Closet Cosplay is often the most accessible form of cosplay. This is when you take items you already own and pice them together to resemble a character. An old bridesmaid gown could become a Disney princess dress. A dress shirt, tie, and Superman shirt could become a Clark Kent cosplay. You can often thrift or find budget options on Amazon for clothes or accessories to complete the look.
Purchasing cosplays is another great option for beginners. Quality and sizes vary greatly by vendor so make sure you review the size charts and reviews before making your purchase. I would suggest using “[character name] + cosplay” as your search term. “Cosplay” will generally lead to higher quality results than “costume.” Sources for purchasing your cosplay online include Miccostumes, Amazon, eBay, and Poshmark. Purchasing pieces that resemble what a character wears, but are not necessary a cosplay can give you a lot of options to rewear those items in the future. If you need help finding pieces to create your desired look, just ask! Stores like Hot Topic and Torrid often have semi formal dresses inspired by fandoms. Her Universe is a brand focused on nerdy clothing. Pieces from prior collections are often available on Poshmark and eBay.
Making your cosplay, or costuming, is the most time-consuming and often expensive route. It can be incredibly rewarding and give you a cosplay that is truly unique. Meg often crafts cosplays for herself. She even occasionally makes something for Ben. Pattern brands like Simplicity and McCalls often have patterns for popular licensed characters that can be purchased online or at JoAnns. Etsy is another great source for finding unique patterns for cosplay. Free patterns for skirts, dresses, capes, vests, and more are available from Mood Sewciety.
If you have fallen in love with a cosplay, character, or fan art design, but can’t find or make it yourself, you are not out of luck. There are many talented costumers who accept commissions. While these pieces are a labor of love, they are a labor. Be prepared to pay for both materials and the artist’s time if you are commissioning a piece. If you pursue this route, give the artist as much time as possible. While we are happy to put you in contact with customers who accept commissions, the bride will not be one of them.
In reality, cosplay is a way to express your love for a character or property. There is no right or wrong way to cosplay. Often, the reality is that the easiest or best way to achieve your desired cosplay is to combine approaches. If you are planning to attend Dragon Con, you will have the opportunity to see many amazing cosplays. Some cosplayers will wear the same outfit every day of the convention. Some cosplayers, like us, will wear multiple different cosplays every day. Other attendees will not wear cosplays at all. Everyone is welcome! See more in our Dragon Con Survival Guide.