Notes from author
What I'm running right now. Top Hat and Long Coat are basically just for looks, I switch them out for better stats when being more serious.
Wolf Ring gives you the poise that is missing from not wearing heavier armors and Speckled Stoneplate gives a good all around defense.
With 44 Dex and a +15 Iaito, You deal good damage and you can grab some extra damage by using resins on your weapon.
Blood Shield is the weapon I use in PvP or when running around Blight Town or Dukes Archives. When Stability is needed, I switch out for Balder Shield.