We’ve all had to practice patience, but Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022 is finally around the corner. For some of us planning to attend, that means another impending topic is on our minds: Costumes!
Do you want to go as something classic like Princess Leia or Han Solo? Or do you want to properly honor the 20th anniversary of Star Wars: Attack of the clones in a Count Dooku or Zam Wessell costume? Or maybe your style is more casual and you and two friends want to go as modern versions of Rey, Finn and Poe? The options are endless!
No doubt some of the people reading this have been working on their costumes for this Celebration ever since the dates were announced on the latest Celebration. For those of you who haven’t, that’s fine! There is still time to work on it Star Wars costume of your dreams If you are new to the world of cosplay, here are some helpful tips to guide you throughout your journey.
1. Start now.
Not really. Finish reading this article and then start working on your costume or at least planning it. No matter how experienced a costumer is, putting together a cosplay always takes longer than we think (or rather hope), so try to give yourself more time when making your building plans. Sure could Bring some hot glue and a mini sewing kit to Anaheim and frantically finish your costume in your hotel room, but wouldn’t you rather spend time with your partner? Star Wars fans talking about your favorite star wars: the high republic book or star wars: the wrong batch episode? (Although it’s not a bad idea to bring a small repair kit to the convention just in case.)
2. Choose a character or concept that excites you.
Cosplay is a lot of hard work! That’s why it’s always best to work on a costume that you’re really excited about. For some people, this might mean putting together a perfect recreation of their favorite Star Wars character. For others, this might mean putting a fun spin on a character or perhaps being part of a large themed costume group with friends. (And for some of us, it could be both!) Don’t be afraid to put together a costume for a darker character. Star Wars character, especially if it’s someone you really love. If there is a convention where someone is going to recognize a character like Yrica Quell from Star Wars: Alphabet Squad or Just Lucky of the Star Wars: African doctor comics, that convention is absolutely Celebration and you’ll certainly brighten a fellow fan’s (or maybe even the creator’s) day.
Regardless of why you decide to make a costume, being excited about it will get you through the toughest times when you can’t get a piece of armor to look right or the fit of a jacket just doesn’t work. Your love for that character will likely show as well when you finally get to wear your awesome costume at Celebration!
3. Research! Research! Research!
It is so important that it deserved to be said three times. We live in a golden age when it comes to available resources for costumes. for so many Star Wars costumes, there will likely be plenty of reference images available, including full changes for animated characters, like Saw Gerrera on top of a Star Wars: The bad batch episode guide (Hint: If you’re putting together a costume for a character who appeared visually in Star Wars before, check out the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion reference libraries, which break down many Star Wars character suits below piece by piece.)
Research will also help you when it comes to the actual construction of your costume. Many cosplayers have generously shared tutorials online on how to put together parts of their own costumes. There’s so much out there about everything from how different fabrics behave, to the pros and cons of making armor out of foam versus 3D printing it. Especially if you’re new to wardrobe, take some extra time to do your research in advance, so hopefully the sewing/building time goes smoothly.
4. Consider theming your accessories.
Once upon a time, this would have mostly referred to some kind of bag, but in the world of 2022, this also includes face masks. If you’re planning to go as an X-wing or TIE pilot, which have overalls full of pockets, you’ll probably want at least some sort of bag to help carry your assorted convention hall purchases and other important things like purses or water bottles. It can be fun to find a way to make sure your handbag matches your costume. If you’re a member of the Rebel Alliance, the starbird is always a classic, or if you’re going as a Sith Lord, something sleek and black with a red lightsaber detail could be fun. The same concept applies to masks. For some characters, a skin may already have been incorporated into their design. (Witches of Dathomir, we see you!) For others, consider doing something as simple as coordinating the color of your mask with the rest of your costume (ie dark red for Dr. Aphra to match her vest) or combining it into the design as if you had your bag.
Note: Be sure to keep an eye on the official Celebration website to ensure you are up to date with the latest security requirements, as they are subject to change.
5. Be aware of their scam plans and your comfort.
Conventions are great experiences, but they’re also long days where you’ll be on your feet a lot. Unfortunately, some cosplays can be a bit cumbersome to wear and even more don’t involve particularly comfortable shoes. When choosing and making your costume, keep your preferred con experience in mind. For example, if you like to go to a lot of panels, make sure you can easily sit in your costume. If you’re the type who wants to stay in the con every minute and your hotel is a long way away, maybe the full stormtrooper armor isn’t for you. You might also consider bringing a change of clothes or even just a change of shoes for later in the day, especially if what you’re wearing has the potential to become uncomfortable.
6. Practice your poses.
This is the one thing even seasoned cosplayers sometimes forget to do before heading to a convention in a new costume. You’ve put a lot of time and hard work into making your costume, and people will want to take photos of you and you’ll want to take photos of you in other costumes. The last thing you want to worry about at that point is how you’ll pose for said photo. Practice in front of a mirror and it will be second nature by the time you get to the con floor. If you need inspiration for poses, look at promotional images from movies and TV shows, or even comic book covers.
7. Have fun!
This may be obvious, but it is very important. Making a costume is a lot of work, and part of what makes it worth it is finally being able to wear it to the convention. Your costume is likely to bring some joy to others, so don’t forget to have fun and let your costume bring you some joy too.
Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022 will take place May 26-29, 2022 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.
Bria LaVorgna is a writer who can’t remember a time when she didn’t love Star Wars. He also loves Alderaan, Doctor Aphra and Inferno Squad very much. You can follow her on Twitter @chaosbria.
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