I really wanted to enter Cosplay Showcase this year (couldn't last year T_T), but when my original plans fell through, I needed a fancy outfit that I could make in a month with real life and 2 commissions on top of it. My solution: Okita Souji from Hakuouki.
All I made was the three tops, waistband, and arm guards. The jeans, boots, and katanas were store-bought, and the wig was pre-styled. I only trimmed the sides a bit. Key points are the barely noticeable koi fish on the flaps, which I drew on using a dying Fabric pen, and the Chinese clover knots. I actually faked those by tying a regular Chinese knot and then folding the excess cords into the clover shape.
Awards
Judge's Choice Award