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[ToroSonyCat]

Okay, well im hoping to do a closet cosplay, something easy to get me in the mood, then ill make a real cosplay (my sailor fuku im planning)

So, i dont really want to wear a wig, so if the character had brown hair that would be amazing, but if not its fine, its not ALL about the wig. (lots of people prefer not to wear wigs, and the cosplays still look fine)


So yeah, a easy closet cosplay im looking for.


I ALSO HAVE A QUESTION : is closet cosplay frowned apon? i was hoping it wouldnt be, i mean its just a little fun great to get cosplayers started off!

[｡◕‿◕｡23SKIDOO]

closet cosplay is frowned upon, because people spend hours making costumes, then think everyone else has to do the same. just dont tell anyone that its a closet cosplay.

there are lots of threads which suggest easy first cosplay, check em out

[ChibiTenshi]

Well, yes, closet cosplay is frowned upon, though I don't blame anyone since my first cosplay was a closet cosplay.

An easy closet cosplay that everybody recognizes is Light Yagami from Death Note (so overdone, it hurts XD).

Also Misa Amane from the same series.

Check this thread out http://www.cosplay.com/showthread.ph...irst+cospl ay maybe you'll find some more options in there.

[SailorKnight]

It's a litt efrowned upon but there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. If you want to portray a character, it doesn't matter how you do it. Just don't go around saying you made it by hand or that you had it commissioned. A lot of conventions even have a Found Item category in their masquerades so it's not all that bad.

[ToroSonyCat]

okay then!

i had a feeling it could be.

thanks for the suggestions!

i might do it sometime, but not to go to a convetion, incase it annoys people (since like you said, its kinda frowned upon)

[VoOdOoAustin]

Some people are bothered by it some aren't. I think more than anything it depends on your wardrobe.
I have a lot of victorian vests, jackets, pants, so my wardrobe tends to be pretty detailed. I have done a few closet cosplays when I feel like wearing something comfortable on a non competition day. I sometimes just throw something together for the hell of it as cosplaying multiple large costumes has gotten difficult with growing up (I bought a house, had a baby, etc etc). What I usually do is throw a little flair into it to make it special. For example for my closet steampunk outfit, I just threw together some gears and stuff for jewelry and trinkets. It helped add detail without adding a lot of time or skill.

[Konoha_ANBU]

To be perfectly honest, I'm not a fan of closet cosplay, or what some may call
"Hot topic cosplay" htc is a lot worse though.
I mean sure, maybe you don't have the creativity to make your own costume. But if that's the case, maybe you could commission a costume, or just not wear one.
Closet cosplay, on the other hand... Well, you're at least making some effort to tribute the anime/manga/video game you like. But I'm the type who would like to spend months making a costume, and get recognition for my efforts.
But hey, do whatever you think will make you happy. Don't worry so much about what others think.

[Kazephyr]

First off: cosplay is just a hobby. If you're having fun, (whether you made, commissioned, or "Hot Topic-ed" your costume) you're good to go. Just don't say you made or enter competitions with a costume you bought.

Now for my personal opinion on closet cosplay: if it actually looks like the character's outfit, go for it. For my "found-items" cosplays, I spent ages picking out clothes that were just right. The only reason I didn't make them myself was because the clothes were so basic (jeans and a black t-shirt) that it seemed kind of pointless. ^^;; However, I put a lot of time and effort into hunting down jeans that were the right shade and shape.

Basically, just put a bit of work into it if you want it to turn out well. ^^

[ToroSonyCat]

Thank you!
I wouldnt just pick up anything and shove it on and say "right, this kinda looks like it"

Id spend time looking.

But im going off the idea of closet cosplay a bit now, seeing what some think of it.

Ill stick to making the costume, but if theres bits i know i can buy, i will buy them.

But thank you all for answering my question

[Pocketfightr]

Originally Posted by Kazephyr

First off: cosplay is just a hobby. If you're having fun, (whether you made, commissioned, or "Hot Topic-ed" your costume) you're good to go. Just don't say you made or enter competitions with a costume you bought.

Now for my personal opinion on closet cosplay: if it actually looks like the character's outfit, go for it. For my "found-items" cosplays, I spent ages picking out clothes that were just right. The only reason I didn't make them myself was because the clothes were so basic (jeans and a black t-shirt) that it seemed kind of pointless. ^^;; However, I put a lot of time and effort into hunting down jeans that were the right shade and shape.

Basically, just put a bit of work into it if you want it to turn out well. ^^

I agree with this. If you're looking for stuff that matches, great. But if you're just looking for stuff that is in the style of what they might wear... I'm not so much of a fan. (Like if you have random clothes from Hot Topic that sort of look like something Misa might wear but never actually did... then it just makes you look like you didn't try.)

[Lugh]

Originally Posted by Konoha_ANBU

I mean sure, maybe you don't have the creativity to make your own costume. But if that's the case, maybe you could ... just not wear one.

I'm the type who would like to spend months making a costume, and get recognition for my efforts. But hey, do whatever you think will make you happy.

I've been thinking for awhile what I could say to this that would be appropriate, but I have no civil words for you, so I'll just say to the OP that this opinion does not represent the whole of the community.

I recognize that I speak as a novice cosplayer, and not a veteran; but I know for a fact that there are many in this community that welcome all members, and any effort spent in the pursuit of this hobby, AND speaking as someone who IS a veteran con-goer, I can tell you some of the most original and funny cosplays I've ever seen have been closet (and in some cases garbage-bin) cosplay.

Being a long-time lurker on this board I know there are also many who turn there nose up at those of lesser experience and skill, or those who or are less dedicated in there efforts. However, I would submit to you OP, that those who would 'frown upon' your efforts are not people you're likely to care about anyway.

Closet coplay is just another form of the same art, and is not an unwritten social taboo, to my knowledge. I, personally, believe that buying a costume shows less creativity than pulling something together out of your closet, but I recognize that that is -my- opinion, and I would never encourage someone not to wear a costume at all, just because I don't happen to like it.

It is my firmest hope as I enter this brave new fandom, that I meet with people who would prefer to encourage newbies, rather than shun or berate them; and who praise both effort and success, rather than one over the other.

Peace-out.

[ToroSonyCat]

Yeah pocketfightr, i understand that.

And lugh, thank you for taking the time to write all that!
You put cosplay into a different light for me. And now after reading that and thinking about it, i agree that it is alot more creative than simply buying a costume! Whats creative about handing over some cash?

[Kazephyr]

Originally Posted by ToroSonyCat

Yeah pocketfightr, i understand that.

And lugh, thank you for taking the time to write all that!
You put cosplay into a different light for me. And now after reading that and thinking about it, i agree that it is alot more creative than simply buying a costume! Whats creative about handing over some cash?

Actually, while buying a costume (in most cases) takes out the majority of the work involved, there's definitely some things left to finish. Most commissioned costumes don't come with wigs, jewelry, etc. Even before I started making my own costumes, I was left with stressing out a week before the con, trying to finish things up. ^^;; Not to mention, some commissioners allow you to buy your own materials and send those for them to work with. Some people even sketch up original designs or new spins on characters to have made for them.

My point is, while I agree with Lugh, even cosplaying with a bought costume can require some ingenuity. ^^ Having your costume commissioned is just fine, as is closet cosplay, as is making your costume. Try not to judge different approaches until you've tried them yourself. ^^;;

[Lugh]

Originally Posted by Kazephyr

...even cosplaying with a bought costume can require some ingenuity.

Point taken. Perhaps I should have added "completly purchase" or "fully accessorized". I conceed, regaurdless. I meant only to illistrate that construction of any kind (even finding what 'looks right' from your closet) involves some creativity.

If you need to tweek or finish a commissioned costume, that certainly counts too!

Originally Posted by Kazephyr

Try not to judge different approaches until you've tried them yourself. ^^;;

A - freakin' - men!

[Kazephyr]

Originally Posted by Lugh

Point taken. Perhaps I should have added "completly purchase" or "fully accessorized". I conceed, regaurdless. I meant only to illistrate that construction of any kind (even finding what 'looks right' from your closet) involves some creativity.

If you need to tweek or finish a commissioned costume, that certainly counts too!



A - freakin' - men!

I figured that was what you meant, I was just seeking to emphasize that for the OP. ^^ I tend to believe that no matter how or where you got your costume, there are always ways to be creative. ^^ In photoshoots, in skits... There are plenty of ways to display your talents, even if you didn't make part, or even any of your costume. ^^

I'm glad you agree, though. ^^ I thought your analogy was well-thought-out and intelligent (one of the best takes on this subject I've seen, actually). ^^