Blending into the past isn’t always about accuracy, it’s about presence.
For this experience, I wanted to create something more subtle, something that felt like it could exist within the space rather than stand out from it. The goal was not to look like a full, theatrical pirate, but to embody a softer, more grounded “pirate-ish” presence while conducting a ghost investigation at Dungeon Rock in Lynn Woods of Massachusetts.
Dungeon Rock is a skull shaped rock that is tied to the legend of Captain Thomas Veale, a pirate who was supposedly entombed within the cave after an earthquake. Alongside that story is another layer, rumors of a woman who disappeared during that fateful day, believed by some to have been connected to him, possibly his lover. Going into this, I didn’t know who, or what, I might connect with, so I built my look around that uncertainty.
The Concept
I didn’t want to show up in something overly bold or costume heavy. If I leaned too far into a stereotypical pirate look, it might feel out of place or take away from the environment or mocking. At the same time, I didn’t want to feel disconnected from the story.
So the idea became: something with pirate influence, but soft enough to feel approachable.
If I connected with Captain Veale, the look would still feel appropriate to the setting. If it was the missing woman, I wanted to come across as calm and neutral, someone she might feel comfortable approaching. It became less about accuracy and more about blending into the energy of the space.
The Look (Closet Cosplay Approach)
This was a true closet cosplay, built entirely from pieces I already owned.
The base of the outfit came from a peasant-style blouse that I transformed into a skirt. I pulled it down and adjusted it at the waist, tucking the sleeves inward so they wouldn’t be visible. It created a soft, layered look that felt natural and unstructured.
For the top, I wore a blouse I had purchased secondhand from Etsy years ago. It already had a slightly vintage feel, which worked perfectly for the setting without needing any additional changes.
To bring everything together, I layered long strands of pearls around my neck. The pearls added a subtle elegance while still feeling appropriate to the time period. They helped balance the look between something slightly rugged and something more refined.
What made this outfit work was its simplicity. It didn’t feel overly styled or forced, it felt like something that could exist within that environment.
The Experience
Dungeon Rock has a very distinct atmosphere, quiet, enclosed, and naturally heavy with history. It’s the kind of place where you instinctively become more aware of your surroundings.
Going into the séance, the focus wasn’t on performance or presentation, it was on being present in the space.
The overall experience was more on the subtle side, which felt fitting for the location and its history. Rather than being something dramatic or outwardly intense, it carried a quieter energy.
For a deeper look into the history of Dungeon Rock and the full experience, you can explore the travel entry linked to this location.
Final Thoughts
This experience reinforced the idea that not every cosplay needs to be bold or attention-grabbing to be effective.
Sometimes, the most impactful approach is to create something that blends into the environment, allowing the setting and experience to take center stage.
This wasn’t about standing out, it was about fitting in, in a way that felt intentional and respectful to the space.
Even without being elaborate, the concept carried through, and that in itself made it a success.
Costume Notes & Condition
Because this was a closet cosplay, every piece used is still part of my regular wardrobe.
That’s one of the biggest advantages of building looks this way:
- Nothing goes to waste
- Everything remains wearable
- Pieces can be reused in different ways
The blouse and pearls can easily be styled again for:
- Other historical or period-inspired looks
- Subtle cosplay concepts
- Everyday outfits with a vintage influence
It’s a reminder that sometimes the best looks come from reimagining what you already have.