocky Horror Show corset style, and frankly that’s a look you can be more playful with, rather than the green lab coat. This style is known as the ‘Transylvanian Dr Frank-N-Furter’ look.
Creating the Dr. Frank-N-Furter Style: The Rocky Horror Show Corset
The starting point for this look should always be a show stopping corset. The typical Frank-N-Furter look is a black corset.
Here are some of our favourite looks:
Now that you have the base of your Rocky Horror Picture Show costume, you can build the rest of your outfit around it. Try adding a lacey pair of shorts in black, a garter belt and fishnet stockings. Heels and pearls to complete your look.
For your makeup, go for a bold blue eyeshadow and clashing red lip to take your Dr. Frank-N-Furter look to the next level.
Columbia
The character of Columbia is another great option when it comes to creating a Rocky a Horror Picture Show costume. Columbia is a groupie who is in love with Frank. She wears a number of costumes throughout the production, with the most iconic being her glitter and sequins outfit, and also her corset and stockings ensemble. Dressing as Columbia is a great choice if you still want to go all out with your Rocky Horror Picture Show costume, but want to create a more feminine look than Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
Creating the Columbia Style:
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Corset
For Columbia you have two choices - the glitter and sequin look, which you would wear a sequin top, shorts, tap shoes and blue shorts. Or the corset look, much like Dr. Frank- N-Furter but more paired back, with a corset, shorts and stockings. You could try combining both looks, with a colourful corset and high waist shorts, stockings and tap shoes. We love this corset which is our Leopard Floral Corset
Go for a colourful corset as the base of your look. Team with a pair of high waist shorts - if you can get your hands on a sequin pair all the better. Finish with stockings and a pair of tap shoes or round heeled boots with a small chunky heel.
For your Rocky Horror inspired makeup, go for a dramatic angular look with blush high on the cheeks, cat eye eyeliner in black and a red lip.
Magenta
The character of Magenta is a popular and fun choice for a Rocky Horror Picture Show costume. Magenta is a member of the household staff and like Columbia, she wears a number of costumes throughout the production. Magenta’s most well known outfit is her maid uniform and takes a simple black dress and white apron and makes it a truly iconic costume. With a plunging neckline and stockings her ensemble is sexy yet understated. Magenta’s look can easily be created and is a fantastic choice if you want to be instantly recognised as a Rocky Horror Picture Show character.
Creating the Magenta Style:
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Corset Dress
Our Black Corset Shirt Dress is a perfect base for your Magenta maid’s uniform. This little black dress has a formal collar, sheer sleeves and maximum bust support, so you will be able to Dance the Time Warp all night long! Simply add a white apron, sheer black stockings and heels to complete the look.
Magenta also dresses up for the formal dinner and her outfit in this scene is for the more adventures amongst us. A Black Underbust Corset, Black Lacy Bra, Underwear, Stockings & Suspenders are worn underneath a black sheer dress. Wearing a Black Overbust would be a great alternative, while still paying homage to Magenta.
Magenta has a really over the top, dark smokey eye, with extra long false lashes. A good rule of thumb, when you are applying both eyeshadow and eyeliner as Magenta, is when you think you have added enough…add some more! Remember to back comb your hair until it is as wide as your shoulders, this is another iconic part of the Magenta’s look and your lipstick has to be a statement red. Try going for anything high gloss to mirror the famous Rocky Horror Picture Show lips.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Costume: An Alternative
If you want to give a nod to the Rocky Horror Picture Show, without having to actually dress up as a character, we have some ideas to nail the Rocky Horror style. To embrace the spirit of Rocky Horror, all you need is a corset, a pair of skinny jeans and a bold makeup look.
Try these corsets for your Rocky Horror Picture Show costume…
Pair any of these with high waist skinny or slim fit jeans and a sequin clutch to add a touch of sparkle. For your makeup, try a black cat eye look with false lashes and a nude lip, or go for red to add extra drama.
If you need any further help finding your perfect Rocky Horror inspired corset, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We are always happy to help 😊
Blog Author - Kerry-Sue Peplow
