OFM Style: Get the Look – Closet Cosplay

Whether you are into fashion, anime, or superheroes, we can all agree that we want “the look.” Be it a runway doop or the outfits we see on the silver screen, everyone wants to look like their favorite character/model. The way we can achieve this is with “Closet Cosplay.” Cosplay is a portmanteau of the words costume and play, originating sometime in the mid-to-late 90s. You might be wondering how cosplay and closet cosplay might differ. Well, I am here to tell you that both of these are both a unique artform in themselves.

With cosplay, we have a more technical skill of creating outfits and regalia to be worn from scratch. No notes, no know-how, just elbow grease, a sewing machine, and an imagination to picture images in three-dimensional space. Cosplay is a highly valued skill which some people develop over years of measuring their own body and cutting and sewing fabric, the same way a seamstress or a fashion designer would their own clothing. There are plenty of tutorials and subreddits to help those get started on their journey to start creating their own cosplay and clothing. 

As fun as creating your own cosplay seems, it is very time-consuming, and usually, most people who have full-time jobs or are in school just don’t have the time and resources to dedicate toward all of that. That, my friends, is where closet cosplay comes into play. It sounds like exactly what you think it is: taking inspiration from your favorite creative sources and putting together an outfit that is both contemporary and pays homage to the source material. Most of the time, you can dig through older and newer versions of your wardrobe to throw together items that you may have never thought of.

Closet cosplay is not a new concept; for ages people have been trying to put together outfits and looks that are similar in taste and texture to what they are copying. However, with the recent explosion of TikTok closet cosplay and the creativity people put into their cosplay has urged people to be savvy with antique outfits and willing to place avant garde pieces into their everyday wardrobe. 

A quick search for “(your fave’s name) closet cosplay” will bring up a load of videos and quick bits that will be sure to give your creative juices a stir. Even just searching plain old closet cosplay and enjoying the sheer genius that some alone time and passion can fuel fellow geeks, nerds, and even fashion aficionados to create something inspirational.

So before you decide to buy your own cosplay, or simply don’t have the money or resources to ensure your cosplay is in optimal condition, try closet cosplay. It’s affordable, as most of what you wear could be pulled from your own closet or found at your local thrift store. Not to mention, it is as simple as picking a character and letting your imagination run wild. With the state of the world and possibly another lockdown on the horizon? We could all use a creative outlet in our life. Stay bold; stay beautiful, and stay proud.