Have you ever wanted to cosplay but never had the money or time to make the costume from scratch? Or maybe you’re a beginner who doesn’t know where to start. No worries! There's an easy solution: closet cosplay!
So you want to cosplay, but don’t have the money or the time to make the costume from scratch.
You know what a cosplay is, maybe even have some ideas for costumes. But you're afraid of the cost or time commitment. The good news is that there's another way to get into the game: closet cosplay.
Closet cosplay is dressing up as characters without making an actual costume (or buying one). It might mean using clothes you already own or picking something up at your local thrift store. It could also mean finding a way to make an existing item look like a specific character—maybe by adding accessories or repainting it in colors from the character’s “uniform.” The point isn't to dress exactly like them, but rather to be recognizable enough that others will know who you are supposed to be dressed as.
What is closet cosplay?
Closet cosplay is a cost-effective way to dress up as your favorite characters without having to spend a lot of money on expensive costumes. It's also a great option for beginners who want to try out cosplay but don't know where to start.
You can use clothes you already own, or borrow things from friends, family and thrift stores (if they're okay with it). For example: if you want to be Steven Universe, try wearing his signature outfit of jeans and a red shirt! Some closet cosplayers even add accents like gloves or hats that are similar in color and style as what their character wears.
How do I start?
So, let's say you've decided to cosplay. Now what? You need a character and a costume!
- Pick a character: Look for something that speaks to you, whether it's the story behind them or just their aesthetic. While some people may want to cosplay as a specific character from their favorite TV show or game, others might prefer inventing their own.
- Find a costume: If your chosen character doesn't already have an established look, it can be helpful to look for inspiration online (or even in real life) and use that as guidance toward creating your own version of the character. Once again though, if there are multiple interpretations of what this person looks like then feel free to pick whichever one seems most appealing!
Where do I look?
- Look in your closet
- Look in the local thrift store
Go online and search for cosplay outfits on eBay, Amazon, craigslist or Google Images (and Pinterest)
Once you've found what you want, it's time to assemble all the pieces together. Here are some quick tips:
- Shoes
- Accessories (gloves, hats, etc.)
- Makeup and hair color
Anyone can cosplay
Everyone can cosplay! It's not just for people who can sew, or have the money to spend on elaborate costumes. Anyone can cosplay and make their own costumes, no matter how much they may want to do so. The most important thing is that you're having fun with it!
Cosplaying shouldn't be about how many hours you spend sewing (unless you want to), or how much money you've spent on your costume—it should be about having fun and being yourself while wearing a costume inspired by your favorite characters!
This isn’t a new idea, but it can be a fun one for anyone who wants to get into cosplay or just try something new. If you have any questions about closet cosplay or want to share your own experiences with us, please email Fungirlwithacamera@gmail.com We’d love to hear from you!
Cosplay photography by Fungirlwithacamera Photography
Hope from Fungirlwithacamera Photography specializes in Cosplay photography.
