Queen Victoria Costume - Help please!

[roratone]

World Book Day: My DD6 wants to go as a character from the Ice Monster by David Walliams. The character is Queen Victoria. In the book, she is depicted in the 'traditional' get up of black dress, veil, and crown. Im at a loss as to how to make this costume. In all the depictions I've seen , the black dress has a very full skirt - possibly with a bustle?

Has anyone any ideas or pointeers on how to make this happen for my daughter. I have a size 12 short black dress of my own which, at a push I could do something with. (Its my go-to funeral outfit). I've searched on Ebay and Amazon already.

Thank you in advance!!

I would go for a black ribbon choker with a (cheap, no problem if broken) pendant and a voluminous shawl (black or pashmina). Here’s one of QV’s original dresses. Can you tack some white lace for a collar and cuffs onto your own dress? Muss up some more into a cap with tails?

It doesn't have to be a dress. If I were costuming someone as Queen Victoria, I'd probably go with a black maxi skirt with a black victorian blouse (put that into e-bay, there are lots of choices).

Find something to pad the back for the bustle. It shouldn;t be too big. Don;t pin it to your tights - to the bottom of the blouse is best.