Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 3

I love costuming Claire from Outlander.  But in Houston (and Atlanta) it’s way too hot to survive in all those layers of wool, knit, crochet, and multiple 18th century undergarments.  So when the Entertainment Weekly promotional stills came out just before season 3 started, I jumped at the opportunity to duplicate the look for warmer weather.  Even though the episode with this particular look has yet to air, here’s my take on season 3 “ship” Claire.

 

 

This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, Red Shoes. Red Wine. will earn a small commission for the referral at no cost to you.  Read more about affiliates & disclaimers here.  We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

 

 

The most distinctive garment that Claire wears in this image/episode(s) is the grey-blue petticoat.  I found a lovely ultra-light denim that looked very close to the color in the image, which is blissfully thin (minimizing heat).  I made this petticoat the same as my 18th century petticoats, but I made sure to duplicate the pleats as best as I could copy from the promo still.  I did widen the waistband to accommodate the belt and I added belt loops using scraps from hemming.  I *think* I did okay!

 

 

An important accessory is the large leather belt, which is wider and longer than anything in my (or my husband’s) closet.  So I found one on Amazon that would suffice (Men’s Full Grain Leather Casual Jean Belt 1-1/2″ (38mm) Brass Buckle (Brown, 42)).  For your reference, I have a 30″ waist and ordered a 42″ belt.

 

 

The shirt was another Amazon find: (Corgy Women Handsome 3/4 Sleeve Turn-down Collar High Low Hem Solid Button Down Shirt Blouse).  It’s 3/4 length sleeves, which rolls up nice and comfortably.  If I end up making the complete season 3 outfit with the riding habit and waistcoat, I may need to purchase a different shirt with full length sleeves.

 

 

I’m considering a custom belt made by a friend in the Outlander/Highland Inspired Costume Facebook group that I’m in since it’s only slightly more than what I paid on Amazon and includes “Je Suis Prest” engraved in the leather.  Maybe my husband will order it for me for Christmas (looking at you, Jerome).  If you’re wanting a custom belt rather than off the rack on Amazon, you can find the listing and the leather crafter here.  Kristen is brilliant.

 

 

I wore this costume to Texas Renaissance Festival during their pirate themed weekend (get it?) and it was, in fact, stupid hot that day.  So I started out with good intentions and hair down, then threw those annoying curls up in a bun shortly after we made it through the gate.  I tried, I really did.  Here are a few unpolished and unposed photos showing the side slits, back pleats, side pleats, and belt loops of the petticoat.

 

 

I also opted to not wear 18th century stays that day.  Please don’t judge me for not being a proper lady!

 

 

One accessory not included in the promotional still that I really wanted to wear was a pair of heather teardrop earrings that I bought in Scotland two years ago while on a British Isles cruise.  How could I not?

 

 

And finally, I opted for cool Texas white wine from Messina Hof that day…because there’s no way I was chancing red wine around my new Claire costume!

 

 

For those of you who have seen season 3…should I make the rest of the costume??

 

Outlander inspired costumes also on the blog:

Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 2 (& the Red Shoes)

Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 1 (Additions)

Outlander Inspired Druid Lanterns (DIY)

Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 3

Costuming Outlander Inspired “Cross Creek” Claire

Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 1 (c. 1945)

Costuming Captain Black Jack Randall from Outlander

General 18th century pieces also on the blog:

Sewing 18th Century Pockets

Sewing 18th Stomachers

Sewing 18th Century Jackets

Sewing 18th Century Stays

Sewing 18th Century Petticoats

Sewing 18th Century Hat Trim

Sewing an 18th Century Drawstring Bag

 

Please follow me on Instagram @redshoesredwine for almost daily updates, adventures, and stories! All tutorials, patterns, travel tips, and packing lists are provided free on my blog. I do not charge for them nor allow advertising on my site, but if you would like to donate towards my domain/hosting costs or craft supplies, consider buying me a “coffee”: https://ko-fi.com/redshoesredwine -Thank you, and cheers!