Sexy costumes

The first instinct should be to read the list of included pieces, not to look at the photo. A costume advertised as three pieces might mean the dress, the headpiece and a pair of gloves, without the stockings, accessories or shoes shown in the image. The written description is what counts; the rest is staging.

Material quality is structurally low in this category and that makes sense: a costume gets worn for one evening, rarely ten. There’s no point paying for high-end satin. Watch out, though, for visible seams on very fitted models, which give out at the first big movement.

One size is common and works less well here than on a garter belt, because costume dresses are rarely stretchy. When the product page gives a size range, trust the bust and hip measurements in centimetres rather than the letter.

Finally, think about what’s missing: stockings, tights and shoes almost always need to be added and they’re what makes the difference between a complete outfit and an approximate costume.

Complete the look with sexy tights or sexy garter belts and see the sexy dresses if you prefer a reusable piece. The outfits range brings it all together.