Dear Costume Goddess,

I am a size 2 petite, with a long torso, rectangular shape, flat chest, and small waist. I am 5'1" and weigh 95 pounds. What kind of costume would give me length, some chest, and some curves? I have a light orange coin belt and matching scarf.

What type of costume would enhance slinkiness? My basic body shape is too far from "hourglass" to even try to fake it! My dance style is light, sporty, and fun, not at all classic, dramatic, or exotic. Thank you!

--Make Me Slinky From Skinny

Dear Skinny,

This is an interesting psychological challenge. The first paragraph of your question implies that you'd like to be curvier. The second paragraph says it loud: flat and proud.

Multiple personality? I can suggest options for each attitude. In either case, I'm sure you take pleasure in your lithe, snakey little body. At five feet and 95 pounds, you're probably not underweight but small-boned and lean. A lot of dancers would trade places with you any day! If you feel the desire to pump up a little (I said a little!) refer back to my column about bra padding. Make sure your bra has plenty of fringe or coins and sparkles too. Extra veils tucked into and draped around your belt will round out your small hips. A full circle skirt will do the same.

If you'd rather play up your natural slimness instead of going for mini-voluptuous, you could forgo (uncomfortable) padding and wear the tiniest little bra you can find, maybe in a metal mesh or metallic crochet that someone with bazooms wouldn't dare look at. Drape some chains and coins on this, and add plenty of snake armbands and rings. If your nipples show through, camouflage them with flesh-colored tape. Wear a shiny sheath skirt with slits up the side. If you really want to feel like Tondelayo the Desert Princess, forego underpants... okay, maybe just a thong... If this is still too "exotic" for you, maybe you'd prefer a stretchy midriff top, backless choli, or peasant blouse decorated with coins or beads along the edge, and moderately full harem pants, as illustrated. Now you're the simple village girl who happens to be a hot little dancer.

--The Costume Goddess

Other articles on this web site that you may find helpful include:

Ask The Costume Goddess: Small Hips. Some suggestions to flatter your narrow hips. Ask The Costume Goddess: Hip Drape. How to make a hip drape like the one pictured in the first diagram above, for dancers who would like to use costuming to create the illusion of being curvier.

Ask The Costume Goddess: Creating Cleavage. Ways to make the most of your assets on top. Making A Circle Skirt. Shira explains how to make a circle skirt like the one pictured in the first diagram above.

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