"Assassin" Costume Ideas?

[NerdyCactus]

Ok, before I start, this is kinda complicated, and as I'm new to Steampunk costuming, I would love some input from the more experienced. I want to make a costume to wear to conventions. The idea that I settled on is an Assassin/Arm for Hire type character.

The character:

My character grew up an orphan, getting no education except the books he/she managed to collect. Very intelligent but with no prospects, he/she turned to an "open hire" type deal, doing whatever the client asks (typically assassinations, robberies, threats, etc.). So I guess my costume would need to be not "high class" but not the lowest class, if that makes any sense? Just tossing some ideas around. Any input would be much appreciated.

Why it's complicated: (sorry if it's too personal)

I am the T portion of LGBT, meaning that I was born male but present myself as female. The problem is that, particularly around my family, I'm not too comfortable presenting myself as female. So the costume I'm hoping to put together would probably be made of clothing suitable for both males and females, if that sort of thing even exists in Steampunk.

Sorry if this was too personal or complicated. I'm new to all this and am just throwing around some viable ideas, and I thank in advance everyone who contributes ideas.

[FenrisWolf]

If it is any help, a friend of mine dressed up as a Victorian version of the Assassin's Creed character for a party last year.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

[Felix Fixler]

hmmmm I need to think about this and get back to you, but off the top of my head Iv seen some male corsets that I imagine would feel feminine to wear but outwardly they look like waistcoats (vests) so they are fairly androgynous. 

[IGetPwnedOften]

You could go for a kind of "gentleman assassin", or I suppose in this case "gentleperson assassin" would be more appropriate - how about a three piece suit of a suitably Victorian or Edwardian cut, with a bowler hat, and then come up with some hidden (but not too hidden) weapons, perhaps a wrist bandolier of throwing knives or some "poison" bottles, holsters with pistols and perhaps more exotic sidearms, either on your belt or shoulder holsters (or both), stuff like that.

The great thing about a suit is that it looks good on men or women, and you could further accessorise depending on whether you want to present a more feminine or masculine side. My missus has recently acquired a nice grey herringbone two piece single breasted suit, so I found her a waistcoat to match and she's got some nice patent leather shoes to go with it, topped off with a trilby. She can either wear it with a shirt and tie or cravat, or with a high necked lace blouse. Unfortunately I don't have any photos of her in it yet or I'd post one to show you, but hopefully you get the idea.

I don't know if you've ever seen the TV show "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries" set in 1920's Australia, but one of the characters is Dr Elizabeth "Mac" Macmillan. She's a brilliant character - a highly skilled surgeon who also happens to be a lesbian. She tends to dress in a very masculine style, and I have to say she is one of my favourite characters, partly because she clearly doesn't give a fig about what people think of her "lifestyle choices". In any event, her attire might also provide some inspiration.

I hope this helps 

[Otto Von Pifka]

the problem is sort of like saying "I want to look like a spy" if you look like a spy, you're a terrible spy!

I can't come up with anything other than what's been said, the victorian cut of many suits has a definite femininity compared to modern cut, it may give you a comfortable point to work from.

the vest/corset idea may have merit, even if it's only to tweek your brain more than your body.

good luck and keep us posted!

[Fairley B. Strange]

There's always the option of being the foppish/dandyish Highwayperson or Scarlet Pumpernel type. There was that much in the way of frills, brocades, and lace in such a chap's attire that today they would turn the gender-specific-clothing-line into a multichromatic blur.

That way your family see you as just a wildly-dressed guy, the rest of us won't be able to work it out if you're a guy dressing like a girl, vice-versa, or three layers of Victor Victoria etc etc - and won't care anyway - and you're just you in there.

Anyway, however it goes, have fun.

[walking stick]

Look at Victorian ladies riding habits which included a specialised skirt over riding breeches and jackets that mixed male and female fashions more than most Victorian clothes.  The tailoring style should give you some scope.  They were often worn with a top hat or bowler which only differed from the male style by the addition of veiling. A hairstyle, perhaps using a decorative snood, can be added on site.

[Hurricane Annie]

have you thought Occidental

Assassin is an Arabic term   for a  fierce  Arab military  fighting force  that would induce themselves into a psychotic state with cannabis before attack. It is where we get hashish  from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassins