I'd approach it with a normal shirt pattern; but extend it a few inches below the belt line. (The avatar pictures don't show that, but it will look much less modern if you do. This is a standard SCA trick.)
Then cut out the side blocks; then add the red pieces as applique, with heavy dark-brown thread to pick out the patterns. Add a red belt of the same material, worn underneath the shirt, and you're basically there. (You could sew the belt to the inside of the shirt, but I'm not sure I see any need to.)
For added fun, paint the areas underneath the red applique -- before you sew them on, obviously. A very watered dark paint on wet fabric might soak through and give that dark aura effect. I'm really guessing here, though; I've never played with fabric paint.
_________________ Andrew Plotkin -- Seltani founding member
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