Dragon*Con 2018: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - SUCCESS!

Preparing for turn in a prettyish kind of a little wilderness

I recently returned from another amazing Dragon*Con weekend, and wanted to actually - ACTUALLY - finish updating the blog on my costume progress from the event. Sadly, in years past I've been too exhausted/sick/lazy after the event to actually post costume updates, so (for example) you will not find any evidence of my 2016 Rey from The Force Awakens or the conclusion of my 2017 Dolores from Westworld on the blog (unless future me has retroactively added entries on them out of guilt!), but I'm hoping to start some new habits for the next year.

So. This costume. This costume turned out fabulously! While I did not look like the Elizabeth Bennet from the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies film, I definitely felt like the zombie-murdering Elizabeth Bennet of our hearts. Plus, I was recognizable enough to merit several picture requests from strangers and multiple accolades from passers-by (or expressions of alarm upon noticing the severed head they hadn't registered at first glance).

One of the highlights of my Dragon Con was actually the author Naomi Novik, who, after signing my copy of Spinning Silver, asked to take MY picture!! *extreme fangirling*

In addition to the overall look of it, the costume was mostly comfortable enough to wear all day (although I strongly recommend against trouncing in it across Centennial Park in 90 degree weather) and accomplish the usual Dragon*Con tasks of standing in line, sitting on the floor, lugging merchandise you couldn't resist buying, and eating/drinking with wild abandon (empire waists work miracles).

On top of that, I was so so so proud of the work I did to make this a durable, properly made Regency gown that I hope I can wear to many a Jane Austen event in the future. Let me break down the elements behind this look below.