I kind of want to see someone whip up a costume design where she's wearing a cuirass for her torso armor and has a battle skirt, a kind of updated and ceremonial looking Hoplite armor. It's craftsmanship and *curvature* could be explained as part of Hephaestus' personal trademark on his work, while its practical functions showcases his power and mastery.
I'm just surprised no ones tried anything like that for the look yet. The Greeks and Romans both had muscled cuirasses for their officers, and something like that could have a nice combination of old school look and new school interpretation. Plus, it'd be harder to call the costume a Xena knockoff if it looks heavier and more pimped out than anything she's wear.