Getting into cosplay that is based on books is like entering the wonderful worlds of your favourite stories, bringing the characters to life with your own unique touch. I really enjoy dressing up as Feyre from ACOTAR and Amarantha from the same series. I've learned that the key is to be creative, practical, and a little unique.
Let's take a look at the magical process of making book cosplays happen.
It was a dream to cosplay as Feyre with my boyfriend as Rhysand. The book gave readers a vivid picture of the starfall dress, but it only lived in their minds. To make this dream come true, I chose a beautiful silver mermaid dress from Molly Nguyen that I got used for a lot less than it was worth because it had a small tear in it. You can find the original straight from Molly Nguyen here. Tip: After prom season, searching on eBay and Depop can reveal secret gems that match the ethereal "starfall" style.
Shades may be described in books as "pale blue diamonds," but how you see them is what matters. The colour I chose was more silvery, but the fun of bookish costumes is seeing how each fan brings their own ideas to life.
Accessories, which are the unsung stars of any cosplay, were used to finish off my look. I found celestial earrings and loops at Claire's Europe that went perfectly with the theme of the night sky without breaking the bank. The hands were gloves made from sheer tights with sharpie drawn on for feyre's 'tattoos' then to make it look more realistic I added false nails to the gloves hand and ungolved hand to make it look cohesive.
There are both old and new ways to cosplay in Amarantha's Dark Elegance. Amarantha wanted a dark, fancy outfit that made her look seductive. I showed my thrifty side when I used a used black dress and a corset to make a fancy outfit with lots of layers. I cut 2 side slits in the thrifted dress to add a touch of seductiveness I thought based on the books Amarantha might have. Tip: Be patient.You can find things that won't break the bank by waiting for sales, searching through secondhand stores, and keeping an eye out for deals after the prom. I added floral rose like patterned tights I already owned as a nod to the title of the book, "A Court of Thorns and Roses."
The lacey arm sleeves were from an old cosplay. Then I got from the sales at Ann Summers' a duster jacket intended as a swimsuit coverup to help add to the layered 'expensive' look I wanted for Amarantha, it was black mesh with gold flecks it was perfect. The entire look was put with a red wig and high black heels both of which I already owned to complete the look.
Accept your own unique interpretation:
The great thing about cosplays based on books is that they can be interpreted in any way you want. Every little thing you do, like using clothes from your closet, thrift store finds, or your own creativity to make accessories, makes your version of a popular character unique. Book cosplay is fun, cheap, and open to your own ideas. It's like a blank canvas waiting for you to paint on it. Enjoy the adaptable nature book cosplays are. Through makeup, wigs, and other accessories, everyone brings a different concept to life with how they interpret their ideas. Let your personality show in how you see it.
In conclusion, book cosplay isn't just about dressing up as characters; it's also about putting your own personality into the story, giving words life, and entering the magical worlds you love. Let your imagination run wild, believe in magic, and see how the pages of your favourite books come to life in a way that only you can.
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📸 Instagram:
[Main Cosplay Account] - @FaeQuirky
[Secondary Cosplay account] - @FaeKoneko
🎬 TikTok: @FaeKoneko
Media kit: https://beacons.ai/faequirky/mediakit
