You want to cosplay?

You want to get started in cosplay?  Great. The first thing you need is a plan. One of my favorite things about cosplay is that there are no limits. Be whoever you want to be. As it has been said many times, cosplay has no body type or skin color. There is not a character you dream up that you can't become. That being said, social constructs still apply so use common sense. 

Now that you have your character, what kind of costume are you looking for? Do you want to make your own, or purchase one?

If you go with a purchase option there are a lot of online stores that sell costumes in a variety of styles and a range of prices. You can go to Amazon and get just about anything you want for a reasonable price. However take into consideration the cost and how accurate you want to look.  I have found several websites that sell amazing costumes and pieces that look screen ready! Obviously the more money you spend, the better the costume should look. Miccostumes.com is a great place to start if you want more than a Halloween look. 

Creating your own costume, even screen accurate costumes, is a lot of work. This is not for the faint of heart. You will get mad, throw things, give up, try again, walk away, scream, bleed and cry. It's worth it! The feeling you get when it all comes together and someone compliments you on all your hard work is AMAZING! There are some things you can do to make the work easier on you and your wallet. If you hit up a few thrift stores you can find some easily transformable items! A simple fishing vest can make you Han Solo. The clear ugly prom heels and you have Cinderella, probably can find a blue dress too! The point is, save money where you can. Often you can find fabrics and old clothing items that with a little sewing, hot glue and paint; can become something new!

Now that being said it doesn't have to be that hard. If you just want to do a casual cosplay, that is fine! No one will sell you short for just wanting to throw on a suit and call yourself Clark Kent, just don't forget the glasses!  Do what you are comfortable with. Do what makes YOU happy. Don't worry about what others think or do. You do you and maybe we will see you at a Con sometime. Until then, keep being your heroic or villainous selves!