My Nerdy Makeshift Halloween Costume

For the first time in many years, I didn't have a Halloween costume planned.  What does that mean?  For most, it means scraping together something generic from your closet - hippie, doctor, sports enthusiast.  For me, perpetual nerd, it means pulling together something from an anime or video game.

Lara Croft, Tomb Raider

A classic ball busting bad ass that gave Angelina Jolie a huge cult following.  Sexy and practical!  Run around and shoot Nerf darts at people for funsies all night.

In Your House: Green Tank, Brown Shorts, Black Belt, White Socks, Brown Shoes
Swing by Target for: Nerf Guns, Gun Holsters
Special Instructions: None

Crazy Japanese School Girl from Kill Bill

I like girls who can handle weapons, clearly.  If you've gone to a religious school, you probably already have these things handy.  Don't worry about going super authentic, the mace will be a dead giveaway.  And if you can't find one, generic Japanese school girl will do!

In Your House: Blue Blazer, Plaid Skirt, White Button Down, White Socks, White Shoes
Swing by Target for: Skinny Red Scarf, Plastic Mace from Toy Section
Special Instructions: Tie scarf around your neck and tie in a bow.

Mario or Luigi from Mario Brothers

I've actually done a variation of this one that requires more effort, but classic Mario and Luigi are an easy fall back plan.  Totally recognizable while you're hopping from party to party and good in any weather!
 
In Your House: Overalls, Red or Green Shirt, Tie-able Black Shoes
Swing by Target for: A Red or Green Hat, White Winter Gloves, White Felt, Cloth or Paper
Special Instructions:

1. Cut a circle out of the felt, cloth or paper.  Trace a M or L in the middle and cut it out.  Glue or sew to the hat. 
2. Draw a mustache under your nose with a brown or black eye pencil

Tifa Lockhart

Every Final Fantasy has some amazing female bad asses, and Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy VII is no exception.  If you grew up in the 90's as a gamer, you know who she is.  And like Lara Croft, this costume is simultaneously sexy and comfy!

In Your House: White Tank, Bodycon Black Skirt, Black skirt, Black Tights (you are going to cut these, make sure you don't want them anymore!), Brown Combat Boots, Black Socks, Black Suspenders
Swing by Target for: Duct Tape, Brown Globes
Special Instructions:

1. Cut the legs off the tights. 
2. Put one leg on each arm for the sleeves
3. Cut the tips off the gloves and put them on
4. Wrap the knuckles of the gloves in duct tape
5. Tuck the bottom of your tank into your bra (or cut it) to create the crop top. 

What did I go with?  Take a look!


 

My fiance bought a Buster Sword something like 5 years ago, so he pieced together a Cloud Strife costume. Now -- the nerdy question:  There is something obviously wrong with our costumes.  And no, it has nothing to do with the costume components.  Do you know what it is?

Thanks for stopping by!