(How do I know? Uh, let's just say I've been fighting in dresses (with, admittedly, foam weapons, but range of movement issues should be pretty similar) for many many years.)
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You want sleeves that have range of motion in the shoulder. Puffy or dangly sleeves are okay so long as they don't dangle too much on your wrist or forearm, in which case circular motions can wrap them around your arm.
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My girl Maleficent
has too much fabric hanging off her arms, but whatever, she can zap you with magic or turn into a dragon, she can wear whatever she wants.pic.twitter.com/wOH33IOrCVShow this thread -
Corsets are less of a problem than you'd think, so long as you don't lace them too crazy tight. (Like, Ariel, you'd better still have gills, because your waist is only slightly larger than your neck, here.)pic.twitter.com/WrRqbnwPej
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I have fought a LOT in a corset. You can't bend much in the middle, but that's not a huge issue (and will be even more true in, say, a metal breastplate). So long as you've got it laced so it's breathable, you're okay.
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The big thing that sucks in a corset is actually getting up and down off the ground (because you have to bend to do that). Doable, but you might be a little slower. (Again, just like a cuirass, I imagine.)
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Steel boning might even protect you somewhat, depending on how hardcore your corset is and what kind of strike, etc. (You are probably out of luck against a thrust.)
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One thing that will throw you off way more than you think is any kind of purse. Anything asymmetrical or dangly that's not close to your body throws off your balance. (This goes for all the guys you see fighting with all kinds of crazy gear hanging off them, too.)pic.twitter.com/ucfiyYpAjf
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I have overall found cloaks harder to fight in than many dresses. They tend to foul your arms, cool though they look.pic.twitter.com/SfgnbTWnJJ
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So! If you're attending a ball and you suspect you may be a novel heroine, remember: Full mobility sleeves without too much dangly stuff No floor-length skirts (or train, ugh) No cloak (doff it for effect!) Poofy skirts fine (but not in heavy underbrush) Corsets fine
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(And if it's a masked ball, make sure you have good peripheral vision! SO IMPORTANT.)
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Remember all this, and be ready to rip your seams if you have to, and you'll be able to dance with the villain AND duel him later.pic.twitter.com/iiZvL5JK2n
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(...So, wow, I had NO IDEA this would go viral! I APPROVE OF YOUR PRIORITIES, INTERNET.) ((And, uh, hey, if you like fabulously dressed women having adventures, you might also like my book https://www.amazon.com/Tethered-Mage-Swords-Fire/dp/0316466875/ …))
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(Oh, hey, and here's a link to the first few chapters free because I LOVE ALL YOU AWESOME PEOPLE: https://www.orbitbooks.net/excerpt/the-tethered-mage/ …)
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End of conversation
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