ok so this was what i pullled together for a steampunk ball i went to with my friends.
these were all found items, with minor alterations (i cut away a stretchy gathered panal from the striped black "under bust" thing, it was way to french maid before).
uh and layering was the way....
so its two skirts + a pettie coat(home made), two belts to gather the black skirt
white button up shirt + fake under bust corset thing + belt at waist