The beauty of closet cosplaying
Ever since I was a kid, I loved dressing up, especially during Halloween or costume parties. As a kid who loved going trick or treating, I tried to recreate a costume from this anime I loved called “Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream.” I tried an outfit that was similar to that of Aira Harune, one of the protagonists. I had a pink skirt, bought a denim vest and got pink ribbons to attach on the gloves, socks and shoes.
I remember going to that Halloween event and feeling very accomplished. Fast-forward to my college years, I realize now that my Aira Harune costume that Halloween was my first attempt at doing a closet cosplay.
As someone who loves cosplaying (even on the campus grounds as my university allows it), I do know that it would be heavy on my allowance and funds if I wore a full-on cosplay to campus every day. The alternative would be to do closet cosplays.
This is a fun way to also see what your wardrobe already has and a gateway to learning cosplay as a whole. The beauty in closet cosplays is the simplicity in making it your own. The simplest step to making it a cosplay is getting a wig for the character or styling your own hair like the character. Over the years I have cosplayed on campus. I think closet cosplaying is really fun. Cosplays don’t even have to follow strictly the same format of what they wear in-game or in the shows. Closet cosplay involves your imagination and makes the character yours by giving the wardrobe a unique spin, just like any cosplayer would.
I think that any budding cosplayer can cosplay on their school grounds, dress code or none, it just depends on how you make it yours. I am fortunate that my school has a more liberal dress code, but I think anyone can try their hand at this and have results they will look back on with fond memories.
Starting outThe key to closet cosplaying is planning out your ideas and starting with one character (or two at most) at a time. You can start off with their accessories for the hair or any accessories they have.
For instance, if you’re trying to cosplay Usagi Tsukino aka Sailor Moon, there are many tutorials for her twin-buns hairstyle. If you are trying to cosplay a Honkai: Star Rail character like Kafka of the Stellaron Hunters, round-framed shades are easy to find and you might have them at home already.
Other accessories like belts, bags and ribbons are easier to DIY with things you already have, it really just depends on how much time you want to spend on these details.
Another way to start is using a character’s color palettes. What colors do they always wear? Do they wear certain shades of just one color or do they have a mix that should always be present in their outfits? Do they wear a certain type of clothing, say, jackets, skirts, or pants? Once you figure that out, the possibilities are endless!
I think that the best part is how cosplay is more accessible nowadays. The more you try it, the more you learn about what you can do and what works for you. The cosplay community is also more accepting of those who like to try and learn. A lot of people I meet are supportive and they teach you the dos and don’ts.
I hope everyone who tries closet cosplays can find the same love. It can be a fun bonding activity for you and your friends, partner or family members when you go out together. Just remember that for it to be considered a cosplay, you should still do the research into what your character really does wear and look like. It may take time but I promise, the more you try, the more you learn. I hope you also find the joy of closet cosplaying like I do!
BY ISOBEL CLEOFAS
