For Contest 2024, the BSC Costume committee (Joyce, Sam, Maureen, SaraKate and Wendy) has decided to have members purchase a royal blue tunic top of their choice to wear with black leggings. This concept was inspired by other choruses who have chosen free choice costumes with a color scheme requirement. Our choice of royal blue tops was partly inspired by the Diablo Vista Chorus who competed at Internationals in 2023. Please take a look at their contest package at this link, and observe the variety of styles and textures that they successfully employed for their blue top/black bottom costume: youtu.be/HArjew7ZLkY?si=W1880bMNEMCCAMlI
In addition, here are a couple of Amazon links to stick-on rhinestone trim that you may use to embellish your top, to personalize it if you wish (e.g., around the neckline, or the bottom of the hem or sleeves). Make it your own!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C9CNGVTZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09499FPN9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Please use the following guidelines for making your choice of contest costumes:
- Color: Your tunic top must match the royal blue swatch given out at chorus on 1/16/2024. If you weren't present, please get a swatch from Joyce at the next rehearsal. The top should match the shade of blue on the swatch, either the shiny or matte side. It can be slightly lighter or darker, but must match the shade or hue of the swatch. Beware: If ordering online, a product might say it is "royal blue" and look the right color, but when you receive it, it could be a totally different shade than the swatch. So make sure you can return the items you order online if they do not match or fit.
- Length: The tunic top should cover the buttocks and groin areas, but may be any length from just below the hip to just above the knee. You can search online using keywords such as "royal blue tunic top for leggings", "royal blue mini-dress", or even "royal blue dress" (i.e., you can get a dress and shorten it to be tunic length).
- Style: You are free to select a style of top that works for you, fits you well and fits your budget. The examples pictured below (at the end of this email) are suggestions of styles that would be acceptable, ranging from $25 to $60 or so. The top may be plain with no embellishments, or have some simple trim such as a rhinestone neckline or sequined cuffs, or be totally covered with sequins. Also, sleeves may be short, 3/4 length, long, cold shoulder, etc. Your choice!
- The material or texture of the top may be whatever you like -- e.g., chiffon, cotton, sequin, rayon blend, etc. Bear in mind, however, that you must be comfortable performing in this costume on contest stage, so you might want to avoid heavy materials such as velvet or a knit that would cause excessive perspiration. By the same token, the fabric should drape nicely and not be too flimsy or sheer, such that it clings to your body or can be seen through.
- Black Leggings: If you don't already have them, the black leggings should be primarily cotton, solid black, matte (not shiny), preferably the Hue brand we have used in the past, 95% cotton, 5% spandex. There are several options in the Hue brand that accommodate all sizes up to 3X. Here is one option on Amazon for around $25: https://www.amazon.com/HUE-Womens-Cotton-Blend-Skinny-Legging/dp/B01I3G0V88/ref=sr_1_2?crid=75702YJC69VD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nY_ljSzkGjTlTw8jLjaDk5cyBIhp8L5RacpVD5JtnEjtjBNCM9OBim3KAzyqbFp18lFbNKAYbjmgKxNZjYmfdksFK4_b3q4SZSF9M7Gc3LS3-mlcW4xBePKbXgrMmYB-nw7g5blxMS7ZSFZxnLS0csA_FWdZUrG_B_PHOFJ1hg046Yq7BsvVI3sD9SwrQJalGpVIPU0LOR4vK0Y1p9u41g23BIfSpbVcrVjd-olvur8.k_WioHd0KDfMtDvqGM5wWDjdIzUw5am1qK-MMhB936k&dib_tag=se&keywords=hue+leggings+95%25+cotton+5%25+spandex&qid=1705463686&sprefix=hue+leggings+95%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-2
- If you must get a brand or style of leggings that is different than the Hue leggings, please bring it in to have the Costume committee check that they will match.
Please start looking for your royal blue tunic top NOW. It often takes a few tries before you find what will work for you, and you may need extra time for shipping or alterations, so time is of the essence. If you are having trouble finding your tunic top for whatever reason, don't hesitate to let us know. We may need to modify the strategy a bit if too many of you are having trouble getting your costume in a timely manner.
We will start costume checks in the mid-February timeframe. Please target February 20th as an initial deadline (5 weeks from now, right after our Retreat/coaching with Vickie Mayberry). We will likely ask you to bring in your tunic top for approval by the Costume committee in that timeframe.
Thank you and happy hunting!
Joyce & The Costume Team
Please view all options
1. Lotusmile Dressy 3/4 sleeve blouse https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6QF56N9?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
2. Enmain Plain Tunic Top https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CLD8WKKT/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
3. Sequin-trimmed Drawstring hem https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTHLGVN?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
4. Jenifiso Sequin Mini-Dress https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDK118Q7?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
5. Vaceky Sequin Shirt Dress https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS18ZXYP?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
6. MSK Dress with rhinestone trim, shortened, available at Macy's https://www.macys.com/shop/product/msk-rhinestone-trim-chiffon-popover-dress?ID=6592843&RVI=Search_5&tdp=cm_choiceId~z6592843~xcm_pos~zPos5 and JCPenneys https://www.jcpenney.com/p/msk-3-4-split-sleeve-embellished-cape-sheath-dress/ppr5008001910?pTmplType=regular&country=US¤cy=USD&selectedSKUId=22921160190&selectedLotId=2292116&fromBag=true&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Shift%20Dresses&utm_content=22921160190&cid=cse%7Cgoogle%7CWomens%7CShift%20Dresses_22921160190&kwid=productads-adType%5EPLA&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA75itBhA6EiwAkho9excKMSigGR5orXhNXvvg9ZIAk7D8YZbbtj17Dl2JNZRRjn045Dd7VRoC9JcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
If you still have questions, please read the original email below which provides all the details you need in one place! You may also send me email if you have further questions.
